dr clarence sexton obituaryweymouth club instructors
When Clarence arrived in Paterson, the church had fewer than ninety members. Beginning with a single club at Powell High School, Teens for Christ now has weekly Bible clubs in all the area middle schools and high schools. Additionally, Sexton has been faithfully serving the Lord since 1967. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 pm with service at 6:00 pm with Dr. Clarence Sexton officiating, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Beginning his freshman year, Clarence decided to transfer from Maryville High School to Everett High School. Dr. Clarence Sexton was saved at the age of 14. He served in many Baptist churches as a pastor before settling for Temple Baptist Church. SEXTON, Clarence Arthur "C.A." 87, of St. Petersburg, died March 16, 2010 following a 2-year illness. After surrendering to Gods call, he telephoned his pastor, Dillard Hagan, late that night to tell him the news. A short time later, Dr. J. William Harbin led Clarence Sexton to trust Christ as his own personal Saviour. Under Clarences leadership, Highland Parks bus ministry experienced tremendous growth. Is childcare provided? #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } 1.72 m). After a youth choir practice, the director, Don Brakebill, asked him if he was a Christian. Our name, Crown College, is a constant reminder of our purpose. After leaving Greenback, Clarence became the pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Lenoir City, Tennessee, on September 10, 1972. While attending the seminary, God brought Clarence into favor with Dr. Lee Roberson, pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church and founder of Tennessee Temple Schools. The only answer is God. His family, after moving nineteen times before Clarence reached the third grade, finally settled in Maryville, Tennessee, when he was eight years old. Temple Baptist Church has over six thousand members, but this does not detract from the blessed spirit of onenesssomething for which only God could be responsible. Dorothy Latham Cook, age 80 of Powell, born October 31, 1942, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at her home. He was predeceased by : his wife Lona M. Sexton; and his daughter Janice Bernard. The work and ministry of Clarence Sexton is Gods work. Come Visit UsThe church campus is located only minutes from anywhere in greater Knoxville area. When she was only five years old, her father, a Baptist preacher, was killed in an automobile accident. His heart is to edify, encourage, and equip Christian workers through Bible teaching, preaching, books, publications, live-streamed church services, and Crown Radio broadcasts. Elizabeth A. Meanwhile, Mary Evelyn Rogers was born into the home of Alvie and Lucille Rogers in Maryville, Tennessee, on December 19, 1949. God's Word provides the only sure foundation on which to build the life of your family. Dr. Roberson soon asked Clarence to join the staff as an assistant pastor. Each day, students walk to class among the giants of our faith. . The people were ready to trust God and to follow their pastor. God Bless the President and God Bless. He has desired to reach every age of people in every area of the world because he understands that this is Gods desire. Beginning with a single club in Powell High School, Teens for Christ now has weekly Bible clubs in over forty area middle schools and high schools. Jean is now united with her loved ones that have awaited her in heaven. Unknown to Clarence, a pulpit committee from the Greenback Memorial Baptist Church attended a service in which he was preaching. Clarence told the committee that the church must understand that their vote to call him as pastor was also a vote to establish a Bible college. Realizing that Clarence was lost, Mr. Brakebill took him to meet the pastor. Yes. Earnestly Contend For The Faith Pastor Hagans reply was, Im not surprised! Days later, Pastor Hagan gave Clarence the opportunity to preach on his radio broadcast. Later, in 1991, Dr. Sexton opened the doors of Crown College to train men and women as they prepare for a life of service to the Lord. David Rosser officiating. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. During a tent revival, while listening to the preaching of Dr. C.E. From having only one college building in 1991, the Lord provided the Curtis Hutson Center for Local Church Ministries. God has given The Crown College great favor over the past twenty-eight years. [12] The Crown Seminary offers the M.C.E., M.S.M., M.Min., M.B.S., and M.Div. Obituaries 9:30 AM Facing Tomorrow, Tom Williams 9:45 AM Morning Message. Questions & AnswersWhat can I expect? Students trained at Crown College have, with the aid of the founder, carried the work of the college overseas to the United Kingdomand Nepal. From our dedicated nursery workers to the Seniors Saints, we extend an invitation for you to come home to Temple Baptist Church. Thousands of students have trusted Christ as Saviour through the efforts of our members and other students. As a single parent, she reared the four children, often working multiple jobs. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. During this time, their second son, Matthew Stephen, was born on April 13, 1971. These camps have offered Christian influence and encouragement to many young people including urban youth, Native Americans, and Hispanics. degrees. