Questions Answered in This Article
What does the Bible say about pastors and their role in the church?
The Bible describes pastors as shepherds who are called to lead, feed, and protect the flock as seen in passages like Ephesians 4:11-12.
Additionally, the qualifications for pastors are addressed in passages like 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, which highlight the character and doctrine that should be present in those who lead the church. A faithful pastor, like Joseph R. Terrell, exemplifies these qualities through diligent preaching, sound doctrine, and a life lived in service to others, thus fulfilling the biblical mandate for pastoral ministry.
Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9
Why is sound doctrine important for Christians?
Sound doctrine is essential as it shapes our understanding of God and His will for our lives, ensuring we adhere to the truth of Scripture.
Moreover, sound doctrine is not merely academic; it translates into practical living. As seen in the life of Joseph R. Terrell, a sound understanding of doctrine leads to lives marked by holiness, love, and service to others. Believers equipped with sound doctrine are better prepared to engage their communities, offer hope, and defend the faith, thereby fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). In this way, sound doctrine underpins the health and growth of the church as a whole.
Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Matthew 28:19-20
How do we know that Joseph R. Terrell lived out his faith?
Joseph R. Terrell’s life exemplified genuine faith through his dedicated service, sound doctrine, and commitment to his family and church.
In addition, Joseph's dedication as a husband and father, with all his children professing faith in Christ, mirrors the biblical exhortation found in Ephesians 6:4 to bring children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. His life demonstrated that faith is not only taught but also caught, and his hospitable nature and willingness to help others reflect a life transformed by grace, fulfilling the call to love and serve one another (Galatians 5:13). Therefore, he serves as an encouraging example of a life well-lived in faith.
1 Timothy 4:16, Ephesians 6:4, Galatians 5:13
Joseph R. Terrell, affectionately known as "Joe", was born in Key West, Florida, on February 28, 1955, to Raymond L. Terrell and Martha née Little Terrell. His family lived in various places on the East Coast while his father served in the United States Navy. They eventually settled in Huntington, West Virginia. Joe learned of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from his mother.
After graduating from high school, Joe attended Word of Life Bible Institute in Chester, New York. He afterward attended Cedarville College in Ohio.
While attending Cedarville College, Joe met his future wife, Bonnie Harrison. They graduated together in 1977, and were married later that year.
Joe and Bonnie were blessed with three children: sons Ben and Nathan, and daughter Mary. All three children have confessed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Joe and Bonnie spent a few years under the ministry of Henry T. Mahan, pastor of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky. Joe was a student in the school for preachers conducted by this church and pastor.
Joe afterward pastored for a short time a church in Owensboro, Kentucky.
In 1987 Joe was called to pastor what became Grace Community Church in Rock Valley, Iowa. He faithfully pastored this church until he was called to glory thirty-seven years later, on April 22, 2024.
Joe is fondly remembered as a devoted husband and father and grandfather. He was a faithful preacher and pastor. He was a gifted writer of articles and hymns. He was a reliable friend, renown for his hospitality, and ever ready to help those in need of his considerable skills. He lived what he preached, being diligent toward His Lord, sound in his doctrine, and above reproach in his conduct.
In Joe Terrell we find proof that "The memory of the righteous is blessed" (Proverb 10:7).
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