Dear Fairview Baptist Church Family,
We are excited to share some important updates regarding our church staff and to introduce Dr. John Taylor, who will be coming in view of a call on Sunday, February 23, 2025, for the position of Associate Pastor of Church Care. A ballot vote will be held on Sunday, February 23 immediately following the morning worship service.
Dr. Taylor has dedicated his life to serving Christ and His Church with wisdom, leadership, and a deep heart for ministry. Since joining the Metro Baptist Association in 2007, he has played a vital role in strengthening churches and supporting pastors throughout the region. His pastoral experience includes serving at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Byram, Mississippi (1995-2007), as well as leading Grace Baptist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Silver Creek Baptist Church in Azle, Texas.
His academic background is equally distinguished. Dr. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Mississippi State University (1980), a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1988), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Preaching (minor in New Testament) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (2001).
Dr. Taylor and his wife, Cathy, currently reside in Clinton, Mississippi, where they are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. They are blessed with four children and twelve grandchildren, and their family remains central to their ministry. His commitment to pastoral care, mentoring, and strengthening churches makes him a wonderful addition to the Fairview team.
Meet Dr. Taylor & Cathy
We invite you to a special “Meet the Candidate” gathering on Saturday, February 22, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the Student Building. This is a great opportunity to get to know Dr. Taylor and his wife. Following this, at 11:00 AM, our deacons will meet with Dr. Taylor.
Dr. Taylor’s Ministry Role
As Associate Pastor of Church Care, Dr. John Taylor will be devoted to providing seasoned pastoral leadership, leading and fostering unity among church staff, and ensuring the well-being of the congregation. His heart for ministry will be evident in his commitment to pastoral care, mentoring, and guiding our church through seasons of transition. With a passion for strengthening relationships within the church, he will offer wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual stability. Whether ministering to the 55-plus community, mentoring staff, providing support in times of crisis, or equipping leaders for revitalization, Dr. Taylor will serve with grace and a steadfast dedication to the mission of Fairview Baptist Church. His leadership will reflect a deep love for Christ and His people and will always strive to cultivate a thriving and spiritually healthy church family.
Staff Role Expansions & Transition
As we continue growing in ministry, we are also excited to announce a few role changes within our current staff.
• Kent Shepherd, will now serve under the title of Executive Pastor, continuing his responsibilities in administration. While his role in education and other ministry areas remains the same, this new title better represents the leadership and oversight he provides.
• David Dees, who transitioned into his role as Minister to Families/Next Gen (College) last year, will now also oversee our missions efforts—local, regional, and global—while helping lead our disaster relief initiatives.
• Mitchell McElhenney, who has done an outstanding job as Director of Media Ministries, will now also organize and coordinate 55+ ministry events, trips, and opportunities, strengthening our ministry to this vital group.
We are incredibly thankful for the dedication of our ministerial and support staff and their willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Their servant leadership and commitment continue to bless our church family in remarkable ways.
Please join us in praying for Dr. Taylor and his family, for wisdom and unity in the days ahead, and for God’s continued guidance over our church.
We look forward to seeing you at the Meet the Candidate event and at church on Sunday, February 23!
In Christ, Personnel Team
We are excited to share some important updates regarding our church staff and to introduce Dr. John Taylor, who will be coming in view of a call on Sunday, February 23, 2025, for the position of Associate Pastor of Church Care. A ballot vote will be held on Sunday, February 23 immediately following the morning worship service.
Dr. Taylor has dedicated his life to serving Christ and His Church with wisdom, leadership, and a deep heart for ministry. Since joining the Metro Baptist Association in 2007, he has played a vital role in strengthening churches and supporting pastors throughout the region. His pastoral experience includes serving at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Byram, Mississippi (1995-2007), as well as leading Grace Baptist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Silver Creek Baptist Church in Azle, Texas.
His academic background is equally distinguished. Dr. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Mississippi State University (1980), a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1988), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Preaching (minor in New Testament) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (2001).
Dr. Taylor and his wife, Cathy, currently reside in Clinton, Mississippi, where they are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. They are blessed with four children and twelve grandchildren, and their family remains central to their ministry. His commitment to pastoral care, mentoring, and strengthening churches makes him a wonderful addition to the Fairview team.
Meet Dr. Taylor & Cathy
We invite you to a special “Meet the Candidate” gathering on Saturday, February 22, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the Student Building. This is a great opportunity to get to know Dr. Taylor and his wife. Following this, at 11:00 AM, our deacons will meet with Dr. Taylor.
