Dr. JT Reed Memorial

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Shared Memories and Thoughts

Here is a pic that JT and I took at a CBU graduation a couple of years ago. JT and I attended CBU together many years ago. Both of us had hair in those days! Years later, we served together as CBU Board Members and worked at Gateway Seminary for the past 7 years. I will miss my friend.

- Tom Hixson

I knew JT from CBC. As I entered the DMin program, he was truthful about the cost of doing the degree. And he was very kind to help this 64 year old with Turabian. He was always eager to serve. This is such an example to me.

- Randy Lanthripe

I meet Jeff Reed (as he was known at Stine Road Baptist Curch) in 1975. He assumed leadership of our church youth and gave us direction that summer. He also got me a job with him working for his uncle installing auto air conditioners at a local Ford dealer. He and his parents gave me a place to stay at their house that summer when my parents moved out of state. I enjoyed those few months being with him and the inspiration he gave to all who knew him. Always be grateful for his friendship and role model.

- Michael Dowdy

Dr. Reed ministered to me and encouraged me:

1. by believing in me.
2. by praying for me, not just once but continuously during years of this DMin journey.
3. by reaching out to me immediately when he found out I was having some mental health issues.
4. by his example of leadership, steadfastness, and devotion.
5. by his patience.

When I was at the seminary for DMin orientation, Dr. Reed told us to make sure that we brought our computers with us the next day. That day I arrived early. I was the first person there, followed by Dr. Reed. When I was unpacking my stuff, I realized my computer was not there. I told Dr. Reed that my hotel was only a few minutes away and I would be right back. When I got back all of the other members of the cohort were there, but there was no Dr. Reed. He came into the room a few minutes later and apologized for being late. He said he was getting some coffee. He did that on purpose so that I would not be late. Dr. Reed blessed me.

- Mark Standridge

We, the members of the Long Beach Harbor Southern Baptist Association, are deeply saddened to learn of the news of the passing of Dr. J.T. Reed, Professor at Gateway Seminary. Some of us were blessed to sit with him, talk with him, and I had a chance to meet him in person when he was honored at his retirement. Dr. Reed was very gracious and kind, even with a handshake and a smile, he served as a marvelous source of inspiration. We would like to say thank you to his family for sharing their treasure with the rest of the world and bless you al as we continue to pray for you.

- Long Beach Harbor Southern Baptist Association

Dr Reed was instrumental in my DMin educational journey. He frequently encouraged me to assess the distinctives from my Navy Chaplain experience, in order to inform my practical application of the content in our cohort. He set the example of 2 Timothy 2:2 before my eyes, and I was humbled as he entrusted much insight and wisdom to me in his final months on this earth.

- Tim Springer

It was such a piece of sad news. I watched Youtube and feel sad Dr. Reed was gone. But I feel comforted that Dr Reed is with Jesus. I am moved by how he ministered to us through his teachings and through his life. He was modeling great courage and hope in the midst of serious illness. My deep condolences to Dr. Reed's family!

- Lisa

I had the honor of attending Dr. Reed's classes from 2018-2020 in Gateway's Doctor of Ministry program. I'm a grateful beneficiary of his wisdom. I always sensed his genuine, personal concern for me as an individual. He was compassionate without compromising standards of excellence.

- Kevin Sanders

Dr. Jt Reed was my first pastor in the United States after immigrating from Argentina. He and his family loved us so well during some very hard years. Because of his decision to support my family we were able to get our citizenship to this country. He has no idea how the immigration system worked but believed in my dad and our family. We will never forget you JT. Your love, your compassion, your leadership in our hearts forever. We love you.

- Laura Rose Otaola

In 2005/2006 we went thru a challenging time in our life. After raising 5 grown children and being empty nesters for 8 years, our youngest son and his wife had our first granddaughter Cherish. Not quite a year into her life, Pastor JT and the congregation of First Baptist Church supported our adoption process of this child. But the most momentous event was at age 5 Cherish started asking about her adoption. JT lead us in a most simplistic way to explain to this 5 year old about her biological egg/seed parents. We still have his drawing that became part of her adoption folder. Our daughter graduated this year and will be going to college, studying pediatric nursing at GCU in Arizona. We believe the compassion of the congregation led by this wonderful man helped shape the compassion Cherish has for other children. We listened to the podcast and to hear JT’s explanation of his ready reed email was interesting in how we need to always be ready. His podcast dealing with his illness came at a time in my life where I have been blessed to live so far 30 years beyond my initial diagnosis of liver disease. I am going thru a difficult time, I broke my hip and finding life challenging. His podcast expresses so much how meaningful it is for other people to minister to to the sick. We pray for the Reed family and are so blessed to have known the Reed family. May the memories of JTs life sustain you as you grieve.

- Susan and Evan Hicks

JT was a faithful, consistent, truthful, caring friend. In addition, he was an accomplished minister of the Gospel, who had a great impact on the people he served, and those he served beside. 

- Jim Wilson, Director of the DMin Program and Professor of Leadership Formation at Gateway Seminary 

Dr. Reed served as the chair of my DMin project. He was always willing to serve with whatever need I needed. I owe it to him and his investment in me to complete this project. I will always remember his kindness and faithful service to our Lord.

