Immanuel “God With Us!”

Merry Christmas, MidSouth Annual Conference,

As we enter the season of Advent, let us be ever mindful of the grace of God that came when Jesus, God’s only Son, left the splendor of heaven and came to earth so that the world might be saved. It is a profound reflection on why our Lord would come to teach us the way to Salvation, to provide us with the promise of eternal life, and empower us with the Holy Spirit to serve the Kingdom of God on earth, aligning it with the ways of heaven. For those who believe, who have been saved and given the promise of eternal life, the word “Immanuel” should hold great significance for all we do during this Advent season. Jesus is the reason we celebrate.

Advent is an opportune time to “tell the story.” Share how Jesus came to us as “God With Us.” Share this incredible narrative at home with family, in our workplaces, schools, and communities, and wherever God opens the door for us to proclaim this remarkable truth: God is with us.

The greatest gift we can offer this Advent season is the truth that Jesus is who he says he is. Jesus is the Glory of God incarnate and with us. Jesus is our Redeemer, the Savior of the world. Sharing this story is the greatest gift we can give.

I pray that you all have a joy-filled Advent season.

I encourage all pastors to consider attending the upcoming three-day preaching conference at Trinity Hill GMC in Lexington, KY, in early December. You can find more details HERE. The leadership at the conference is outstanding, and the time spent together will be valuable for the ministry of the MidSouth annual conference moving forward.

I pray that your congregations will be able to contribute to the Christmas Offering to help establish an annual conference in the Nile Valley. Forty churches in Sudan, South Sudan, and Egypt aspire to start an annual conference within the Global Methodist Church. Our goal for the MidSouth Annual Conference Christmas Offering is to raise at least $40,000. If we reach that goal, $25,000 will be utilized for the people of Sudan, South Sudan, and Egypt to convene a conference and establish the Global Methodist Church in those three countries. The remaining $15,000 will be used to send five ambassadors from the MidSouth to join Bishop Scott Jones in Juba, South Sudan, in February to offer pastoral and leadership training to leaders in the Nile Valley region. You’ll be able to read more HERE on how to participate in the Christmas Offering. Any assistance your congregation can provide will be greatly appreciated.

We continue to celebrate the Presiding Elders and Cabinet Retreat held in early November at Aldersgate Renewal Ministry in Goodlettsville, TN. Presiding Elders and cabinet members from both the MidSouth and Western States Annual Conferences joined together to explore what it means to be an annual conference that leads through the power of the Holy Spirit. The worship, workshops, and training were impactful. God’s grace was evident as we shared and learned together about the power of integrating the Holy Spirit into the leadership of our annual conference. We aim to initiate regional events for pastors and local congregations interested in delving deeper into the Holy Spirit and understanding how God empowers those called to partner with the fullness of the Holy Trinity.

Since assuming the role of MidSouth annual conference superintendent on July 1, 2025, I have had the privilege of visiting a different church in the annual conference every Sunday. Liz and I have enjoyed meeting the congregations, and I have cherished the opportunities to preach and share the Word of God throughout Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. My calendar is open for most of 2026. Should your congregation desire a visit, please feel free to call or text me at 423-290-3999 or email me at tchancey@midsouthgmc.org, and I will gladly work to schedule a visit.

Additionally, I am available for preaching revivals when time permits. Let us give praise to God for the time spent with the congregations of the MidSouth annual conference. We have been privileged to speak in very small, medium-sized, and large churches, and we love and pray for you all, asking for God’s movement in all our churches.

Upcoming Preaching Schedule:
November 30th – Trinity GMC, Princeton, KY
December 7th – Lebanon Methodist, Abingdon, VA (REVIVAL on 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th)
December 14th – Wesley Covenant Fellowship, Versailles, KY
January 11th – Smith’s Grove Methodist, Smith’s Grove, KY
January 18th – Summit Heights, Louisville, KY
January 25th – Trinity GMC, Morristown, TN

Blessings and Merry Christmas,