Dear Friends and Colleagues of Memphis Theological Seminary,
Barry Anderson has served many official roles at MTS over the years, but unofficially, in many ways, he has been a pastor to the seminary community; a spiritual guide and confidant to people in times of need; and a listening ear to all. To honor Barry’s ministry and service, we have established the Barry Anderson Fund for Student Assistance.
We have set an ambitious goal of raising $50,000 in Barry’s honor to make this student assistance fund a reality. The following shows the available giving levels to accomplish this goal.
$5,000 or more annual gift
Gold Donor
$2,500 to $4,999 annual gift
Silver Donor
$1,000 to $2,499 annual gift
Purple Donor
up to $999
If we meet our goal of raising $50,000 by November 30, 2024, we will be able to begin awarding student assistance in the Spring 2025 semester. We want to be able to surprise Barry with the announcement of the total this fall at a special luncheon, and we will list the names of all who give or pledge a gift in his honor when we make the announcement.
Thank you for supporting MTS in the past—you are needed now more than ever. We hope you will join one of the giving levels above. Doing so will bring joy to Barry, enhance the mission of MTS, and sustain students for a lifetime of ministry.
Thank you for your gracious consideration,
Rev. Dr. Jody Hill
President
THE BARRY ANDERSON FUND FOR STUDENT ASSISTANCE
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Rev. Dr. Barry Anderson graduated from MTS and was ordained in 1983. He has been the Director of
Student Services at MTS since 1990. He has pastored congregations in Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, and currently serves as
pastor of First Presbyterian, Paragould, Arkansas.
He is a graduate of Samford University (B.A.)
and Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div. ’83, D.Min. ’98). Barry and his wife, Lisa Anderson, also an MTS alum, live in Memphis, and have three adult children and five grandchildren.
Since 2007, Barry has also served as the coordinator for Iona’s Burrito Ministry, which provides food, clothing, and supplies to people experiencing homelessness in downtown Memphis.
“Barry has served many official roles at MTS over the years,” President Jody Hill said, “but unofficially, in many ways, he has been a pastor to the seminary community; a spiritual guide and confidant to people in time of need; and a listening ear to all. It’s amazing to watch on a daily basis, the number of people that walk through his door. Faculty, staff, ministers, lay people, community-minded people, and those serving local congregations–they all seek his prayer, his guidance, and his wisdom. We are grateful for his life of service and for the tremendous ambassador he’s been for MTS throughout the years. He will be sorely missed, and he will always be part of our MTS family.”
As the longtime director of student services at MTS, Barry was tireless in his ministry of serving students. Barry would never ask for funding in his name, so we are asking for him and will surprise him with the results!
Three ways in which the Barry Anderson Fund will provide student assistance:
International Students
Barry had a heart for international students throughout his 34-year history at MTS. These dedicated students often come to the United States without the financial resources to pay for housing, food, and basic living expenses.
The fund will be available to assist with tuition or other needs for those students.
Doctoral Students
As one who earned his D.Min. at MTS, Barry is aware that there are no academic scholarships or student assistance for those who are seeking a terminal degree to better serve their ministry and the church in leadership.
The fund will be available to assist with tuition or other needs for doctoral students.
Cumberland Presbyterian Students
Barry’s passion for serving in ministry for 34 years at MTS was a calling to serve his home denomination. The Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies and Program of Alternate Studies at MTS provide students with education, fellowship, and heritage in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church tradition.
The fund will be available to assist with tuition or other needs for Cumberland Presbyterian students.
Celebrate his retirement after over 34 years at MTS!