By Myra Bean

First United Methodist Church of Batesville recently welcomed its new pastor, Rev. Kerry Powell from Lee County. He takes the place of Rev. Ed Temple.

Powell hails from the Brewer Community inear Tupelo. He and his wife of 25 years, Jennifer, have two sons, Bonner, 23 and Davis, 19.

Bonner recently got married in August and Davis is a student at Ole Miss. Rev. Powell’s parents are David and Carolyn Powell.

Powell’s last church was at Iuka United Methodist where he served for five years. He said Batesville is the biggest congregation he has pastored in his 22 years in the ministry.

He is a graduate of Ole Miss and the Memphis Theological Seminary. He also has his degree in parks and recreation.

The larger congregation is busier and they are able to do the ministry God has called us to, Powell said.

“It didn’t take me long to know that I like this entire area, and I love this church. It’s exciting to have enough people to do what God has told you to do,” Powell said.

When talking about his goals for the Batesville church, Powell said his intention would be that every member would be a minister.

“There are so many things that seem wrong in this world. We keep trying a lot of different ways to make things better. I just really think the church has the answers in Jesus Christ,” he said.

Powell told a list of his favorite things in life:

Favorite scripture is Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

His favorite books of the Bible are the Gospels, but Mark his probably his single favorite.

His favorite person in the Bible is Paul even though Peter is a favorite, too.

His favorite recreational activity is boating.

Powell said he is really grateful for the community. “The display of community spirit at the pep rally in town was moving. It reflects toward the whole community,” Powell said.