Our Preacher

 

Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”

Michael Garrison is from Birmingham, AL.  After graduating Auburn University with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Mr Garrison taught this subject at the trade school in Clanton, AL.  He also did some gospel preaching with several churches of Christ congregations during this time.  After about 5 years, he decided to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ on a full time basis.

Mr. Garrison’s first full-time congregation to work was in Andalusia, AL, where he worked for 8 years.  Then he was invited to work with the church in Franklin, N.C.  He next was asked to work with the church in Hudson, N.Y.  This was an interesting work.  People from the Albany, Ancromdale, N.Y. and several area towns, as well as some who drove from Bennington, Vermont, made up the congregation there.  While there, he and his wife, Brenda, adopted two children.  Because of family needs in Alabama (parents up in years with failing health) the family returned to Alabama.

He next worked with the Glen Allen, church of Christ in Winston county, AL., where he preached for around 8 years.  After this he preached with several congregations in a part-time arrangement.

Mr. Garrison wrote religious articles for the church bulletins, as well as several religious magazines.  In 1988, he was invited to preach in several congregations in Australia.  His pen pal for many years arranged most of these meetings.  (On his way, he also preached with a congregation in Honolulu, Hawaii, which was an added thrill to his trip to Australia.)

Then, around 2009, his family became members of the church at Sayre.  Having been born in Jefferson County, he felt at home.  As a result of the current preacher’s health problems, he resigned his position.  Mr. Garrison was then asked to preach there.  He enjoys reading and gardening as he has the time for such.

He welcomes, on behalf of the congregation, visitors in the area to visit as they are able.  You can call him at 205-686-9277 if you wish.  If you desire a Bible Study, please call.

--------Our Previous Preacher--------

Clay Barnes is a native of Gardendale, Alabama.  From an early age, he learned to know and love the Lord, Jesus Christ.  From the beginning, Clay developed a desire to preach the gospel.

As a student at Florida College, Clay studied Speech and Bible under Professor Brent Hunter with whom he still maintains a close personal relationship.  He also had the opportunity to work and preach with Dr. Melvin Curry (head of the Florida College Bible Department) at the Dover Church.  

Clay has over 25 years of experience preaching the gospel.  He is in his 10th year with the church at Sayre.  Clay continues to devote himself to the study of the Word of God and to the service of Jesus Christ.

Clay has been blessed with the ability to present the Word in a clear and understandable fashion.  He seeks to avoid opinions, politics, and “brotherhood positions”, preferring to speak the simple truth of the Word.

Clay is a dynamic speaker, but doesn’t hide himself behind the pulpit or in his office.  As a servant, he spends much of his time visiting the sick and elderly, and evangelizing in the community.

2 Corinthians 4:5 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord;…”