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. More than 3,500 men and women have received their diplomas and are now serving Christ throughout the world. [citation needed] Located on this campus are classrooms, the Crown Bookshop,[15] the Crown Music Conservatory,[12] the Lee Roberson Christian Heritage Center, the Great Hall dining area, and the campus library. Sexton's photo Clarence Sexton Family (93 years old). 5 seed in the SEC Tournament, Lady Vols basketball score vs. LSU: Live updates from SEC Tournament, Knoxville's downtown coordinator is retiring | Georgiana Vines, TSSAA DII-A Boys Championship highlights: Good Pasture takes down Notre Dame for state title, Tennessee basketball loses at Auburn, its fifth straight road loss, Zakai Zeigler apologized to Tennessee basketball teammates after injury, Young-Williams 16th annual Mardi Growl parade brings barks and wagging tails to downtown, TSSAA basketball Division II championships photos, Tennessee basketball score vs. Auburn: Live updates for Vols-Tigers, Live updates: Brentwood Academy beats Briarcrest for title, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. His family, after moving nineteen times before Clarence reached the third grade, finally settled in Maryville, Tennessee, when he was eight years old. Friday 1/14, 10:30 am. All Rights Reserved. His influence had a tremendous effect upon Clarences life. Pastors dream to multiply the ministry of The Crown College has become a reality. Clarence Sexton has not limited his work to Temple Baptist Church and The Crown College. He is survived by : his children, Allen Sexton (Karen), Dan Sexton (Sherry), Gary Sexton, Linda Sexton, Judy Lowe and Sherry Sexton; and his sister Florence Henry. Pastor Hagans reply was, Im not surprised! Days later, Pastor Hagan gave Clarence the opportunity to preach on his radio broadcast. Realizing that Sexton was lost, Mr. Brakebill took him to meet the pastor. Create an obituary. On August 17, 1988, Sexton became the pastor of the Temple Baptist Church. In Ecclesiastes 12:1 the Bible says, Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. In an effort to reach the next generation with this truth, Clarence Sexton has founded four summer youth camps located in Powell, TN, Pottsboro, TX, Heron, MT, and Droitwich, England. Sexton was born on October 8, 1948, in Alabama. Pastor, Temple Baptist Church Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at noon to 2:00 o'clock with the funeral to follow at 2:00 o'clock in the Berry Funeral Home Chapel at 3704 Chapman Highway. In the eight years he and Evelyn served in Paterson, the church grew to average over eight hundred people every Sunday. Because as He has led them, they have been obedient to follow. The spirit and growth of The Crown College have led many people to remark that they have never been to such a God-caused place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are to be made to the Crown College of Bible Scholarship fund, 1700 W. Beaver Creek Rd, Powell, TN 37849. Dr. Clarence Sexton, founder and President of The Crown College, said this of Jesse, "Jesse McBride was an outstanding Christian young man. Each day, students walk to class among the giants of our faith. He instituted The Afternoon Sunday School, during which thousands of people placed their faith in Christ. Thousands of men and women have received their diplomas and are now serving Christ throughout the world. In the meantime, God had been dealing with Clarence. Clarence told the church that he would be leaving the Convention to become an independent Baptist. 1.72 m). Upon Pastor Sextons arrival, the church purchased an additional seventeen acres just behind the original tract of land. Many of the books are written by the college's president, Dr. Clarence Sexton. Subsequently, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee graduating with a bachelors degree in education. In August of 1991, the doors of the college opened to sixty-nine students from fourteen states. In 1969, they called him to be their pastor. It was in Lenoir City that God began to lead Clarence Sexton down a new path, in a direction that would require a great deal of faith and courage. Dot grew up in Powell, graduated from Powell High School in 1962, married her high school sweetheart, Forrest Cook in 1963, and moved to their beloved farm in 1970. Pastors and teachers across America and around the world have benefited from the Knoxville School of the Bible. God brought the world to the churchs doorstep. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Dr. Clarence Sexton has often said, The clearer our vision of God, the clearer everything else will become., Thousands of men and women are serving Jesus Christ across the nation and around the world who have been influenced, encouraged, and trained under Dr. Sextons ministry. People began to attend and join the church from places as far away as Oak Ridge, Lake City, and Strawberry Plains. Clarence told the church that he would be leaving the Convention to become an independent Baptist. Clarence Sexton founded Crown College in 1991. 2023 Crown College of the Bible. Sexton was born on October 8, 1948, in Alabama, United States. David Rosser officiating. This memorial service can only be seen online through Temple Baptist Church's Facebook, Faith for the Family YouTube, or TempleBaptistChurch.com. The family will receive friends On Monday, November 30, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with funeral service following The message will be given by Dr. Clarence Sexton and Rev. "What Happens When a Person Dies" - Hebrews 9:27, "We are Comforted to be Able to Comfort Others", "Considerand the Lord Give The Understanding", "The Birth of Jesus Christ Was On This Wise". In the summer of 1988, the pulpit committee of the Temple Baptist Church contacted Clarence to ask him to consider being their pastor. