“Both Sides of Race Street”—Reflections from Dr. Jordan Guy About Preaching at College Church

Interview by Tim Westbrook, Ph.D.

On April 16, 2023, College Church of Christ announced new transitions in the ministry team. Noel Whitlock, the preacher at College for 17 years, shared with the congregation how his role was changing from preaching minister to Senior Minister of Involvement beginning in August (see “Noel’s Next Step” for more about Noel’s new role). In addition, it was announced that Dr. Jordan Guy would fill the pulpit, preaching on Sunday mornings for College Church while continuing at Harding University as associate professor of Bible and ministry. Dr. Guy joins the ranks of a long history of Harding Bible professors who have professionally brought together theory and practice with teacher-preacher ministries.

Dr. Guy has been one of our gifted professors not only on campus but also online for the Center for Distance Education and Equip Program. His courses Foundations for Ministry and Introduction to Theological Research are flagship entry level courses for our majors of Bible and Ministry (adult completion).

Recently we approached Dr. Guy with interview questions about his new ministry opportunities. Below are his responses:

How long have you been teaching at Harding?

I began my time at Harding in the fall of 2016, so this May will mark seven years. Teaching at Harding has been a dream come true. The students are amazing. My colleagues are experts in their field and devoted to the church. My dean, provost, and presidents have supported and empowered me as I transitioned from 13 years in preaching ministry to teaching at a Christian university. I was just promoted to Associate Professor of Bible and Ministry. I can truly say “It’s great to be at Harding!” I look forward to many more years to come.

Where have you preached before?

To answer this question, I need to get a running start. God called me to be a preacher on Sunday, August 31, 1998 in Leoma, Tennessee. My dad was preaching a lesson on the Great Commission. Twelve-year-old Jordan was sitting on the third row with his friends. When it came time for the invitation song, I was convicted. I knew that I needed to share my faith with others, but how could I expect others to give their life to Jesus when I myself had not done so yet. So I went forward to accept Christ’s invitation. My dad’s jaw nearly hit the floor. All three of my older brothers had talked to him before deciding to be baptized, but I couldn’t because I didn’t realize I was going to go forward until that very moment. Dad took my confession and baptized me into Christ. It was the best day of my life! That evening, I jumped onto the couch beside my dad and said, “I want to be a preacher! I want to share this feeling with the whole world!” And ever since that day I have tried to keep that promise. From ages seventeen to thirty, I was in full-time ministry—preaching for wonderful Churches of Christ in Tuscumbia, AL; Bells, TN; and Nicholasville, KY. For the last seven years, as a full-time Bible professor, I have preached by appointment for various congregations in Searcy, McCrory, and beyond.

What are some things you’re excited about as the preaching minister at College Church?

It may sound obvious, but I’m most excited to get to preach! I have missed the regular rhythm of preparing lessons that meet specific needs and concerns for the local church and community. I, myself, am inspired by our elders’ Vision for the Road Ahead that sets forth many God-sized goals that will undoubtedly transform our church body and community—an education program that highlights the Biblical worldview in contrast to the secular alternative, an authentic worship assembly that spiritually transforms, an intentional process for sharing the gospel, a generous spirit that elevates the vulnerable, and a mind to work as disciples and disciple-makers. As the preaching minister, I look forward to articulating, encouraging, and inspiring the fulfillment of this vision.

How has your family responded to this opportunity?

We are all very excited! Here’s a funny story. When Taylor and I told the kids, we asked them to describe their feelings in a few words. Our oldest, Abby (nearly 13), said, “I’m excited!”; Ezra (nearly 10), said, “I don’t know”; and Iris (nearly 6), said, “Can I have some more cheerios?” So I guess I should say that we have all expressed a variety of reactions.

For Taylor and me, the opportunity is humbling and a little intimidating. While we have been in ministry since before we were married, we have primarily worked with smaller rural churches. However, the larger size of College Church has already revealed many unique blessings, including a larger staff, a robust eldership, a highly organized mission, a generous budget, and a passion for inter-generational connectivity. My fellow staff members are fabulous people with hearts for expanding the kingdom—Todd Miller, lead Youth Minister; Erin Faurie and Garison Money assist with High School; Trey Reely oversees Middle School, Kerri Behel leads Elementary; Grant Fitzhugh equips our college students; Harry Riggs works with our Senior Saints; Henri Li leads our Chinese Ministry; Lew Moore is our Counseling Minister; Nick McNabb is Church Administrator; and Noel Whitlock will become our Senior Minister of Involvement in August. With so many hands to make light work, I feel like shouting with Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, “I’m not afraid anymore!”

What kind of responses have you gotten from College Church members?

I could not have expected a better response from College Church. There has been a tremendous outpouring of love for Noel, Lael, Taylor, my kids, and me following the announcement. While it was certainly surprising information, the reaction and kindness has not been surprising at all. The graciousness of College Church is one of the main reasons my family placed membership seven years ago. Noel even said in his sermon last week that he would be upset if nobody was sad that he wanted to preach less. Overall, this season has been a real testimony to the love and respect College Church has for its elders, ministers, and one another.

One of the best compliments I’ve received so far came from a college student who said, “I’m looking forward to hearing you preach more often.” What made this so special was that she is one of my current students who hears me teach three days a week already!

What opportunities and challenges do you expect with your dual role as a teacher at Harding and also the preacher at College Church?

I have always seen synergy between the church and the academy. I tell my ministry students that the church benefits from the scholarship of the academy—just imagine life without Bible translations, commentaries, historical and theological reflection, and strategy for missions. Similarly, the academy fulfills its mission through the church—the theoretical becomes practical in evangelism, discipleship, congregational worship, spiritual formation, and community renewal. Our congregation appreciates the interrelationship between the church and academy as is evidenced by its name: College-Church. As I go to work on both sides of Race Street, I hope to show the best of the academy in my sermons and the best of my lived faith in the classroom.

I am not naïve, however, to believe that balancing these roles will be easy. My father, who is also a preaching-teacher, instilled in me the 3 B’s: boundaries, balance, and brewing. Boundaries to say “no” to good things because I’ve already said “yes” to other good things; Balance to give proper attention to all of my commitments so that none of them are overlooked too often; and Brewing new ideas constantly in order to prepare for the future, since no one ever became a good preacher, teacher, spouse, parent, neighbor, citizen, or sabbath-keeper by accident. It takes intentionality. And to that end, I have already been reaching out to my colleagues who are preaching-teachers to glean wisdom from them as I prepare for this new role.

What else would you like to say about this time of transition?

I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts with your audience and to say I’m so excited about the future. We are living in a pivotal moment in Church history. Revivals are breaking out. People are eagerly seeking authentic faith. And I believe Searcy will become a hub for spiritual renewal. In the words of Chris Tomlin, based on John 1:50 and 14:12, “Greater things have yet to come. Greater things are still to be done in this city.”

Thank you Dr. Guy for your thoughtful responses to each of these questions. We look forward to seeing how God will work through both your ministry of education and ministry of preaching.