Doyle Hurst

FROM THE BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF PRIMITIVE OR OLD SCHOOL BAPTIST BY DAVID MONTGOMERY AND MARK GREEN: ELDER DOYLE DEWARD HURST. I was born December 7, 1952, in Chester County, West Tennessee. My family moved to Nashville when I was a baby, and I have lived in middle Tennessee all my life. I joined the Fairview Church and was baptized on July 5, 1981, by Elder James Read. In May 1985, I was ordained to the ministry. When my pastor, Elder Read, asked me about my calling to the ministry, the best way I could describe my feelings was that I was afraid to preach and afraid not to preach. My most terrifying preaching experience came early on. Once while in the pulpit, I became so fearful that I was on the brink of passing out. I had to sit down to keep from falling completely. The congregation stood and sang Amazing Grace, and soon I regained my composure and was able to finish the preaching. On another occasion, I passed out completely. During my drive home, I felt so ashamed of myself and pulled off the road. I sat for an hour and felt that I would never make another attempt at preaching. I prayed that God would deliver me from the burden of preaching; but before that prayer ended, I had resolved to God that I was willing to endure the difficulties of preaching if at least His people would be fed. In 1989, I accepted a call from Big Harpeth Church in Franklin, TN to serve as pastor. I continue to serve there. I married Mary King on November 4, 1972, and we have four children, three sons and one daughter: Mike, Mitchell, Korie, and Sidney. As of this writing, my most severe trial has been the death of our 17-year-old son. The Lord's answer to Paul has proved true for me as well in coping with this: “My grace is sufficient for thee. On a higher note, I conclude that throughout my life, I have been blessed by the riches of God's grace. He has embraced me in His arms and has upheld me by His mighty power. I have received no greater joy and honor in my life than to have the privilege to serve Jesus Christ and preach his glorious gospel to the Lord’s people. He has done exceeding abundantly above all that I could ask or think according to the power that worketh in us.