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. She leaves behind: 4 sisters & 2 brothers: Betty Lee of Fayetteville, GA, Jean Faison of Jonesboro, GA, Evelyn Lingerfelt of Fayetteville, GA, Helen Wynegar of Powell, TN, David Latham of Powell, TN, and Gary Latham of Temple, GA; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly but will remember her fondly. He also finished an Associate of Arts degree from Hiawassee College and completed his Masters of Religious Education and a Doctorate of Ministry. Under Clarences leadership, Highland Parks bus ministry experienced tremendous growth. Dr Ralph Sexton (Mondays) Dr. Dan Reed (Tuesdays) Pastor CT Townsend (Wednesdays) Dr. Paul Chappell (Thursdays) Dr. Joe Author (Fridays) Life in the Sexton household was turbulent, and Clarences parents divorced when he was twelve. His life verse hails back to the first New Testament church, which influence he has attempted to continue in every place God has allowed him to lead: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ (Acts 5:42). Where do I park? Later, he enrolled at Everett High School where he played football. He was born on Sunday morning at the Baptist Hospital in Selma, Alabama to his parents Preston Thomas Sexton and Ruby Lee Sexton. [3], Crown College is home to the one-of-a-kind Crown Christian Heritage Center. Each week the members of Temple Baptist Church visit thousands of families across the Greater Knoxville area, sharing the gospel of Christ and speaking the truth in love. Sexton was born on October 8, 1948, in Alabama, United States. Over twenty languages and thirty-five nationalities were represented within the church family. The Sextons did not know, however, that their time in New Jersey was preparing them for another great work that God called Clarence to do in the summer of 1988. It was in Lenoir City that God began to lead Clarence Sexton down a new path, in a direction thatwould require a great deal of faith and courage. The harvest was truly plenteous, and Clarence and Evelyn loved the people dearly. He was born October 13, 1923 in Grayson County to the late John Fielden Sexton. He was born on January 19, 1947 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Clarence and Ruby Sexton Woodward. Blogs; Online will; Shop. Home Statement of Faith Contact Us Login , *All services are interpreted for the Spanish-speaking and Deaf and broadcasted live on Praise 96.3fm and from FaithfortheFamily.com. Robert Trump, younger brother of President Trump, passed away on August 15th. A Home for Your FamilyRead what our people have to say about their church home. At present, the Lord has blessed the church with over 130 acres at the main campus, 47 acres at the college campus, and over 110 acres at Mount Moriah Christian Camp, just four miles north. OBITUARY James Charles Coleman 20 August, 1925 - 8 June, 2018. The Lord had prepared the church family to follow their new pastor enthusiastically from the very beginning. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. After high school, he married Evelyn Rogers and, at the age of eighteen, he became pastor of his first church. Clarence was forced to be the man of the house, looking after his brother and sisters. The Crown College is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division II, and fields teams in men's basketball, men's soccer, and women's volleyball. Sexton and Evelyn held their wedding on February 15, 1967. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Mrs. Jean S. Yelton, age 98, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023. Sexton met his wife Evelyn in high school after their wedding they attended Forest Hills Baptist Church, and God began a powerful work in Clarences heart. Enjoy watching Bible preaching and music broadcasts from Temple Baptist Church by taking a moment to subscribe on YouTube. Clarence Sexton Height He is a man of average stature and stands at a height of 5 ft 7 in (Approx. Dorothy Latham Cook, age 80 of Powell, born October 31, 1942, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at her home. Not knowing how independent Baptistchurches functioned, he soon learned of the Highland Park Baptist Church, an independent Baptist church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Unknown to Clarence, a pulpit committee from the Greenback Memorial BaptistChurch attended a service in which he was preaching. [1], Crown College is nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. He is a man of average stature and stands at a height of 5 ft 7 in (Approx. Dr. Clarence Sexton is the pastor of Temple Baptist Church and the founder and president of The Crown College While pastoring in Greenback, Clarence enrolled at the University of Tennessee, eventually graduating with a bachelors degree in education. Through this relationship, Dr. Sexton was asked to have a part in his funeral taking place at the White House on August 21. Family and friends will meet Tuesday at 2:45 pm at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 3:00 pm interment. