Evangelist Bucky Kennedy, a former pastor of Riverbend Baptist Church in Gainesville, has joined Truett McConnell University as Campus Pastor effective with this year's spring semester.
“Our TMU family recognized earlier this academic year the incredible need of a campus pastor,” said TMU President Emir Caner.” The position will reach those on campus–staff and students–who need a word of encouragement and who need spiritual counsel.”
Since 1983, Kennedy has been involved in global, national, state, and local ministries from youth ministry to senior church pastor to evangelism and global missions. His involvement with the Southern Baptist Convention afforded him the opportunity to serve on numerous committees and as president of the Georgia Baptist Convention from 2008-2009.
In 2016, Kennedy founded Bucky Kennedy Ministries, an evangelical organization, traveling to churches and local organizations, participating in events, conferences, and revivals. Kennedy has also served on TMU’s Board of Trustees and spoken numerous times for the university’s weekly chapel service.
“I’m confident that the administration, faculty, and staff of TMU share my burden for the next generation,” said Kennedy. “I’m asking God to raise up an army of young men and women to use in ministry positions and marketplace missionaries to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in the way they live and the way they talk.”
“This is a new adventure for me,” Kennedy said. “There is so much I have to learn, and that really excites me.”
President Caner expressed the university’s appreciation for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board as they fund the new position. “The kindness of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board in funding this position will bless our campus through a healthier environment, stronger retention, and more men and women coming to faith in Christ.”
“I believe being a part of what God is doing at Truett McConnell excites me,” said Kennedy. “I pray God will raise up a generation from the TMU student body that will love Jesus deeply, obey Him completely, and defend the faith fearlessly.”
Kennedy left Riverbend in 2003 after nine years as that church's pastor, saying he was going to a church in Vidalia, Georgia.
