Southside Baptist Church of Andalusia announced Wednesday Opp native Jerry Tyson would return home to serve as associate pastor of students, missions, and lead student and college ministries.


“We are thrilled to return and serve Southside. It’s a wonderful community. It will be great to return with family. It’s a joy to be able to reach out to students and show them Jesus. Tyson stated that we want to make a difference in the kingdom.


Tyson was born in Covington County, and moved to Opp when he was in seventh grade. Tyson was raised in a non-Christian household, but he gave his life to Jesus Christ at the age of nine. He graduated from Opp High School and attended Mississippi College, where he studied History with a minor coaching. He was a football player for two years before giving up to go into ministry. In 2006, he received his master’s degree in Christian Education at Jacksonville Baptist Seminary.


In August, Tyson celebrated 25-years in student ministry. He and his family have served in Jackson, Mississippi for the past 25 years. They taught Bible classes at a Christian school. He is a student pastor and seeks to minister all ages. His wife was the headmaster at the school.


“I love to meet students and people where they are.” My ultimate goal in ministry is to reach out to people and help them become disciples of Jesus Christ span>


He enjoys spending his free time supporting his children in extracurricular activities.


Tyson will have his first Sunday off on Jan. 29, with his first day of office to follow on Jan. 30.


We are thrilled to be able to serve with Brother Jerry, Ashley and their families in the days ahead. In his daily life, his passion, energy and deep love of Jesus shines through. “Southside Senior Pastor Josh Wilson stated that the Lord’s work through the presence of this family at Southside and in Andalusia will make our church and community brighter.”


He has been married for 20 years to Ashley and they have five children, Kinston (16, Kenna (15), Michaela (9), Mikenzie (7), and Lily-Kate (6). In 2018, the couple adopted their three youngest children.


Southside Baptist Church can be found at 1213 West Bypass, Andalusia. For more information, visit sbcandalusia.com. Or call 334-222-4300.

The post Tyson is back home to fulfill his role at Southside Baptist originally appeared on The Andalusia-Star-News.