Celebrating 41 Years of Pastoral Ministry and a New Season of Spiritual Leadership
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — In a city known for its scenic beauty and deep spiritual roots, one man’s ministry has stood out as both a lighthouse and a landmark for more than four decades. Born in Chattanooga in 1955, Dr. Ternae T. Jordan, Sr. has dedicated his life to serving God, strengthening families, and transforming communities.
Bishop Ternae Jordan, Sr.:
A Profile in Purpose
Bishop Ternae Jordan, Sr. is a seasoned pastor, transformational leader, and generational legacy builder with more than four decades of ministry impact.
Renowned for his ability to cast vision, build people, and restore brokenness, he serves as a spiritual father, mentor, and community advocate—empowering men, strengthening families, and inspiring leaders to walk confidently in their God-given purpose.
His leadership is deeply relational, prayer-saturated, and legacy-focused—serving the body of Christ, the community, and the next generation with unwavering faithfulness and authenticity.
Now, as he celebrates 42 years of pastoral leadership and embraces a new calling as Bishop, his story continues to inspire a generation determined to build a legacy that lasts.
A Life Rooted in Faith and Family
Raised by his devoted parents, Pastor Melvin and Maggie Jordan—whose 63-year marriage modeled steadfast love and commitment—Dr. Jordan’s spiritual foundation was laid early. Lessons of faith, perseverance, and service shaped him into a believer, and a believer into a builder—one committed to building people, communities, and bridges of hope.
“When you work where God is working, you will always find purpose, peace, and power.”
— Dr. Ternae Jordan, Sr.
At a young age, Dr. Jordan accepted his calling to serve as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he faithfully led the congregation for five years.
In 1989, following divine direction, he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to serve as pastor of Greater Progressive Baptist Church.
In 2004, Pastor Jordan transitioned back home into the pulpit as Pastor of Mount Canaan Baptist Church—a sacred mantle once carried by his father, the late Pastor Melvin Jordan, who faithfully led the congregation for four decades. This homecoming marked not only a continuation of a powerful family legacy but also the beginning of a new era of visionary leadership and community engagement under Dr. Jordan’s guidance.
The Shepherd and the Servant
Dr. Jordan’s ministry has always been more about people than position. His compassionate heart has comforted the hurting, inspired the discouraged, and guided countless lives toward purpose.
A visionary leader, he founded transformative initiatives including:
● Men of Vision – inspiring men to rediscover their God-given identity and strength.
● Father’s Nest – restoring the heart of fathers to their families.
● Stop the Madness – confronting community violence with faith, unity, and hope.
● Purpose Point Learning Academy – a developmental high-quality early learning program providing a nurturing, safe, and positive environment for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
● Purpose Point Community Health – a faith-based clinic that provides medical care for adults aged 18 and older who lack health insurance and cannot afford traditional healthcare services, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
● Community Development, S.O.A.R. – Serving Our Area Through Redevelopment
○ Phoenix Manor: Home – Community of 10 homes in Fort Wayne, Indiana
○ Phoenix Manor – an apartment community for those 55 or older or those with a disability, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
These movements reflect his lifelong commitment to bridging faith and community, hope and healing.
A Marriage That Ministers
Standing beside him for 48 years is his wife, Angela Faye Smith Jordan, a woman of grace and resilience. Together, they have modeled what faith-filled partnership looks like.
Through their shared ministry, Gems of the Journey, they empower couples to build enduring marriages grounded in God’s Word..
A Visionary Leader and Author
Through JLegacy, LLC, Dr. Jordan continues to shape leaders spiritually, socially, and globally.
Dr. Jordan is the author of Crossing Jordan: Transformational Leadership, the first volume in a forthcoming trilogy that explores the power of change through faith-based leadership. In the book, he guides readers on a journey of personal and professional growth, offering principles that transcend boundaries and inspire transformation in every sphere of life.
His well-known 40-Day Burning Bush Experience prayer initiative has drawn believers worldwide into Scripture, reflection, and intercession, leaving a lasting imprint of spiritual renewal.
A Divine Elevation:
From Pastor to Bishop
On December 12th, a special celebration will honor Dr. Ternae Jordan, Sr. for 21 years of pastoral leadership and 42 years of dedicated ministry. As he transitions from pastor to bishop, Dr. Jordan’s life enters a new and profound dimension of service. His consecration as Bishop on December 13, 2025, marks not an ending, but a divine new beginning—an elevation that carries both honor and responsibility. In this sacred calling, he will continue to oversee, mentor, and empower other leaders and ministries with love, integrity, and spiritual authority.
“You can’t be what you can’t see — but it’s much easier to be what you’ve seen.”
— Bishop-Elect Ternae Jordan, Sr.
A Legacy That Lives On
Dr. Jordan’s legacy continues through his children—Ternae Jr., Jamichael, and DeJuan—and through the countless lives shaped by his ministry. His influence extends from pulpits to boardrooms, from prayer circles to community streets.
Dr. Jordan will retire from his pastoral leadership at the end of this year. In a special ceremony on December 14th, he will officially pass the banner to his two sons, Ternae Jordan, Jr. and JaMichael Jordan, Sr., who will serve together as co-pastors, continuing their father’s legacy of faith and community service.
As he steps into his new role as Bishop, the city that watched him grow now celebrates a man who embodies faith in action. His life stands as a testament that the true measure of ministry is not counted in titles or years—but in lives transformed.
Closing Thought
As one chapter closes and another begins, Bishop-Elect Ternae Jordan, Sr. stands as living proof that “to everything there is a season.” When a life is lived in faith and obedience to God, its impact endures—and its legacy echoes across generations.