(This is one of 20 profiles on the recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2023 Rising Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: George Lee IV
Age: 35
Employer: Temple Baptist Church & Louisiana Baptists
Title: Lead Pastor of The Springs, Minister of Community Engagement at Temple Baptist Church, Grambling State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
How long have you lived in Lincoln Parish: 17 years
Civic-volunteer organizations: The Center for Children and Families board member, Christian Community Action board member, Men Standing Strong team leader for DART (Domestic Abuse Resistance Team), Grambling State University football team chaplain, Ruston Fire Department chaplain, Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce board member, Ruston Strong/Ruston Lincoln Recovery task force member, The Well of North Louisiana board member, United Way NELA Young Leaders United cabinet member
Professional Highlights: 2019 Top 5 Young Leaders to Watch awarded by Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Inaugural member of the Real Change in Ruston task force, Helped facilitate the first Juneteenth Celebration in Downtown Ruston in 2021, Featured on the cover of Ruston Living Magazine in May 2021, Young Leaders United Leader of the Year awarded by United Way NELA in 2022
Dr. Reggie Bridges, Pastor of Temple Baptist Church of Ruston on George Lee IV
“George makes a difference, plain and simple. Whether he is ministering in our faith community at Temple or The Springs, mentoring students/faculty on the Grambling campus, connecting local ministries together for greater impact, giving voice to Real Change in Ruston, or just demonstrating love to someone in need, George demonstrates faith and determination. Indeed, he is a man of wisdom, compassion, and humility. He is the real deal. I would dare say that he has done as much as anyone in the past five years to bring the various parts of Lincoln Parish together. I am better because of him, and I know our community is better as well.”
Q&A with George Lee IV
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
The strength of Lincoln Parish lies in the quality of the relationships we have with one another. While there is certainly more work to be done, our community continues to grow as we become increasingly more connected. As I’ve said before, I’m grateful to be a part of a community that not only cares about infrastructure but individuals.
How do you see your role in improving Lincoln Parish?
It has been my passion and privilege to help build and bridge relationships in our community by showing and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Personally, I believe continuing to do this is the best way I can improve Lincoln Parish.
Who has played a pivotal role in your professional development and why?
There are three individuals that have played a pivotal role in my professional development: Pastor Henry Tolbert, Pastor Mark Russell, and Dr. Reggie Bridges. I surrendered to the call of ministry while serving with Pastor Henry Tolbert. More than anyone, Henry helped me be able to capture and cast God-given vision in compelling ways. Pastor Mark Russell has played a huge role in modeling what it looked like for a husband and father to serve his family well. Lastly, in this season of my life, Dr. Reggie Bridges has challenged me to love and care for people well. Grateful for these awesome men.
