R. Tim Meadows is a native West Tennessean who graduated from public schools in Dyer County, completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Union University in Jackson, TN. and the masters of divinity and doctor of philosophy at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in Christian History and Theology.

Tim and Shannon married on December 27^th 1986 after having dated nearly five years. Their families have almost forgiven them after nearly 22 years. The marriage has produced four children, all of the hairy four legged variety. Those currently occupying the house are Guinness, a four year old black lab/golden retriever mix, and Abbey (short for Abita Golden), a six month old golden retriever puppy. Actually, both current residents reflect one of Tim's unlikely passions, that of a beer connoisseur. Guinness is named for Guinness Stout and Abbey for one of the flagship brews of Tim's favorite microbrewery, Abita Brewing, located in Abita Springs, LA. near St. Joseph's Abbey.

Tim began his ministerial career in an academic setting as a college professor and administrator for William Carey College. After five years of service to the college he moved to First Baptist Church, Covington, LA. serving for over seven years as Minister of Pastoral Care. During that time of ministry Tim became involved in what would become a great labor of love, serving as a reserve deputy sheriff with responsibilities as department chaplain, with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. He still carries the badge and identification card issued by the department.

For Tim, ministry is an opportunity to be involved in the lives of people at some of their most critical and joyous moments in life. Trained as an academic and a scholar at heart he soon learned that none of the "stuff" he knew mattered unless it could help people in some way with the things they were facing in life. His great joy in ministry has been finding ways to make that happen, and demonstrating that one can be a great scholar and a loving, compassionate, pastor. The two things are not incompatible if one is willing to work at both. Some of the most influential people in his life have been college and seminary professors who were both.

SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE GUESSED ABOUT TIM.....

• - He was an active and loyal member of the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America. He wore that national blue and corn gold F.F.A. jacket with great pride until it was lost in a fire.
• - He has possessed a lifelong passion for politics and the political process.
• - He has never and will not ever drink a "light" beer!