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Bedford Heights, OH 44146. As a single parent, she reared the four children, often working multiple jobs. Since that time, we have witnessed constant growth. Mrs. Jean S. Yelton, age 98, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023. Early on, he began to teach in the New York School of the Bible in Manhattan which would serve as a pattern for future Schools of the Bible. Paterson had been known as a graveyard for independent Baptist churches; however, God intervened on Clarences behalf. Born on Sunday morning, October 10, 1948, at the Baptist Hospital in Selma, Alabama, Clarence was the oldest of four children, including Tommy, Katherine, and baby sister Sheila. It was a dream he would carry unfulfilled in his heart for thirteen more years. Her son, Rex Yelton along with her two brothers and two sisters. We must use every means available to be obedient to the command to preach the gospel to every creature. In our efforts, nothing must ever substitute for praying to the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest (Matthew 9:38). From the newborns to the senior saints, the mark of a pastors heart is undeniable. [2] In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Baptist Church Bus Ministry. Every service of the church was marked by a spirit of expectancy. A unique and . Sherry graduated from the University of Alabama with an undergraduate degree in economics and a doctorate degree in education. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Clarence Ralph Sexton (Batavia, Ohio), who passed away on June 6, 2019, at the age of 93, leaving to mourn family and friends. After the death of their father, she and her older brother Charles were reared by their godly mother, Lucille Rogers Caughron. The only answer is God. Welcome from Pastor Sexton. Family and friends will meet Tuesday at 2:45 pm at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 3:00 pm interment. Mr. Davis kept his promise. After the death of her father, Evelyn and her older brother Charles were raised by their godly mother, Lucille Rogers Caughron. He is 73 years old. After much prayer and consideration, Clarence and Evelyn became increasingly convinced that God was leading them back to East Tennessee. Becoming a First Century Church: A Revolution Back to the Bible. Because the church had been without a pastor for over five years, it was only weeks away from closing its doors. [16] Student housing is available on the campus of Temple Baptist Church and at the North Campus just a few miles away.[17]. The funeral service will follow at 8:00 p.m. with Dr. Clarence Sexton officiating. From this work, the graduates of Crown College have planted hundreds of churches and established extension campuses in Texas, Montana, England, and Nepal. Family and friends will. In the early years of his ministry in Powell, the Lord led Pastor Sexton to launch a Bible club ministry in local public schools. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Since 1991, we have been training men and women to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Crown College is a independent Baptist Bible college, trade school, seminary, language school, and music conservatory in Powell, Tennessee. Clarence was forced to be the man of the house, looking after his brother and sisters. Clarence Sexton is the pastor of the Temple Baptist Church and the founder and president of The Crown College in Knoxville, TN. What Every Child Needs to Know About Marriage October 27, 2021 October 27, 2021 10 minute read by Clarence Sexton. It has become a place to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) and to be equipped to reach a desperately lost and dying world. The harvest was truly plenteous, and Clarence and Evelyn loved the people dearly. www.holleygamble.com, Copyright 2017 - 23 Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. May God bless you as you seek to take the high road in life. By the 2006-2007 academic year, over nine hundred students enrolled, representing more than forty states and several foreign countries. Pastor Hagan gave Sexton the opportunity to preach on his radio broadcast. Download the 40 Years of Ministry Book. Autrey, God called Clarence Sexton to preach on July 27, 1967. 440-232-9758 | Map. John Sevier Hwy. Write your message of sympathy today. In 1969, he became the pastor of Greenback Memorial baptist church. We have one life. Moore Family Funeral Home 225 Spring St, Batavia, OH 45103, Graceland Memorial Gardens 5989 Deerfield Rd, Milford, OH 45150. They were married on February 15, 1967. A short time later, Dr. J. William Harbin led him to trust Christ as his own personal Saviour. When Clarence once asked Dr. Roberson what he could do to be more of a help to him, Dr. Roberson simply replied, More of the same, more of the same.. We are seeking to provide a Christ-centered breadth and depth to education. Born in Dante, VA, he graduated from Big Creek High School in War, WV in 1941. The mission of the Temple Baptist Church is to give ourselves to Christs mission in this world. Two years later, on Easter Sunday morning, his father, Preston Thomas Sexton, died. Confident that Clarence was the man God wanted as their pastor, the committee began earnestly praying. Miss Lucy's son-in-law, Dr. Clarence Sexton, will . During this time, the Sextons oldest son, Michael Shannon, was born on July 27, 1968. There has been no ministry of the church that has not felt the effects of Pastor Sextons devotion to Christ. