Sept. 24, 2010
For Immediate Release
By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - The Rev. Gerald J. Joiner, a 1975 graduate of Campbellsville University, and pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Louisville, Ky., was presented with the second Kente Cloth given by Campbellsville University in a luncheon in his honor.
The Kente Cloth is bestowed upon outstanding individuals who have attained milestones in their lives. The cloth is ceremoniously draped upon the shoulders of those who have shown their worth to family, community and God.
No two Kente Cloths, which are handmade, are exactly alike. The cloths are a work of art, portraying the history, philosophy, ethics and more values in African culture.
Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University; Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs; and the Rev. John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, made the presentation in the Chowning Executive Dining Room of the E. Bruce Heilman Student Complex.
Chowning said, “As characterized by his leadership of the historic Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville, and leadership on the Campbellsville University Church Relations Council, Rev. Joiner has attained the status of one who can get things done in the cause of community, education and his faith.”
He said, “There is no better example of commitment to God and the principals of belief than Rev. Joiner.”
Joiner, who spoke at chapel earlier in the day, thanked everyone for the honor and said, “It does my heart good to see the progress here (at Campbellsville University).”
Joiner, who graduated in 1975, said he was proud to say he is a Campbellsville University graduate.
He recalled the impact of former professors, the late Dr. Paul Horner, Dr. H.E. Coker and Bobby Himes, had on his life. “They loved God and students and made a positive influence on my life.”
He also praised the Rev. Al Hardy, dean of academic support, who has supported him and been there for him since he became a student at CU.
Joiner has served as pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist Church since January 2006.
At Campbellsville University, he is a member of the Church Relations Council. As a student, Joiner played basketball for the Tigers. He met his wife, Luevern Taylor Joiner, a 1975 graduate of CU from Campbellsville, while a student at CU. He has also attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Joiner has held many ministry positions including: pastor of Redeemer Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minn.; associate minister of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Roswell, Ga.; appointed missionary of the Southern Baptist Convention, director of the Baptist Fellowship Center and superintendent of missions for the Central District Baptist Association of Kentucky.
Domestically, Joiner developed a cooperative ministry with the Harriet Tubman Women's Shelter, a substance abuse recovery program, a tutoring program and a juvenile diversion program aimed at keeping youth off the streets.
Internationally, Joiner has developed ministries for the people of South Africa and has served on the mission fields of Kenya, Africa.
Before becoming a pastor, Joiner was employed as the national sales personnel and organizational manager of the M&M/Mars candy company.
Joiner is the youngest son of the late Cleo and Doris Joiner. He is also the husband of Sister Luevern T. Joiner and the father of two sons, Taurean Delon and Gemayel Jerome Joiner.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 45 undergraduate programs, 16 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.