“Pastor Jeff served our church with unwavering devotion, compassion and humility. His love for God and for people was evident in every sermon he preached, every prayer he prayed and every conversation he shared.” —FBC Opelika staff/deacons
After serving as youth minister at four First Baptist churches, Butch Henderson served as director of World Changers and as church community missions specialist for Birmingham Metro Baptist Association, then founded Metro Changers.
For 63 years, Finklea served as a pastor, including spending 25 years at FBC Brewton. He retired in 1999, and the church named him pastor emeritus. After retirement, he served 24 more years as pastor of a small country church in Sepulga.
Churches may be noticing a trend — women from “Gen Z” (ages 18–24) are quietly walking away from the Christian faith. Learn more on ways the church can respond.