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. While serving with Dr. Roberson, Clarence watched and learned constantly, absorbing many principles and traits that have influenced his ministry over the years. Patricia B. Molnar. In light of his convictions, he realized he could not remain in the Southern Baptist Convention. Over twenty languages and thirty-five nationalities were represented within the church family. Over two thousand people rode the buses to church each Sunday. [13] The college also has an auxiliary campus in Birmingham, England. The newlyweds began attending Forest Hills Baptist Church, and God began a powerful work in Clarences heart. Through the years, the church outgrew its home and kept growing. Wake begins at 10 am until time of Service. Issues of Life Answered from the Bible The new campus employs the neo-classical architectural design. He worked in the steel industry as a brick mason for 38 years. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[3]='ADDRESS';ftypes[3]='address';fnames[4]='PHONE';ftypes[4]='phone';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Copyright 2015 ClarenceSexton.com - All Rights Reserved, The Mystery of the Seven Golden Candlesticks, What Every Child Needs to Know About Easter, What Every Child Needs to Know About Marriage. Dr. Clarence Sexton (Wednesdays) Dr. Kenny Baldwin (Thursdays) Dr. Mike Norris (Fridays) 1:00 PM Lester Roloff 1:45 PM Bright Spot Hour, Ben Carper Mr. Davis kept his promise. These buses are used weekly to bring the boys and girls of greater Knoxville to hear the gospel of Christ. June 6, 2019 Among these resources are over forty books that he has written to aid pastors and Christians in their church and personal Bible study. People began to attend and join the church from places as far away as Oak Ridge, Lake City, and Strawberry Plains. In April of 2000, Pastor Sexton led the church family into a new 2,500-seat auditorium. Realizing that Clarence was lost, Mr. Brakebill took him to meet the pastor. Graveside service will be on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens. In the fall of 2001, Pastor led the church to purchase fifteen new buses by faith. Sexton was forced to be the man of the house, looking after his brother and sisters. Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. The newlyweds began attending Forest Hills Baptist Church and God began a powerful work in Clarences heart. The president and founder of Crown College Dr. Clarence Sexton posted a message on Facebook Tuesday afternoon asking for prayers for Blake Smith's family and for his fellow students and teachers. Because the church had been without a pastor for over five years, it was only weeks away from closing its doors. Later, in 1991, Dr. Sexton opened the doors of Crown College to train men and women as . [4], The college offers the Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree, with concentrations in pastoral ministry, youth ministry, missions, music ministry,[5] Christian education,[6] business,[7] trades and technology,[8] a Christian Life Certificate,[9] and opportunities for individual study through online programs,[10] the school of International Language Navigators,[11] and the Crown Music Conservatory. A life lived for Jesus Christ will have meaning and purpose not just for time, but also for eternity. Charles Smith.. God brought the world to the churchs doorstep. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Gods Word says in Romans 14:12, Why has God has so singularly blessed their ministry, Thousands of men and women are serving Jesus Christ across the nation and around the world who have been influenced, encouraged, and trained under Dr. Sextons ministry. While there, he began a bus ministry and saw God bless as the church grew. "We Are Serving"Look at the opportunities for ministry available at Temple Baptist Church. The spirit and growth of The Crown College has led many people to remark that they have never been to such a God-caused place. [14], The main campus in Powell was formerly a Levi Strauss manufacturing plant that was extensively renovated for use as a college. Decades later, Mr. Davis revealed to Clarence that he had prayed for Clarence and continues to pray for him every day. Robby Gallaty Pastor, Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife, Books, Sermons, Salary, and Net Worth, Brian Zahnd Church, Bio, Wiki, Age, Wife, Books, and Net Worth, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, List of States in the US, Alphabetical list of States in the U.S., and Abbreviation of States in United States. Discipling New BelieversResources and accountability for those who have trusted Christ. Upon learning that Clarences mother had the sole responsibility of rearing her children, Mr. Davis, a godly Christian man, promised to help her. On that campus is the Lee Roberson Christian Heritage Center, which contains hundreds of displays bearing witness to our rich spiritual heritage. */. Dr. Clarence Sexton, Rev. His pioneering spirit has led to the initiation of hundreds of worldwide ministries including short-term and long-term mission works. When Clarence arrived in Paterson, the church had fewer than ninety members. . The Lord had prepared the church family to follow their new pastor enthusiastically from the very beginning. Dot grew up in Powell, graduated from Powell High School in 1962, married her high school sweetheart, Forrest Cook in 1963, and moved to their beloved farm in 1970. Being led of God, Clarence preached his last message at Calvary Baptist Church on August 10, 1975 and moved his young family to Chattanooga to attend Temple Baptist Seminary. In 1969, they called him to be their pastor. During this time, their second son, Matthew Stephen, was born on April 13, 1971. During this time, the Sextons oldest son, Michael Shannon, was born on July 27, 1968. They contacted him again.