OPELIKA, Ala. (BP) – Members of First Baptist Church learned from an email today that their senior pastor since 2016, Jeff Meyers, died during the night.
The email was sent by the church staff and deacons. “As a church family, we grieve this tremendous loss together, even as we hold tightly to the hope and promise of eternal life in Christ that Pastor Jeff preached so faithfully,” it said.
Church administrator Chris Wood told Baptist Press the cause of death, prior to official confirmation, is being described as a medical condition. Meyers was 52 years old.
“I knew Jeff for 18 years, probably longer than anyone here,” he said. “There will never be, in my opinion, another man so steadfast in his convictions. He boldly preached the Good News and the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And now he is able to see with his spiritual eyes everything that he preached, taught and believed in. He was an amazing man.”
A native of Desoto, Texas, Meyers met his wife, Traci, when both were students at Baylor University. He went on to earn degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He came to First Opelika in August 2016, after serving at Greenwell Springs (La.) Baptist Church. Before that, he was pastor of First Baptist Church in Conyers, Ga.
He also was a newly elected trustee of his alma mater, Southwestern Seminary.
Wood was a high school economics teacher and a member of First Conyers when he met Meyers in 2008. They became friends, and when a position came open at First Opelika a year after Meyers arrived, he called Wood.
“Jeff encouraged me to take a step of faith,” said Wood, who had not held a ministry position. Wood was ordained at First Opelika by Meyers as a preaching pastor in 2022.
For over 25 years, Meyers answered faith questions at youth camps, on the radio and at live special events. His “Ask Jeff” times led to a website of that name and were shared on Facebook and YouTube.
Areas for prayer at the church were made available this afternoon (Dec. 5) and later tonight, to be reopened tomorrow morning. Service and visitation details are forthcoming.
“Pastor Jeff served our church with unwavering devotion, compassion, and humility,” the letter said. “His love for God and for people was evident in every sermon he preached, every prayer he prayed, and every conversation he shared. His absence will be deeply felt, yet his legacy of faithfulness and love will continue to shape our community for years to come.”
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