Young minister leads metro congregation

EDMOND — On the corner of Danforth Road and Interstate 35, tucked away in a shallow valley, sits the Edmond Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Rev. T.J. Sands delivers sermons on most Sabbath mornings, doing so since becoming a full-time pastor in 2016.

Born in Florida and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Sands, affectionately known as “Pastor T.J.,” has become accustomed to change. He’s also a relatively young pastor, at 31, in charge of an entire church and seemingly on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — delivering sermons, working with the church elders, visiting sick members, counseling congregants.

Many members are married, have children and even grandchildren. Recently married in September, Sands knows that marriage is holy and beautiful, and an institution that gives him more understanding as pastor. The experience of having children is a “few years away,” he said.

Sands received his bachelor of arts degree at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, majoring in theology with a minor in biblical languages, Greek and Hebrew. His plans for the future include continuing his education at a master’s level, most likely online programs so he can continue to devote the bulk of his time guiding church members.

When asked what he thinks is wrong with religion today, Sands said, “A lack of love and acceptance. We must begin with love and acceptance.

“We’ve heard it a hundred times: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

He said everyone is on the same spiritual journey, each at different points along the way. Those with the time and experience help those who are struggling.

A recovery ministry is the one area that Sands sees as growing over the next several years. The Edmond Seventh-day Adventist Church offers healthy cooking classes, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, bipolar and depression recovery groups and smoking cessation classes.

As Sands grows as a new pastor, he realizes that people gain experience daily. They make good choices and gain experience or poor choices and gain experience.

Either way, we should always have the attitude that no one is perfect, he said.