- Pete Ramirez, Executive Director of the CSBC

I first met Dr. Reed as my professor for Pastoral Ministry at the MDiv level in 2008-2009. But it was during my DMin from 2018-2021 that Dr. Reed most influenced me. Dr. Reed was a constant presence with our cohort, encouraging us, challenging us to do our best work, and, most of all, reminding us that the fruit of our work was always meant to glorify God and edify those to whom we minister. His pastoral presence and academic guidance was a work of service done unto the Lord for the good of those who serve the church--ultimately for my good and for those I am blessed to pastor.

- Stephen Baum

He taught me and my family through example and the Word about who Jesus was and modeled Christ’s love for mankind. My whole family was baptized was born again believers when he was the lead pastor at our church. I have counted on his God-given wisdom and grace more than once in my life and he will be truly missed.

- Jennifer

Dr. Reed was on my committee. He guided me through many challenges which seemed insurmountable, but he alway left me encouraged and motivated. He taught many of our cohort's seminars. He even apologized to us that he had taught so many. However, we were blessed by his experience, knowledge, and wisdom. Most of all, we were blessed by his heart to serve the Lord. I told a friend recently that when I grow up, I want to be like JT Reed.

- Steve Kish

Dr. Reed was my DMIN cohort director. It was a privilege to have him as a professor. He was faithful, caring, and knowledgeable. He was genuinely concerned about what was going on in the lives of his students. I really learned a lot in the seminars I had with him, and what I learned has and will make me a more effective minister.

- Randy Brown

JT Reed was my Pastor at First Baptist Fair Oaks in Sacramento many moons ago. He taught me how to be disciplined and methodical in my Bible Study but also practical in living life. He left an indelible imprint on my life and I will always appreciate his approach to teaching the Word of God. We know he is healed now and celebrating with Wayne and Ralph today. Lord, we ask that you hold his precious family close as they mourn his presence in their homes these next many days.

- Eddie Morris 

I only knew Dr. Reed in these last few months but spent an hour with him weekly in what started as a meeting to review MACs but what became a life giving time for me each week talking life and ministry and Dr. Reed demonstrating his God developed skill at helping me think deeply about life and ministry. One of my MACs was even about heaven and talking about what heaven will be like with Dr. Reed was profoundly meaningful. Perhaps my greatest admiration of him though came just two weeks ago. I logged into our weekly Zoom meeting and as the video came up Dr. Reed was in the hospital bed with nurses all around. I could tell he didn’t feel well but he was determined and I think even somewhat eager to walk through my MAC again that day. I told my wife I’ve never seen a greater love for students and commitment to development and commitments than that day when Dr. Reed met with me from his hospital bed in the last few days of his life. What a champion! Thank you Jesus for his investment in my life. And may the grace and mercy of God along with the knowledge of his impact on many lives bring comfort to his wife and family.

- Clay Holcomb 

JT was a man of prayer. I know that because he told me he prayed for me regularly. He had a strategic prayer rotation and discipline in his life. When I came up on his daily discipline and rotation, he often sent me a note that said he prayed for my family and I. I was deeply impacted by that generous commitment. JT will always be the best example I have to this date on how to live for Christ no matter what. His diagnosis changed things but it never altered his commitment to live every day making an impact for Jesus. He was kind, generous, thoughtful, and committed regardless of the suffering that he encountered. I have never seen someone go through that. I can only hope that I learn and imitate that example in my own life.

- Kristen Ferguson, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Gateway Seminary

JT taught me that not only can you be a highly educated, highly respected, talented preacher of a Senior Pastor, but you can also get down and silly with the teenagers, serving us in the kitchen, joking with us, pranking us, using silly nicknames with us. He left a huge mark on my teen and early adult years that will last for all the years to come. [The photo at left is from a Youth Mission Trip in 1998 when he presided over Kangaroo Court in the evenings getting business done, calling people on missteps, and giving out praise for helpful behavior.]

- Erin Winter

I met J.T. for the first time about 20 years ago. He was pastor of First Baptist Fair Oaks in the Sacramento area. He felt convicted to help Gateway Seminary in any way he could. So, he reached out to the seminary and offered the use of his church. For many years, the seminary hosted events at his church and it became the “headquarters” for us in the Sacramento area. That example of devotion and love for the Kingdom resonated throughout J.T.’s life.

- Jeff Jones, Vice President for Advancement at Gateway Seminary

Dr. Reed was an intelligent, gracious man who possessed a tremendous pastoral heart. He encouraged me greatly when I came on as a new faculty member at Gateway Seminary. He took a sincere and deep interest in people and offered wise and direct counsel. The legacy he left represents Gateway at its best!

- David Rathel, Associate Professor of Christian Theology at Gateway Seminary

I met Dr. Reed at the first SBC annual meeting I attended as an employee of Gateway Seminary: Columbus, Ohio in 2015. I believe it was his first SBC meeting as a faculty member at Gateway as well. I have a very vivid memory of that time of Dr. Reed's encouraging spirit. I was very new in my staff position at the time but the words he said to me sustained me for months as I learned how to do my job. It was a potent lesson on the power of an encouraging word by which I strive to live.

- Tyler Sanders, Director of Communications at Gateway Seminary