Dr. Ternae T. Jordan, Sr., a second-generation minister, grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Education and a minor in Religious Studies from the University of Tennessee.  In addition, he received a diploma from the Harvard School of Divinity, Leadership Institute. Dr. Jordan began his first pastorate at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Chattanooga, followed by 15 years of service at the Greater Progressive Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  He is currently the Pastor of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is also a New Church Catalyst with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (TBMB). He is a world traveler, preaching and teaching in Jamaica, Italy, Israel, Kenya and South Africa.

On May 14, 2005, Huntington College, Huntington, Indiana, conferred upon Pastor Jordan the degree of Doctor of Divinity honoris causa (‘as a mark of honor’), in recognition of his leadership and compassion to serve his community and make a lasting impact on the lives of many people throughout Northeast Indiana.  Dr. Jordan’s passion for serving God and compassion for reaching people extends far beyond normal pastoral duties and impacts entire communities. His lasting legacy continues after 32 years of dedicated service. In February 1992, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dr. Jordan founded Stop the Madness, Inc., an anti-violence program that provides cultural, spiritual, and recreational alternatives to at-risk youth. In 2005, Dr. Jordan opened an office in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2008, the Chattanooga office became Stop the Madness National, Inc.
From 1999 to 2004, Dr. Jordan served as Program Director of the Value-Based Initiative (VBI). VBI was funded by the Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. It provided practical ways that a faith-based community can be effectively involved with making the City of Fort Wayne a safer community. Through VBI, Dr. Jordan was instrumental in improving relations between the Fort Wayne minority community and the police department. In addition, the Greater Progressive Baptist Church’s S.O.A.R. (Strengthening Our Area through Redevelopment) Community Development Corporation developed Phoenix Place, an establishment of 13 community houses, as well as Phoenix Manor, a 50-unit senior apartment complex.

Dr. Jordan has received numerous awards, recognition and honors. In April of 2001, he served as a representative for the House-Senate Republican Faith-Based Leadership Summit held in Washington, D.C. That same year, SafeCities of the U.S. Department of Justice chose him to serve on a national panel to discuss safety and after-school programs. In 2003, he was called upon to comfort the State of Indiana through prayer at Indiana Governor Frank O’Bannon’s memorial service. In 2004, Indiana Governor Joe Kernan awarded Dr. Jordan the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the highest honor bestowed by the governor. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the State’s heritage or to the governor. The term “sagamore” was used by the American Indian Tribes to describe a lesser chief or a great man (Dr. Jordan) among the tribe to whom the true chief (Governor) would look for wisdom and advice.

In April 2005, he participated in discussions at the United States Department of Justice’s National Gang Executive Session. The Session focused on intervention and prevention programs designed to address gang crime through innovative partnerships with law enforcement.

Dr. Jordan is currently serving on the following boards: Purpose Point Community Resource Center, United Way (Executive Board), Stop the Madness National, Launch CHA, Bible in the Schools, and the Piedmont International University Board of Trustees. Since returning to Chattanooga, he has served on the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Board, as Chairman for the National Day of Prayer, Ruth Graham Crusade and Day of Service and currently serves on the Pastors Prayer Team for the City of Chattanooga. Additionally, he serves on the Mayor’s Chattanooga Dream Taskforce. Dr. Jordan works on many community-shaping initiatives, but most importantly, he is devoted to serving God and family. His wife, Angela Faye Jordan, is his partner in ministry and they have three children: Ternae Jr., DeJuan, and JaMichael; and, three grandchildren (Deanna, JaMichael Jr., and Nason). Dr. Jordan is compassionate, has a great sense of humor and portrays the Fruit of the Spirit.