Legacy Story - Jeremy Turner

I had the blessing of meeting Pastor Marcus Oliver when I was 19. I had just dropped out of college and didn’t know where to go with my life. He helped encourage me to apply for a role with Cardinal Health. He walked me through the entire process and gave me great advice for the interview. I got the job! Once I started working that job, he did not waste time with me. He asked me where I wanted to be in 5 years, I just told him I wanted to make more than what my parents made at the time. He responded saying that he believed in me- and that I would make way more than that in 5 years. He encouraged me and equipped me with what I needed to continue to get multiple promotions over the next few years. He was correct- I made well over that amount in less time.

He also mentored me in my ministry career, I knew I was called to be in youth ministry, but he encouraged me that one day- I would be Youth Pastor. In 2024 I received a staff position at my local church- as Youth Pastor. Pastor Marcus' intentional effort to make time for me and take me to lunch and spend time listening to me really helped me.

My Father has been addicted to drugs my entire life and my stepdad was emotionally absent. Having someone around when I was young in my relationship with God who took on the role of Spiritual Father completely changed my perspective of myself and so many things in life. Looking back, he didn’t constantly criticize or tell what to do or not do. He spent more time encouraging me to push myself and telling me I could do more than what I thought I could. He offered suggestions in every part of life, how to lead as a husband, how to manage finances, and many other ideas - including random business ideas. Pastor Marcus was always ready to pray with me when things became difficult.”

  My hope is to see Pastor Marcus’ legacy continue as I lead other young people who don't have a Godly father figure and are struggling to figure out where they want to go in life. My goal is to partner with those young people - like Pastor Marcus partnered with me-as someone who can help shift their thinking and push them to do more than they ever thought possible.

Pastor Jeremy Turner serves alongside his wife Nicole as Youth Pastor at Life Church and The Nashville Dream Center in Lebanon, TN. He is the father of toddler twins - Lily and Levi Turner. He continues to serve at Cardinal Health and proves daily that powerful mentoring and leadership can produce tremendous change and growth in the life of another.