MEET THE PASTOR - JONNY DAY
We are very excited that the Lord has brought Jonny Day to serve as our Lead Pastor here at New Salem. The process of bringing Jonny, and his family, home to New Salem has been rooted in prayer and listening to God's direction from the start. We wholeheartedly believe that God was at work in our church during the season of waiting and has prepared us to receive [Jonny] at just the right time.
Jonny received his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and College at Southeastern, and his Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to preaching, he has experience in developing outreach ministries, establishing an elder board, and equipping leaders across all church ministries. His integrity, care, and love of pastoral work is apparent with the excitement that is building within our church family.
Jonny, and his wife Kerri, were married in 2014. They have four children: Cece, Jonathan, Corinthian, and Anila.
Jonny, and his wife Kerri, were married in 2014. They have four children: Cece, Jonathan, Corinthian, and Anila.
A letter from the pastor:
Hey New Salem,
We're very excited to get to know you all and learn more about your incredible church. One thing I've learned in ministry is that every church is totally unique even though we all share the same mission. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:18 that God puts the body together just as he sees fit. There are no other churches quite like yours, and I can't wait to learn more about what God is doing here. My immediate vision is not to really accomplish anything or bring some sweeping changes. I'd rather listen and learn. I want to hear what brought you to New Salem, what you love about this church, and what you're excited about. I love coffee and food, and I plan to consume a good bit of both with you while we hear your stories.
It would be almost too typical to say something about the greatness that lies ahead for us, and I certainly believe that. But at the same time, I think we should be thoughtful about what greatness actually is. Kingdom greatness means doing the simple things well, loving in ways that don't get recognized, and being faithful over a lifetime. It looks like building relationships with people that we would never be friends with if it weren't for Jesus. Kingdom greatness is for moms and dads, widows and students, the ones on stage and the ones sweeping floors. Its ordinary things done in the power of the gospel. That's what I hope for. Greatness isn't about the speed and size of our ministry. It's about doing exactly what God has for us. I'm excited to discover that together.
I've heard one pastor say that his plan was to "preach, pray, love, and stay," and I think that sounds about right. I love discovering and teaching God's word. It's an endless treasure that we can spend a lifetime learning. What we really need to see in it, though, is how it all points us to Jesus. I hope my sermons are always Christ-centered. He is the climax of the Bible and the center of our lives. We really can rest in Him, and that's exactly what I plan to do as your pastor. Jesus is the true Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. He's the only true visionary. I can't be like Moses who goes up on the mountain of God and comes down with God's will for us all. We do need a new Moses, and God already gave us one. His name is Jesus. The truth is that I can't lead alone. You really don't want me to try. My role isn't to do it all but rather to equip the saints for the work of ministry, helping all of you to lead, serve, and love in ways you're gifted and called. There are so many things I could never do, and I will gladly let all of you step into your areas of strength and passion.
I'll leave you with Paul's ministry vision. Who am I to try to improve on this?
Colossians 1:24–29 (CSB) — 24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church. 25I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29I labor for this, striving with his strength that
works powerfully in me.
I love you all already!
In Christ,
Jonny, Kerri, Cece, Jonathan, Corinthian, and Anila
We're very excited to get to know you all and learn more about your incredible church. One thing I've learned in ministry is that every church is totally unique even though we all share the same mission. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:18 that God puts the body together just as he sees fit. There are no other churches quite like yours, and I can't wait to learn more about what God is doing here. My immediate vision is not to really accomplish anything or bring some sweeping changes. I'd rather listen and learn. I want to hear what brought you to New Salem, what you love about this church, and what you're excited about. I love coffee and food, and I plan to consume a good bit of both with you while we hear your stories.
It would be almost too typical to say something about the greatness that lies ahead for us, and I certainly believe that. But at the same time, I think we should be thoughtful about what greatness actually is. Kingdom greatness means doing the simple things well, loving in ways that don't get recognized, and being faithful over a lifetime. It looks like building relationships with people that we would never be friends with if it weren't for Jesus. Kingdom greatness is for moms and dads, widows and students, the ones on stage and the ones sweeping floors. Its ordinary things done in the power of the gospel. That's what I hope for. Greatness isn't about the speed and size of our ministry. It's about doing exactly what God has for us. I'm excited to discover that together.
I've heard one pastor say that his plan was to "preach, pray, love, and stay," and I think that sounds about right. I love discovering and teaching God's word. It's an endless treasure that we can spend a lifetime learning. What we really need to see in it, though, is how it all points us to Jesus. I hope my sermons are always Christ-centered. He is the climax of the Bible and the center of our lives. We really can rest in Him, and that's exactly what I plan to do as your pastor. Jesus is the true Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. He's the only true visionary. I can't be like Moses who goes up on the mountain of God and comes down with God's will for us all. We do need a new Moses, and God already gave us one. His name is Jesus. The truth is that I can't lead alone. You really don't want me to try. My role isn't to do it all but rather to equip the saints for the work of ministry, helping all of you to lead, serve, and love in ways you're gifted and called. There are so many things I could never do, and I will gladly let all of you step into your areas of strength and passion.
I'll leave you with Paul's ministry vision. Who am I to try to improve on this?
Colossians 1:24–29 (CSB) — 24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church. 25I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29I labor for this, striving with his strength that
works powerfully in me.
I love you all already!
In Christ,
Jonny, Kerri, Cece, Jonathan, Corinthian, and Anila