Anderson named to Olford Chair at Union

Anderson named to Olford Chair at Union

JACKSON, Tenn. — Frank Anderson has been appointed to the Stephen Olford Chair of Expository Preaching at Union University, effective Sept. 1.

Anderson joined the faculty of Union’s School of Theology and Missions in 2010 and has been serving as director of the Associate of Christian Studies program in Germantown and associate professor of missions and ministry.

“Dr. Anderson is a seasoned pastor and theological educator who is widely respected throughout the Mid-South region,” said Nathan Finn, dean of Union’s School of Theology and Missions. “He has modeled expository preaching in his own pastoral ministry and has taught this approach to our students for many years. This is a great day for Dr. Anderson and a great day for Union University."

A native of Memphis, Anderson graduated from the University of Memphis and earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to Union, Anderson served on the faculty of Crichton College in Memphis as dean of the School of Bible and Theology and as dean of the chapel. He has also served as president of the Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies and as president of the Center for Urban Theological Studies in Philadelphia.

Anderson was ordained in 1980. He has served as pastor of True Light Baptist Church in Memphis since 1992, succeeding his father who served as pastor of the church for 18 years. He previously served as pastor of True Liberty Baptist Church in Memphis and as a ministry intern at Bellevue Baptist Church.

He and his wife Vernetta have been married since 1982. 

Stephen F. Olford, for whom this endowed chair is named, is widely considered one of the greatest preachers of the 20th century. His radio and television programs were heard around the world, and countless preachers benefited from Olford’s training at the Stephen Olford Center for Biblical Preaching in Memphis.

“Being called upon to serve the Union community, the church, the kingdom and our Lord from the Stephen Olford Chair of Expository Preaching is one of the greatest honors on my ministry and my life,” Anderson said. “I cherish the Olford legacy and view this opportunity as a sacred trust.”