Alonzo Terry

Born in South Georgia, Alonzo Terry grew up in a region steeped in the legacy of segregation and racial tension. His family was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and he witnessed the signs of the era—literal and figurative—that marked the boundaries of race. These early experiences planted seeds of awareness and a desire for justice that would later influence his ministry.

As a young man, Terry was an athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track. His athleticism earned him a scholarship to Troy University in Alabama, where he played football. But even as he thrived on the field, he was on a spiritual quest. His spiritual turning point came during a Bible study in his college dorm. Unsatisfied with the explanation offered about what it meant to be “born again,” Terry studied Scripture intently. That summer, while home from college, he attended a Bible study led by members of John Cupit’s church in New Orleans. When the speaker declared, “Without the Spirit of God, you’re none of His,” Terry realized he lacked that Spirit—and he wanted it.

That night, after a baseball game, he chose Bible study over partying with friends. The decision changed his life. He received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and returned home to share the news with his parents. His father’s skeptical response—“We’ll see”—eventually gave way to transformation, as Terry later baptized his father in Jesus’ name.

Terry’s newfound faith ignited a revival at Troy University. He shared his experience with his teammates, and soon, dozens of football players were attending church and receiving the Holy Ghost. The movement grew so large that it disrupted the football program. Eventually, Terry’s scholarship was revoked. Despite this setback, he remained steadfast.

Out of this, Terry founded the first Apostolic campus ministry at Troy University. Over four years, more than 360 students received the Holy Ghost or were baptized. The revival spread beyond the campus, reaching families across the South.

Sadly, the influx of young African American students into a predominantly white church setting created tension, and the students were encouraged to hold services on campus. Though they complied, the separation felt wrong. “If people have the Holy Ghost,” Terry questioned, “why are they afraid of the color of my skin?”

Eventually, a new pastor invited them back, but the damage had been done. Many students chose not to return, disillusioned by the experience, while a handful, including Terry, continued to attend. The church underwent leadership changes, and Terry and his peers received renewed support from presbyter Ray White, who recognized the injustice. During this time, Terry received his ministerial credentials with the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).

After college, Terry felt God calling him to Atlanta. He and his wife, Kathy, assisted Bishop Vernon Brite in Macon, Georgia, for six months, and during that time they traveled nearly eighty miles one way every Saturday to teach home Bible studies in the Atlanta area. A friend eventually connected them with a large Bible study group that would become the foundation of a new congregation. The Terry family relocated to Atlanta in 1988, and Solid Rock Pentecostal Church held its first service in April of that year. Solid Rock grew steadily under the Terry’s leadership and became a thriving multicultural and multigenerational congregation.

Terry’s experiences with racial exclusion fueled his commitment to promote change from within. Over the years, he served in numerous leadership roles in the Georgia District, including sectional NAM director and presbyter. As a district leader, Terry advocated for greater racial and ethnic inclusion and representation. Thanks to his efforts, the district implemented diversity training and stressed the importance of racial and ethnic inclusion to church growth. This promoted a shift in culture, opening doors for more people of color to serve in leadership roles.

One of Terry’s most noteworthy contributions was his leadership of Building the Bridge. Terry helped transform Building the Bridge from a gathering for African American leaders to a North American ministry designed to equip all leaders to reach Black communities effectively. Terry helped give the ministry its current name and guided it into a new era of influence. Even after his tenure as director, he remained on the board as a pastoral advisor, continuing to champion its mission. Terry’s leadership of Building the Bridge also gave him a seat on the UPCI’s General Board, where he was able to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion across the fellowship.

Terry was a mentor to many young leaders and pastors who looked to him for wisdom. In 2000, he founded the Mentorship Conference, a leadership summit that equips pastors and ministry leaders with strategies for church growth and spiritual impact. As a pastor, Terry guided Solid Rock Pentecostal Church to become a model of diversity and inclusion. He was known for encouraging and empowering church members to fulfill their God-given potential, and for his involvement in the community.

Terry’s greatest joy was his family. He and Kathy were married for forty years, and had three children: Jonathan (Tiffany), Nathaniel (Brittney), and Kaitlyn. His role as a grandfather brought him immense pride, especially his namesake, Nathaniel Alonzo Terry II. The Terry’s son, Nathaniel, succeeded his father as senior pastor.

Alonzo Terry passed from this life on August 21, 2023. He left a legacy as a bridge builder, a leader who spanned the divide and brought people of different races, ethnicities, and cultures together under the banner of the cross. His influence continues to be felt through the lives and ministries of the leaders he empowered.