MEMPHIS, Tenn. (November 12, 2014) – The Tennessee Baptist Association has elected its first African-American president with the selection of Memphis pastor Michael Ellis.

Ellis, who is pastor of Impact Baptist church in Frayser, said “it feels great” after being named president.
Union University President, Dub Oliver said, “I am excited about Michael Ellis being elected as the new president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

Although the election of our first African American as president is important and historic, what really matters is that he is a strong pastor, a wise leader, and faithful follower of Christ.  We look forward to working in partnership with him as we advance the cause of Christ”

Enjoyed dinner with @UnionUniversity students learning about our Kingdom work as Tennessee Baptists. #tbcsummit14

Nashville Public Radio reports,  this comes two years after the national denomination, the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention, elected a black president for the first time.

Rev. Michael Ellis, who leads a church in Memphis, is a father of six and a Navy veteran. He was nominated for president during the Tennessee Baptist Convention’s annualmeeting in Brentwood this week.

Fellow Memphis pastor Fred Shackelford noted that Ellis was also the first African-American pastor to serve as the convention’s vice-president.

“We have this opportunity to do this long overdue, historic thing” by electing him to the presidency, he said.

But Shackelford’s case for Ellis was about more than race.

“I don’t care what color Michael’s skin is,” he said. “He has what it takes to lead this convention well.”

The crowd gave Ellis a standing ovation after he was elected unanimously. He will serve a one-year term.

The 54-year-old was ordained in 1991 and started Impact Baptist in 2006. The church has usually has about 200 people who attend Sunday services, but has between 500 and 600 on roll.

Fred Shackelford, IV @fshackel4d