Jerry Harwood

Jerry Harwood (M.Div. ‘99) is one Beeson student I will never forget, and that for several reasons. In the first place, Jerry never wore shoes to class. The most he ever sported on his feet were sandals. Jerry is responsible for our student handbook rule requiring the wearing of appropriate footwear to class. But it soon became evident that while Jerry’s dress code was unconventional, his mind was first-rate. He was shoeless, but not clueless! Jerry was my teaching fellow in my course on “Calvin and the Reformed Tradition.” As other students who took this course with me will remember, I require everyone to read Calvin’s Institutes and to outline each section of all four books. Jerry helped me to evaluate these assignments offering his own copious notes and comments which were superb.

Since leaving Beeson, Jerry has learned how to wear shoes (at least sometimes) and he now serves on the pastoral staff of First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga (PCA). He is involved in teaching, preaching, and working with college and high school ministries in that great congregation. He is also the director of Camp Vesper Point, a summer camping program in the Chattanooga area for families and children. Jerry serves a pastoral role in this ministry and also oversees a staff of more than fifty counselors and camp workers each summer. In addition to this, he also teaches as an adjunct professor at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia.

When I asked Jerry to reflect on his time here at Beeson, this is what he said:

“I really saw my time at Beeson as essential to my training as a pastor. I could not run the camp (and work with a denominationally diverse staff) without the interdenominational spirit I soaked in at Beeson. I would not be able to teach at Covenant nor serve on my presbytery’s examining committee if not for the academic foundations I was given at Beeson. And I certainly see my love for missions and evangelism as being nurtured and developed in the halls of Beeson. Finally, I would regard the Beeson Bookshop as foundational (Thanks Mrs. Emily Haygood!!) in developing my library and love for reading church fathers.

There are four professors I would mention by name. Dr. Bray taught me to be a self-starter in my learning, and led me to love the church fathers. I have been reading one volume of the 38 volume set each year since my graduation. My time with Dr. George deeply impacted my life. More so than anything was the privilege to grade his papers for his Calvin class. I dutifully read line by line student outlines of the Institutes forever educating me not only on what Calvin thought, but how Christians from different backgrounds understand those thoughts. I still read Book III, chapter 20 (on prayer) each year based on Dr. George’s recommendation. Dr. Haygood was one of the key influences leading me into the PCA. I am honored also to serve with Dr. Haygood on the board of the Odessa Springs Counseling Ministry and travel with him each year to co-teach his seminars. Finally, my education is perhaps most indebted to Dr. Smith who taught me to love preaching. He took me away from my cultural limitations (main point, 3-4 sub-points...) to an African-American sermon style that seeks to move from problem to solution to celebration. Several years ago I memorized Dr. S.M. Lockridge’s sermon “My King Is” and repeat it every day as part of my devotional practice.”

Jerry and his wife Heather have four children, two of them adopted from the Ukraine. In addition to being a great wife and mother, Heather is also a middle school teacher. On the weekends, she and Jerry enjoy riding their Harleys together. Whoever said a Calvinist couldn’t have fun?

Please remember Jerry Harwood, his family, and his ministry in your prayers. You can learn more about his work as a camp director and pastor at www.vesperpoint.org.