By Ralphine Major

“I’ll be glad when Christmas is over;” he said.  His words were followed by his familiar smile.  A soft chuckle hovered over the congregation, many obviously identifying with his words.  He continued.  “Do you realize how that sounds for a Christian to say that they will be glad when Christmas is over?”  It was the first message I heard Darrell Wright deliver as he emphasized that too often we let seasonal stress rob us of the joy we should feel when celebrating Christmas because Christmas will never be over.

Darrell is the Pastor of Discipleship & Leadership Development at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.  Before entering the ministry, the Harriman native worked 11 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as an accountant.  He is a graduate of Roane State Community College and The University of Tennessee.  After being called into the ministry, Darrell went back to school at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership.  He served on staff at Grace Baptist for 17 years.  In 2014, Darrell joined the staff at Wallace.  He has been married to Robin Davis Wright for 33 years.  Robin often leads classes in women’s ministry.  Darrell and Robin have three children and one special granddaughter.  The Wrights have traveled to the Holy Land several times, so it is not surprising that one of Darrell’s favorite quotes is from Jesus:  “No one comes to the Father but by me.”  Focus readers may follow their journeys online at Footsteps of Paul 2018.

“Darrell is a huge asset to our church family.  He is committed to growing people in their relationship with Christ and discipling new believers,” Dr. John Green, lead pastor at Wallace Memorial, shared.  “He and Robin have a huge heart for people; and everywhere they go, Darrell runs into someone he knows.”  According to Green, that has happened so often that it has become a joke among the staff.  “He and Robin make a great team,” the pastor continued.  “They really give their hearts to love Christ and love people.”