WS Chronicle

By Timothy Ramsey

The Chronicle

When a news pastor comes into a church there is usually an adjustment period for both the pastor and the congregation.  Pastor Ashley and First Lady Clementine Jones just celebrated their first year at Freedom Baptist Church, 1222 E 14th St. According to the reception they received during their first anniversary celebration on Sunday, May 21, the Jones’ are already have settled in.

The celebration was a love filled celebration that included Jones’ former church, Piney Grove Baptist Church (PGBC).  Piney Grove Senior Pastor Dr. James F. Linville delivered the sermon for the service.

Jones was an associate pastor at Piney Grove before taking over at Freedom Baptist.  He said he credits Linville for his growth as a pastor.  He says Linville is his “father in the ministry” and has trained him how to bring people into the body of Christ.

“The ministry is beyond these four walls and we were taught to go out and compel men to come in,” Jones said.  “We can preach to the choir all day but the real work is outside.  We have to continue to speak the word because only the word will penetrate the heart.”

The service started with a procession by the Linvilles and the Joneses.  That was followed with singing from the Piney Grove Baptist Church Choir then a Scripture and prayer.  The PGBC Youth Ministry also performed an interpretive dance routine.

Linville’s sermon was titled “Speak the Word.”  He spoke about the power of the spoken word and how you can speak things into existence with faith and belief. 

After the sermon the various church ministries presented the Jones’ with various gifts including a brand new pastoral robe.  The Jones’ then took the podium to give their sincere thanks to everyone in attendance and their well wishes. 

Jones said he is tremendously happy with how his first year has gone at Freedom Baptist and looks forward to what the future holds for him and the church.

“My first year has been a very pleasant experience,” he said.  “I have some wonderful people here that have worked with me and that have welcomed me and shown me love.  This has been a grand year for us and we have been thankful for what God has been doing for us all.”

“We are not a large body in Christ but the ministry is growing.  God has really blessed us here at Freedom Baptist Church.  This is a special day for me and I’m thankful for God for allowing me to see this day.”

Moving forward Jones says he would like to see the church continue to grow.  He says he knows that it’s God’s will whether or not the church will grow.

“I can only water the plant but God has to give the increase,” Jones continued.  “As I preach the word and reach and help folks only God can touch their hearts through the Holy Spirit to bring them in.  My job is just to preach and teach and show love.  Love will conquer all.”