Polly's People: Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese leads First Baptist Savannah into 'new season'

Polly Powers Stramm
·4 min read
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The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese
The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese

Last fall, when the Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese accepted the position as interim senior pastor at First Baptist Church, Savannah, he figured it would be just that – a temporary job helping the historic downtown congregation until the search committee hired a permanent pastor.

What he didn’t realize was how much he and his wife, Karla, would grow to love everything about the congregation and the city of Savannah. After a year of serving the historic church as interim pastor, Reese has been named senior pastor of the church on Chippewa Square that was completed in 1833, and as such, is the oldest standing house of worship in Savannah. (The congregation was chartered in 1800).

“I really wasn’t looking for this opportunity,” explained Reese after the church’s membership voted unanimously to ask him to become senior pastor. “But I feel like my gifts and abilities fit this season in the life of (First Baptist). I am truly honored and excited about the opportunity. I feel led to take this call and see where the journey takes us.”

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The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese
The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese

'A visionary who would inspire us to live out our mission'

According to a letter received by First Baptist members, the pastoral search committee was looking for a “strong preacher who would challenge but not be divisive, a teacher who could help us grow spiritually, an encourager who would empower the laity, a leader who would help us with financial sustainability, and a visionary who would inspire us to live out our mission … (also someone) who would celebrate our history, embrace our desire for excellence in ministry, appreciate our liturgical worship, and value our unique Baptist identity. Without even trying, Dr. Reese encompasses all of these traits and we feel confident in his vision for our church.”

The letter was signed by the Rev. James C. Richardson, Jr., diaconate chairman; Nancy Sutton, chairwoman of the pastoral search committee; and the Rev. Dr. Justin Addington, minister of music and organist.

The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese is flanked by Pastoral Search Committee Chairwoman Nancy Sutton and her husband, Billy.
The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese is flanked by Pastoral Search Committee Chairwoman Nancy Sutton and her husband, Billy.

Reese, 52, had been commuting to Savannah from Jacksonville for almost a year where he has been the executive director of the non-profit One Jax, “an interfaith organization dedicated to achieving civility, understanding and respect for all people,” according to the group’s website. He also served as interim minister at First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island.

From 2006 to 2020 Reese was senior pastor of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Prior to moving to Florida, Reese was the pastor of two churches in his native Texas. A graduate of Wayland Baptist University, he received a master of divinity degree from the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University and a doctor of ministry from the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In 2005 he was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Truett Seminary.

Since his time at First Baptist of Savannah, Reese has realized that the church has “unique gifts” that can make the city a better place for all people.

“There is a vibrant mission spirit in the church,” he explained. “I’m excited to learn more and find ways we can enhance our mission to others.”

Reese understands that a congregation being involved in the community is “critically important.”

“I was educated during the time when folks were talking about the missional church. I won’t get into the details too heavily, but I like one of the guiding questions: ‘Would the community notice if First Baptist did not exist? I hope our mission is so faithful and meaningful that Savannah is a better community for it.

“I think a congregation must take inventory of its particular gifts/abilities,” Reese continued. “It is those gifts that the congregation offers the community. Once the gifts are determined, the congregation must look strategically at its community to find where those gifts can be used so that the community can benefit.”

The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese is congratulated by longtime member J. Curtis Lewis III
The Rev. Dr. Kyle Reese is congratulated by longtime member J. Curtis Lewis III

'What makes First Baptist worth the drive'

One of the challenges faced by First Baptist Savannah is how it can attract suburbanites, for example, who want to drive by several churches to attend downtown services and activities.

“What makes First Baptist worth the drive is a liturgically warm worship service, an open and accepting congregation, and the opportunity to minister in downtown Savannah,” he said.

In addition to his non-profit and pastoral duties in Jacksonville, Reese has been actively involved in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Baptist News Global. He serves on the boards of Baptist Health, the Baptist Medical Center and is a charter member and past president of the Rotary Club of San Marco. Reese also is an avid golfer and football fan.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Executive director of One Jax called to lead First Baptist Savannah