Tar-U-Way Bright

Minister of Worship
A man after the Pastor's own heart, and an ordained Elder in the African Methodist Church, Reverend Bright exudes a quiet and thoughtful presence as he diligently works with music directors, praise leaders, ushers, stewards, trustees and ministers to plan our awesome worship experiences. However, once Reverend Bright is in the pulpit, he transforms to a fiery and passionate man in his enthusiasm for the Lord. The Reverend Tar-U-Way Richard Allen Bright is a proud native of West Africa . He is the son of The Reverend Canon J. Jellico Bright (a retired Episcopal Priest) and Mrs. Eliatha K. Bright. Reverend Bright is married to the beautiful Ms. Retta Williams Bright, and they are blessed with two children, Tar-U-Way Richard Allen Bright, Jr. and lovely TaRetta Melody Bright. In 1994, his mentor and father in ministry, Reverend David R. Daniels Jr. (now the Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District), who served as Pastor of Eliza Turner AME church, appointed Reverend Bright Acting Assistant Pastor of Eliza Turner. Reverend Daniels recognized a strong leadership potential in young Reverend Bright and took him under his wings.  In 1995, after receiving his ordination as a Deacon, Reverend Bright was appointed full Assistant Pastor of Eliza Turner AME Church. In April of 1996, due to the outbreak of the civil war in Monrovia , Reverend Daniels fled the country for his life and the pastoral mantle fell on Reverend Bright.  Reverend Bright was anointed by God to preach messages of hope and healing. His voice was prophetic and anointed during those times of great hopelessness and frustration. Between 1996 and 1998 the Eliza Turner AME membership grew numerically and financially. Reverend Bright completed the extension church initiative started by his predecessor. In addition, Reverend Bright became known as an outspoken Pastor, preaching about social issues, in spite of threats to his very life. As a result of his integrity and faith, Reverend Bright was awarded the ·Clergy Man of the Year· Award by the News Newspaper in 1997. Reverend Bright is a graduate of the College of West Africa where he received his high school diploma. He attended the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his Bachelor of Theology Degree with honors.  In 1998, he was awarded a full scholarship by The Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, the Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District, to attend the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta . He graduated with honors and awards in 2001 with a Master of Divinity in Theology and Homiletics. Reverend Bright is presently embarking upon a Doctor of Ministry degree at ITC.  Since his graduation from the ITC in 2001, Reverend Bright has traveled to Liberia every year to undertake mission projects in his country. In 2002, he served as Academic Dean of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary and an Instructor of Theology at the AME University in Liberia for one semester.  Presently, he serves as Minister of Worship and blessing to the 6,000-member Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta , Georgia under the guidance of Senior Pastor, Reverend Kenneth E. Marcus. At Turner Chapel, Reverend Bright maintains extensive administrative duties. He is the steward of over 20 ministries. He provides direction to any worship ministry including choirs, ushers, audio, video, greeters and musicians.  He believes that the most challenging aspect of his work is juggling his administrative duties and being spiritually focused as the Sunday morning worship leader. He feels the constant attacks from the devil affects one·s ability to worship God and lead others into worship.  Reverend Tar-U-Way shares the vision of Pastor Marcus for a future Turner Chapel in which the Ministry of Worship is viewed as a model for other churches. In his vision, worship would permeate to other AME churches, transcend denominations, and be a model church for the city, state, nation, and the world.  Our worship leaders greatest job satisfaction comes from God continuing to use him despite where he has been or who he is. When God shows up, Reverend Bright knows it has nothing to do with him. He marvels in how God continues to move at Turner Chapel AME.  Reverend Bright's goal at Turner Chapel is to create an environment where people can come to Turner with their problems and burdens and experience the presence of God. As God resolves problems and burdens, people can worship freely. It is his hope that the congregation will reach a level of worship where they can commune with God Monday through Saturday, so that Sunday morning worship is a continuous flow or culminating apex.  In being the Sunday morning worship leader, God has taught Reverend Bright that the level of worship in the congregation can be higher than the worship leader. God has revealed to Reverend Bright that he should not wait on the congregation to worship Him before he starts to worship. His private and sincere worship to God will spill over and touch the congregation. Then, the presence of God will be experienced.  His favorite scripture is Psalm 27:4, which perfectly reflects his strong desire to serve and please The Lord. The scripture reads as follows: One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; I may dwell in the house of the Lord all of the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. We are very blessed to have Reverend Tar-U-Way Richard Allen Bright's anointed presence in Turner Chapel. To God be the Glory!