Update from Pastor Thomas: Welcome TJ Cople

Church Family,

I’m excited to share with you a significant and joyful update in our church’s life: TJ Cople has accepted the role of Director of College and Young Adults Ministry at Nashville First Baptist Church. He, along with his wife Krista and their three boys, will join us in the coming weeks as we take another step forward in our calling to be a church for the city.

Back in December, you may remember that the church approved a bold and hope-filled budget—one that included new investments in reaching the next generation. At the time, much of our collective attention centered around finding the right person to lead our Student Ministry, which we have found in Adam Cushing. Another key role we prayerfully included in that vision was this one: someone to reach and disciple college students and young adults across our city. Once the Student Minister role was secured, our team was able to turn quickly and focus on this next hire.

TJ is a uniquely gifted and gospel-hearted leader. His background includes years of experience in campus ministry, creative leadership, and discipleship. He has served as a worship leader, college director, community pastor, and creative strategist—all while maintaining a deep love for the church and a passion for reaching emerging generations. TJ understands the digital world that so many young adults live in—and has faithfully learned how to meet people there and guide them toward Christ.

As he steps into this new role, TJ will help us build The Way—our ministry for young adults—into a thriving presence in the heart of Nashville. From weekly gatherings and worship nights to campus engagement and discipleship pathways, this is about more than launching a new program. It’s about forming a generation for Christ, right in the heart of our city.

In the coming weeks, we’ll offer opportunities for you to meet TJ and Krista, hear more about their story, and see how this role connects to the long-term renewal we’re praying for. I look forward to introducing him at the Members’ Lunch on Sunday, August 10.

For now, would you join me in celebrating this new chapter? And would you begin praying for TJ and Krista as they transition into our church family? I’m full of joy and expectancy for what God will do next.

Gratefully,

Thomas West, PhD
Senior Pastor, Nashville First Baptist Church