JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 16, 2026 — Jesus should be Christians’ one great love, Tommy Vinson urged pastors and their wives at the West Tennessee Pastors Conference Valentine’s Banquet Feb. 10 at Union University.
“I’m convinced that some people are in love with the organization of the church,” said Vinson, president of Tommy Vinson Ministries and guest speaker for the night. “But the thing is, Peter does not ask, ‘Do you love the church?’ or ‘Do you love preaching?’ He says here that we ought to love Jesus Christ.”
The annual Valentine’s Banquet is an opportunity for West Tennessee pastors and their wives to meet together for a meal and be uplifted through fellowship and preaching. Vinson gave a message from 1 Peter 1, seeking to encourage the attendees never to forget why they love Jesus, even as they navigate the difficulties of ministry work.
“Love changes everything,” Vinson said. “I love Jesus because he loved me first. I love him because he empowers me to do exactly what he asked me to do. I love him because he defeated my worst enemy.”
Vinson’s message of love was preceded by three vocal arrangements sung by Voices of Proclamation. The event was hosted by Union’s Office of University Ministries in an attempt to cultivate stronger relationships between area churches and Union.
“Union’s partnership with local pastors is central to who we are,” said Ray Van Neste, vice president for university ministries. “If it weren’t for local churches sending their students, we probably wouldn’t exist. So, it all starts with the pastors.”
One such pastor attending the banquet was Mark Cagle, pastor of Malesus Baptist Church in Jackson, Tenn. Cagle, a frequent attendee of West Tennessee Pastors Conference events, constantly finds encouragement through meeting with other pastors and listening to speakers each year.
“I’ve heard brother Tommy speak many times, and I knew he’d bring a great truth from God’s Word,” Cagle said. “He did not disappoint today.”