Welcome to another episode of A Good Pour, where we highlight the incredible work being done by businesses and nonprofits that truly impact our community. Today, I’m joined by Pastor Derrick Jackson, the long-time leader of First Baptist Church in Gallatin, Tennessee, and one of the driving forces behind Together Sumner, an initiative focused on racial healing and reconciliation in our local area.
A Vision for Racial Healing in Sumner County
Pastor Derrick has led First Baptist for over two decades, but his passion extends far beyond the church walls. He’s been instrumental in creating Together Sumner, a gathering of community leaders, church members, and individuals who are committed to having honest conversations about race, healing, and how we can work together to create a more inclusive Sumner County.
In our conversation, Pastor Derrick shared how this journey began with a vision during his doctoral studies at Lipscomb University. While working on a thesis about social justice, he realized that the church could play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between different racial groups in Gallatin. As a result, Together Sumner was born—a group where local church leaders of all races could come together and begin the tough, yet vital, work of racial reconciliation.
The Power of Conversations
One of the core principles of Together Sumner is creating a space where people feel welcomed to speak openly and learn from one another. Pastor Derrick emphasized that many people in our community aren’t fully aware of the challenges others face—especially when it comes to systemic racism. Through conversations and shared experiences, he’s seen many of his white colleagues begin to understand the history and impact of racism in a way that they hadn’t before.
One of the most powerful experiences was a trip to the South with members of Together Sumner, where they visited historic sites like the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. This trip, which Pastor Derrick describes as life-changing, was a turning point for many of those involved. The group walked across the bridge in pairs—one person of color and one white person—fostering a deeper understanding of the struggles that still exist in our society. For Pastor Derrick, this trip was a reminder of the importance of continuing the fight for racial justice and healing in our own communities.
Good Work Through First Baptist Church
Beyond Together Sumner, Pastor Derrick has always been committed to making a positive impact on Gallatin. First Baptist has a long history of serving the community, and Pastor Derrick has continued that tradition with outreach programs like Stay Warm Shelter, which provides temporary shelter to the homeless during cold months. This is just one example of the church’s dedication to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in the area.
The church has also made it a priority to offer services and programs that uplift families, children, and the elderly, often partnering with organizations like the Gallatin Shalom Zone to expand their reach. With a congregation full of generous people, First Baptist has become a hub for local giving, not just through financial donations, but also through the time, talents, and testimonies of its members.
Balancing the Call to Serve with the Need to Rest
Serving the community takes a toll, and Pastor Derrick is open about the importance of rest. While his days are filled with ministry, leadership, and outreach, he’s intentional about carving out time for himself and his family. After 27 years of marriage to his wife, Laura, Pastor Derrick credits her with encouraging him to take time for self-care and to prioritize his health. As a self-identified “workaholic,” he now takes intentional breaks, including days where he can simply be still, reflect, and reset.
A Call to Action: How You Can Get Involved
If you’re interested in joining the work that Pastor Derrick is doing through Together Sumner or at First Baptist, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Together Sumner meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Gallatin Shalom Zone community room, where they discuss issues of racial healing and how to be a part of the solution. If you want to learn more or participate, just show up! And if you’d like to attend services at First Baptist Church, they gather at 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM every Sunday. You can also visit their website to learn more and get involved.
Conclusion
Pastor Derrick Jackson’s work is a beautiful example of how community leaders can make a profound impact when they listen, lead with love, and actively pursue justice. His efforts through Together Sumner and First Baptist Church are inspiring, and the work is just beginning. As we continue to foster conversations about racial healing, I believe that together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Thank you, Pastor Derrick, for all you do for Gallatin and Sumner County. We are excited to see where this journey will take us and look forward to walking alongside you in this important work.