Pastor Jimmy was born and raised in Hartsville, SC. He began attending Hartsville First Church of the Nazarene at a very young age. He was saved in a primary Sunday School class, and joined the church shortly afterward and was strongly involved in church as a teenager, but when he left home to go to Clemson University he got away from God. God did not let him go. He moved back home in 1983 and took classes at Francis Marion College for two years. During those years, God began to reclaim him and call him into ministry. In March of 1985 God led him to a place of complete surrender and He sanctified him completely. Shortly thereafter, He opened the door for Jimmy to attend Trevecca Nazarene College (now University). While at Trevecca, he received the call to preach and also met his wonderful wife, Sandy.
After graduating and getting married, he attended Nazarene Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree, and then accepted a call to serve as Minister of Music and Youth at Mobile (AL) First Church of the Nazarene. They spent sixteen years in southern Alabama, serving as Associate Pastor at Mobile First (1993-96) and as Pastor at Excel (1996-2001) and Shawmut First (2001-2009). He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in May of 2009 with a second Masters Degree in Religion with an emphasis in preaching. In July of 2009, they began their journey here at OHN.
The Blackman’s have been blessed with three boys: Trey, Billy, and Nathan. God has been good to their family and has met every need. They are thankful for the opportunity that God has graciously given them to live life together with the wonderful people at Old Hickory Church of the Nazarene. They believe and hope that God has many great days ahead as we seek to be the holy and loving people He has called us to be.
Romans 1: 16-17 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"
Pastor Randy grew up in New Albany, IN, across the river from Louisville. He began singing and playing the cello at a very young age, and it was evident that God had blessed him with musical giftings. He has been serving His Lord with those talents ever since. Randy holds a BS in Church Music and a BS in Music Education (Instrumental and Vocal emphasis), both from Olivet Nazarene University (GO TIGERS!!). He is currently working on a Master's Degree in Theology at Trevecca Nazarene University. Randy is married to Kiersten, who is pursuing her Doctorate in Early Childhood Education at Vanderbilt University. When not singing or playing his instruments, you can find Randy on the golf course, acting in a local production, or traveling with his wife.
Ecclesiastes 9:9-10 - "Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever your hands find to do, do it with everything that is within you.
Pastor Chad was born and raised in Herscher, Illinois. He is currently attending Nazarene Bible College Online, with a major in Pastoral Studies. He became a follower of Jesus when he was 21 on a Men’s Choir Trip while attending Olivet Nazarene University. He considers any day on the golf course a day well spent, and bowling is a close second. He also loves all kinds of music and playing the trombone and drums, as well as singing. He’s married to Tiffany, an RN at Centennial Hospital, and they have two dogs, Barrett and Braxton.
Psalm 27:4 - “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
Leasa Williams was born and raised in Charlottesville, VA. Her and her husband, Aaron moved to the Nashville area 10 years ago for his job. They have three beautiful children, 15, 13, and 11. She is a third generationNazarene and has always worked with children and teens during many years in lay ministry. Pastor Leasa answered a calling to be the Interim Children's Pastor 2 1/2 years ago here at Old Hickory. Over these past few years, God has really been speaking to her about working on staff and making it a permanent position. Pastor Leasa states, "I am trusting HIM to continue to guide me and develop me in this ministry. I am open to wherever HE leads me". Thanks be to God.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Department Leads are those who give of their time to serve the church in various capacities such as Sunday School, Teens, and Missions.
1 Corinthians 12:12 - "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ."
