Young Pastors Urged to Consider Established Churches

Veteran pastor shares why younger ministers should commit to long-term leadership of legacy congregations

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In a personal reflection, a young pastor in Tennessee encourages his peers to consider serving at established churches rather than solely focusing on planting new congregations. He highlights the benefits of joining older, legacy churches, including their desire for a vibrant future, deep community roots, and need for dedicated shepherds to guide their flocks.

Why it matters

As many Tennessee Baptist churches struggle to find permanent pastoral leadership, this perspective offers a counterpoint to the common emphasis on church planting. The author argues that revitalizing existing congregations can be just as vital for spreading the Gospel and serving local communities.

The details

The author, John Poe, is in his third year as pastor of Springhill Baptist Church, a 178-year-old congregation in Paris, Tennessee. He notes that while church planting has many benefits, roughly 400 Tennessee Baptist churches currently lack a pastor, many of them older, established congregations. Poe believes these churches offer meaningful opportunities for young pastors to make a long-term impact by providing a solid foundation, a desire for growth, and a flock in need of committed shepherds. He shares how his experience at Springhill has been mutually beneficial, with the church loving and supporting him while he pours himself out in service to them.

  • Poe became pastor of Springhill Baptist Church in 2023.
  • Springhill Baptist Church was founded in 1848.

The players

John Poe

The pastor of Springhill Baptist Church in Paris, Tennessee, who is encouraging young pastors to consider serving at established churches.

Springhill Baptist Church

A 178-year-old Baptist congregation in Paris, Tennessee that was without a pastor for nearly a year before Poe arrived.

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What they’re saying

“Many established churches are hopeful about calling a young pastor and welcoming his family into the life of the church for the long haul. They want their church to thrive for years to come.”

— John Poe, Pastor (Baptist Press)

“Seasoned saints often understand that the long-term fruit of a committed pastor far outweighs the growing pains they may endure as a young pastor learns — and occasionally fails — along the way.”

— John Poe, Pastor (Baptist Press)

What’s next

The author does not mention any specific next steps, as this is a personal reflection piece rather than a news story with ongoing developments.

The takeaway

This perspective challenges the common assumption that young pastors should focus solely on planting new churches, arguing that revitalizing and committing to established congregations can be just as vital for the long-term health of the church and spreading the Gospel in local communities.