Testimonials

I have known Joe McCormick for eight years, and it is my privilege to commend him to you.
I am the Chairman of the Department of Bible and Christian Ministries at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. One of the areas of study under my direct supervision at TTU is the youth ministry program.

Eight years ago, Joe was invited to join our faculty and lead our youth ministry program. He was hired as the result of his eleven years of effective youth ministry in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. We hired someone whose knowledge of youth ministry was practical in addition to theoretical. We hired someone who had modeled effective youth ministry to teach our students who wanted to become youth directors.

As the chairman of the department in which Joe teaches, I have observed his ministry as closely as anyone for the past eight years. He is well liked by faculty and students. I have heard many students express their respect and appreciation for “Brother Joe.” I am aware of multiple occasions when he has invited students to his home, impacting their lives not only in the classroom but in informal one-on-one settings as well.

Joe has demonstrated the ability to wear several “hats” at once. When teaching here, he began working on and finished his master’s degree, and is now very close to receiving his doctorate. He has served as a camp director, youth director, and singles pastor, and has helped in the football, basketball, and baseball programs at Tennessee Temple High School.

Joe now senses that the Lord is leading him to start a church in Texas. We will miss him at TTU, but we wish him well in this endeavor. TTU’s loss is Texas’ gain.

One final thing: For well over a year, I have allowed my youngest daughter to date Joe’s youngest son. Perhaps that is one of the greatest compliments one man can give to another!

Sincerely, Dr. David Kemp, Chairman Dept. of Bible and Christian Ministries

It is a great joy to recommend a new church planting effort being conducted by Rev. Joe McCormick in Rockwell, Texas. Joe and his wife, Jo Carol, are graduates of Trinity Baptist College and also of the Temple Baptist Seminary in Chattanooga, TN. They have extensive ministry experience having served on church staffs and also as faculty at Tennessee Temple University.

They have been burdened to go back to their home area and plant a New Testament Church. I am confident that they are going to do a great work for the Lord and will be used to plant a vibrant, growing, and effective church. Our church is looking forward to standing with them in this endeavor and helping them financially to see their dream become a reality.
I do not know of a couple that has more experience or is more equipped to do something like this in Rockwell. I have watched their family and ministry all these years and recommend them without reservation.

Please give prayerful consideration to joining with them in prayer and financial support for this new church plant. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

In His Service, Tom Messer

One of the great blessings of long term ministry is growing together with others who have a passion for God. Over twenty years ago, Betsi and I met Joe and JoCarol McCormick while they were ministering in Michigan. God used them to build a solid ministry to youth in an exciting church. I watched as year after year, this ministry produced young people who had a heart for God and were moving out to serve Him.

I also watched as they developed lay leadership within the ministry who were motivated and committed. In fact when God led Joe and JoCarol to minister at Tennessee Temple University, the youth ministry was sustained totally by these lay leaders until the church could call another Youth Pastor. These leaders had been discipled to the point that they could keep the ministry to youth moving and vibrant.

Joe and JoCarol are friends that we respect and trust. The true test of friendship comes in crisis and when God saw fit to send my family through deep waters, they both were right there to help hold us up. They have continued to show love and concern for us, our family and ministry. It is refreshing to have friends who carry on their own ministries while also caring about yours.

I can assure you that giving to this ministry couple will not be an expense but an investment. Because of their love for God and commitment to His leading, they will be used to reach people with the good news of the gospel and you will have a vital part in this work. They are experienced, passionate, consistent and worthy of your investment.

Mike Calhoun, Vice President Word of Life Local Church Ministries
"The leader in principle-based ministry"