Tennessee House Bill HJR0183

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Engrossed: 2/12/25
• Enrolled: 2/20/25
• Passed: 2/27/25

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor Dr. James Michael Norris on the occasion of his retirement from ministry.

Impact

The resolution serves not only as a personal accolade for Dr. Norris but also as a public recognition of the value of long-term commitment to spiritual leadership and community service. By honoring such individuals, the General Assembly aims to inspire current and future leaders within the religious community to continue their important work and to reinforce the significance of spiritual guidance in fostering community development.

Summary

HJR0183 is a House Joint Resolution that honors Dr. James Michael Norris on the occasion of his retirement from his role as pastor of Franklin Road Baptist Church. The resolution highlights Dr. Norris's extensive career in ministry, detailing his passion for serving his congregation and community over several decades. It acknowledges his profound impact, noting the church's growth under his leadership, where attendance has consistently exceeded 1,000 members and even reached 2,300 on special occasions. Dr. Norris's dedication has also extended to various ministries around the world.

Contention

While the resolution is largely celebratory, it reflects broader themes within society regarding the role of religious leaders in community cohesion and moral guidance. By formally recognizing Dr. Norris, HJR0183 emphasizes the positive contributions of the ministry, which can sometimes be overshadowed by criticisms of organized religion. This reinforces the notion that effective pastoral leadership is critical to the well-being of various communities.