Rev. Richard Wright

What do you love most about First Baptist Church Memphis?
Before arriving in Memphis, someone told me that First Baptist is made up of some of the nicest people in the city. I believe that statement to be true. But far from simply being a nice church, the members are loving, caring, and focused on bringing good news to the surrounding community. The people of First Baptist are highly committed to midtown Memphis and continuously look for ways to express their dedication to Jesus Christ.

What hobbies do you enjoy?
I would rather fish than do most anything. Unfortunately, fishing trips are few and far between. My favorite places to pursue this passion are Heber Springs AR, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and a local pond here in Memphis. I enjoy playing golf and am fortunate to live a mile from a great public course. In addition I keep a blog (www.richardswrightings.blogspot.com), read, run a few miles during the week, work in my yard, and devote my fall afternoons to New Orleans Saints football. Go Saints!

What is your favorite novel?
Either Islands in the Stream by Ernest Hemingway or Silence by Shusaku Endo.

What is your favorite restaurant in Memphis?
The Bar-B-Q Shop on Madison Avenue www.dancingpigs.com.

Name a few artists on your Ipod?
The latest addition is Harry Connick, Jr’s, Oh, My Nola. In addition, you would find KT Tunstall, Coldplay, Amos Lee, Jack Johnson, Derek Webb, Matt Costa, and of course, U2.

The Fine Print
I was born in the sleepy, little town of Pascagoula, MS. Growing up in hurricane country was nothing unusual for me but that all changed when my parents became victims of Hurricane Katrina. My old house, along with many memories, was washed away in the storm. However, I am pleased to say that my parents rebuilt their dream home on the same lot and they are doing fine.
I attended Mississippi Collegewww.mc.edu where I received a bachelor’s degree in History with an emphasis in Christian Studies. After two years of employment at MC, I decided to pursue seminary training at Beeson Divinity School www.beesondivinity.edu. Seminary was a life changing experience as I learned from some of the most intelligent, yet unassuming, professors in the country. Although I received a Master of Divinity, my only criticism is that they did not adequately teach me how to conduct a successful banana relay with 5 th and 6 th graders! I continue my education of youth and family culture by attending the annual forums of the Princeton Seminary Institute for Youth Ministry. www.ptsem.edu/iym.
My wife Tiffiny and I share the joy of raising two energetic boys ages six and two. Together we enjoy a common day off, a good Huey’s hamburger, a summer vacation, and an occasional outing with our extended family.