Pastor Allen Evans Jr retires

After four decades of unwavering service, our beloved Pastor Allen Evans, Jr. has announced his retirement. This decision marks the end of an era, a chapter filled with his transformative leadership, profound impact, and deep personal connection with each member of our congregation and the community at large.

Under the visionary leadership of Pastor Evans, St. James Missionary Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in our community. Through numerous outreach programs, initiatives, and partnerships, the church has extended its hand to those in need, providing not just support and resources but also a renewed sense of hope and belonging to individuals and families facing adversity.

As Pastor Evans embarks on his well-deserved retirement, his legacy of service and compassion will continue to echo in the hearts and minds of those he has touched. While his retirement signifies the end of an era, it also ushers in a new chapter – a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration of his extraordinary contributions. As the congregation bids farewell to our beloved pastor, we do so with profound gratitude for his guidance, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

Pastor Evans will always be remembered for embodying the values he preached. He exemplified the compassion and integrity of Jesus Christ and had an iron-clad servant’s heart.

Pastor Evans carefully planned for his retirement by involving the congregation in the process. A combination of teaching, prayer, and fasting was used to foster a smooth pastoral transition. The "overlap model" was selected as the method of pastoral transition. The congregation recognized the importance of choosing the right leader to shepherd them and, under Pastor Evans' guidance, aligned our hearts and minds with God's will to find the right candidate.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the St. James Church family chose Rev. Glen Gordon, Sr., as their new Pastor. Over the past six months, Pastor Evans has been working closely with Pastor Gordon to ensure a seamless transfer of leadership through a period of overlap. This approach has allowed Pastor Gordon to become familiar with the congregation, its dynamics, and its needs while also providing Pastor Evans with the assurance that the church will be in capable hands upon his departure.

Pastor Evans has left a legacy of strong leadership as he prepares to pass the baton to Pastor Gordon. He has laid a solid foundation for the future of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, ensuring that the congregation will continue to thrive under Pastor Gordon's guidance.

As Pastor Evans embarks on this new chapter in his journey, may he be blessed with health, happiness, and fulfillment in all his future endeavors. Though he may be retiring from pastoring, his legacy will endure, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance for generations to come. 

On Sunday, May 12, 2024, at 5 PM, Simmons College of Kentucky will honor Pastor Evans with an Honorary Doctorate Degree during the 145th Commencement Exercise. The event will be held at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 1018 S. 15th Street in Louisville, KY.

Furthermore, Pastor Evans is scheduled to deliver his final message as the pastor of St. James Missionary Baptist Church located at 2200 Rev. Allen Evans, Jr. Drive. (2200 W. Madison Street), on Sunday, May 26, 2024, during the 10 AM service. You are welcome to join the St. James Church family in honoring Pastor Evans for his exceptional service.