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Pioneer Drive Names Dr. John Whitten Next Senior Pastor

By July 13, 2020August 24th, 2020No Comments

Abilene, TX – July 12, 2020

Pioneer Drive is pleased and proud to announce the hiring of Dr. John Whitten as their next Senior Pastor.

“I am grateful for the diligent work of our Pastor Search Committee. They followed the lead of God’s Spirit throughout this process and He has provided a most qualified and proven leader in Dr. John Whitten. Claudia and I are elated that John is going to be our new Senior Pastor,” said Stan Allcorn, current Senior Pastor, who plans to retire at the end of August. “He is a friend, colleague and outstanding servant of our Lord and Savior. The leadership of Pioneer Drive will be in capable hands with John Whitten at the helm.”

Dr. Whitten is a Texas Baptist product, born in a Texas Baptist Hospital, raised by a Texas Baptist family, graduated from two Texas Baptist Universities, and served in a Texas Baptist church throughout his tenure in ministry.

“As the narrative of Pioneer Drive continues to unfold through the guidance of His Holy Spirit, it is awe-inspiring to note that He has been at work, developing His man, John Whitten, to be the next shepherd of our church,” said Jimmy Pogue, Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee.

John pursued and received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Truett Seminary in Waco, TX, graduating in May 2018 with a degree emphasis in Church Leadership. His dissertation was entitled Unity: Helping a Church with Multiple Venues for Corporate Worship Experience Common Connection and Purpose.

“I am beyond excited for the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church as the next Senior Pastor,” said Dr. Whitten, who will begin his new role this September. “I count this calling as one of life’s greatest and most humbling opportunities. I cannot say enough words of gratitude for the Pastor Search Committee and the prayerful way in which they have led this discernment process. The Whitten family has enjoyed our journey at Pioneer Drive thus far and cannot wait to discover all that God will do in this next chapter in our lives and the life of Pioneer Drive.”