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Gladney has been preaching for 17 years and has been a pastor for 13. He and his wife, Vareria, and their 3-year-old son, Joshua, moved to Tupelo from a community south of Atlanta, Ga., but Gladney is from Mississippi and was excited to get back.
“It’s a homecoming of sorts,” he said. “I’m excited about the new venture, and my family is excited.”
Gladney has big plans for the future of Red Oak Grove. He wants to help the church grow in missions but especially wants to focus on fostering relationships.
“Helping the church to become a healthy and holistic church is what God has had on my heart,” he said.
Gladney said his favorite thing about being a pastor is preaching.
“I love delivering life-changing messages that help people transform their lives,” he said.
He added he also has a passion for helping young pastors. He said he had a lot of help along the way and enjoys teaching younger pastors what he has learned over the years and through life.
If someone new were to come visit the church, Gladney said, “They would think we are people that love the Lord and love to praise God in an excited way.”
PASTOR QUOTE: ‘I believe the church’s main job is to help people live out the reality of their salvation on a daily basis – not just on Sunday and Wednesday – but every day.’
Dr. Jeffery A. Gladney
pastor
QUICK FACTS
• Denomination: Missionary Baptist
• Pastor: Dr. Jeffery A. Gladney
• Established: 140 years old
• No. of members: between 250-350
• Worship style: traditional
• Worship days: Sunday worship 10:45 a.m.,
Wednesday Bible study 6:30 p.m.
• Address: 1215 S. Veterans Blvd.
• Phone: (662) 844-8713
The Daily Journal spotlights churches in the community. To nominate a church contact Christie McNeal at christie.mcneal@journalinc.com.