Dr. Taylor’s Ministry Role
As Associate Pastor of Church Care, Dr. John Taylor will be devoted to providing seasoned pastoral leadership, leading and fostering unity among church staff, and ensuring the well-being of the congregation. His heart for ministry will be evident in his commitment to pastoral care, mentoring, and guiding our church through seasons of transition. With a passion for strengthening relationships within the church, he will offer wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual stability. Whether ministering to the 55-plus community, mentoring staff, providing support in times of crisis, or equipping leaders for revitalization, Dr. Taylor will serve with grace and a steadfast dedication to the mission of Fairview Baptist Church. His leadership will reflect a deep love for Christ and His people and will always strive to cultivate a thriving and spiritually healthy church family.
Staff Role Expansions & Transition
As we continue growing in ministry, we are also excited to announce a few role changes within our current staff.
• Kent Shepherd, will now serve under the title of Executive Pastor, continuing his responsibilities in administration. While his role in education and other ministry areas remains the same, this new title better represents the leadership and oversight he provides.
• David Dees, who transitioned into his role as Minister to Families/Next Gen (College) last year, will now also oversee our missions efforts—local, regional, and global—while helping lead our disaster relief initiatives.
• Mitchell McElhenney, who has done an outstanding job as Director of Media Ministries, will now also organize and coordinate 55+ ministry events, trips, and opportunities, strengthening our ministry to this vital group.
We are incredibly thankful for the dedication of our ministerial and support staff and their willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Their servant leadership and commitment continue to bless our church family in remarkable ways.
Please join us in praying for Dr. Taylor and his family, for wisdom and unity in the days ahead, and for God’s continued guidance over our church.
We look forward to seeing you at the Meet the Candidate event and at church on Sunday, February 23!
In Christ, Personnel Team
biography
Dr. John Taylor has dedicated his life to serving Christ and His Church with wisdom, leadership, and a heart for ministry. Since joining the Metro Baptist Association in October 2007, he has played a vital role in strengthening churches and supporting pastors throughout the region. Prior to this, he faithfully served as Pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Byram, Mississippi (1995-2007), as well as leading Grace Baptist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and Silver Creek Baptist Church in Azle, Texas.
Dr. Taylor’s academic background is as impressive as his pastoral service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Mississippi State University in 1980 before pursuing his theological education. He received a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1988 and later earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Preaching, with a minor in New Testament, from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001.
John and his wife, Cathy, reside in Clinton, Mississippi, where they are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. They are blessed with four children and twelve grandchildren, and their family remains at the heart of their ministry. Dr. Taylor’s commitment to shepherding churches, mentoring leaders, and advancing the mission of Christ continues to make a lasting impact in the kingdom of God.
Ministry Role
As Associate Pastor of Church Care, Dr. John Taylor will be devoted to providing seasoned pastoral leadership, leading and fostering unity among church staff, and ensuring the well-being of the congregation. His heart for ministry will be evident in his commitment to pastoral care, mentoring, and guiding the church through seasons of transition. With a passion for strengthening relationships within churches, he will offer wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual stability. Whether ministering to the 55-plus community, mentoring staff, providing support in times of crisis, or equipping leaders for revitalization, Dr. Taylor will serve with grace and a steadfast dedication to the mission of Fairview Baptist Church. His leadership will reflect a deep love for Christ and His people, always striving to cultivate a thriving and spiritually healthy church family.
Dr. Taylor’s academic background is as impressive as his pastoral service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Mississippi State University in 1980 before pursuing his theological education. He received a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1988 and later earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Preaching, with a minor in New Testament, from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001.
John and his wife, Cathy, reside in Clinton, Mississippi, where they are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. They are blessed with four children and twelve grandchildren, and their family remains at the heart of their ministry. Dr. Taylor’s commitment to shepherding churches, mentoring leaders, and advancing the mission of Christ continues to make a lasting impact in the kingdom of God.
Ministry Role
As Associate Pastor of Church Care, Dr. John Taylor will be devoted to providing seasoned pastoral leadership, leading and fostering unity among church staff, and ensuring the well-being of the congregation. His heart for ministry will be evident in his commitment to pastoral care, mentoring, and guiding the church through seasons of transition. With a passion for strengthening relationships within churches, he will offer wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual stability. Whether ministering to the 55-plus community, mentoring staff, providing support in times of crisis, or equipping leaders for revitalization, Dr. Taylor will serve with grace and a steadfast dedication to the mission of Fairview Baptist Church. His leadership will reflect a deep love for Christ and His people, always striving to cultivate a thriving and spiritually healthy church family.
