zellena weakley's Gifts (2)

Leon McKinley Corder, Jr.
Biographical Sketch

Leon M. Corder, Jr. is the second of four children, born to Linda E. Petway and Leon M. Corder, Sr. According to his mother, he was always a spiritual child. From a very young age, he emulated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He also gives credit to his stepfather, Edward Petway. His mother maintains that she always knew he would be a minister, even though he was known as the “class clown” in his youth.

Pastor Corder has always believed his calling is to win people (souls) to Christ. In following this calling, he founded Vine Hill Community Baptist Church in January, 2001. He was Senior Pastor of this church body until God sent him, in the same capacity, to Swift Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on March 19, 2006. On June 4, 2006, the two church bodies merged under the already established name of Swift Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Under this anointed shepherd, God is blessing the Swift Church family in countless ways. Membership has increased from 24 active members to over 300 dedicated and committed members. Under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Corder, members are actively participating in ministries that make a positive difference in people’s lives, in both the church and the community. 

Pastor Corder always brings the word that convicts your soul and challenges you to change the way you act, think, feel, and speak about the power of God. He encourages you to always stay in the Word, and when times get hard, stand on the Word.

Pastor Corder became a Graduate of American Baptist College in May, 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Bible Theology. He is currently enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene College obtaining his Master's Degree. He will be graduating this May, 2013.   Pastor Corder pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated in 2009. 

 
Pastor Corder is married to Audrey Ray Corder, who is dedicated to the Women's Ministry at Swift. First Lady is a Second Grade Teaher in the Metro Nashville School System. Pastor and First Lady Corder have a wonderful 19-year old son Louis, who excels academically and is deeply loved by his parents.