Introducing Dr. Bill Henard

by | Aug 1, 2024 | Blog

To Our CrossNet Family,

It is my joy and privilege to be serving now as your Interim Mission Strategist. Let me take a moment to introduce myself to you. My name is Bill Henard, and I most recently retired from the pastorate of FBC Athens, TN. Prior to taking the pastorate in Athens, I served as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists, as a professor of evangelism and church revitalization at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and as the pastor of churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama.

For my family, moving to Athens was a homecoming of sorts. My wife grew up in McMinn County, and I had previously served as pastor of FBC Decatur. I have had several connections with pastors and staff in Bradley County, being friends with some of the pastors over the years and actually having some of the pastors and staff as students at the seminary. My wife and I are empty nesters. Our three children are all grown, with kids of their own (7 grandkids for us!). My daughter is married to a children’s pastor in Hiawassee, GA. My oldest son serves as the CFO for the Marq Corp. in Nashville. My youngest son is the pastor of Swannsylvania Baptist Church in Dandridge, TN.

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the churches of CrossNet during this season. My goals as I fulfill this strategic responsibility are as follows:

  1. To connect with the pastors and churches of CrossNet and encourage them in their work in the Kingdom.
  2. To partner with our pastors and churches to assist them in the work that they are undertaking.
  3. To communicate the vision and importance of CrossNet in our Kingdom work.
  4. To foster relationships between our pastors and churches.
  5. To prepare the way for the new AMS and to make his way easy and successful.

I plan to be in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays. I am also planning on visiting our churches regularly. I want to be available to you. You can reach me at (423) 476-5493 or you can email me at Bill@CrossNet.com. The three key words of the CrossNet vision are to Encourage, Equip, and Empower. As I serve you during this interim, let’s accomplish these things together.

Expectantly,

Bill Henard