Jimmy West: The SBC Got it RIGHT

What happens when a pastor who didn’t grow up in the Southern Baptist world discovers the power of churches working together? In this episode of The Tennessee Golden Hour, Matt Tullos sits down with Jimmy West, pastor of Edgemont Baptist Church, to talk about his journey into ministry, his transition into Southern Baptist life, and what he has learned through ten years of faithfully serving the same local church. Jimmy shares why he has become such a strong believer in cooperation among Southern Baptist churches—and why the Cooperative Program allows churches of every size to accomplish far more together than any one congregation could accomplish alone. From supporting missionaries and training future leaders to strengthening churches and reaching communities, cooperation multiplies the impact of the local church. The conversation also explores the value of pastoral longevity: staying through changing seasons, building trust, loving people over time, and seeing the fruit that often comes only after years of faithful ministry. It’s a conversation about calling, cooperation, perseverance, and the conviction that when churches work together for the Great Commission, the work is worth it. In this episode: Jimmy’s journey into Southern Baptist life • ten years at Edgemont Baptist Church • the value of pastoral longevity • why churches need one another • the Cooperative Program • missions and ministry • the strength of cooperation • Tennessee Baptists • the Great Commission