After more than a decade of service, Rocky Davis, Kentucky- Tennessee Conference publishing director, has retired from his position on January 31, 2025. Davis has served in his role with the Conference since 2014, leading initiatives to distribute literature, and training the next generation of literature evangelists.
Davis’ career in publishing spans more than 42 years, a journey he began as a teenager at Mount Vernon Academy in Ohio. Despite early reluctance to follow in his father’s footsteps as a literature evangelist, Davis was compelled to enter the field, a decision he credits to divine intervention. His career includes leadership roles in conferences across the country, including Georgia-Cumberland, Michigan, and Potomac, before joining Kentucky-Tennessee.
“It’s been a privilege to serve in this capacity,” said Davis. “Publishing is the cornerstone of our mission. It started 14 years before the Adventist Church was organized, and remains a vital method for sharing the three angels’ messages.”
One of Davis’ significant accomplishments at Kentucky-Tennessee is the Gold Leaf Outreach, a program he co- developed with Todd Van Cleve, a church member at the Murfreesboro, Tenn., Church. This initiative combines traditional literature distribution with online Bible study courses. In addition, Davis also strengthened the Conference’s student evangelism program, which recruits and trains young people for door-to-door ministry.
“Watching students grow spiritually while reaching thousands through literature distribution has been incredibly rewarding,” said Davis. “In 25 years of working with students, I’ve seen them learn to overcome challenges, persevere, and walk by faith — it’s an incredible process.”
In retirement, Davis plans to rest while also staying connected to the work he loves by assisting with publishing training and mentorship programs across various conferences.
“Every time someone gets a book, it’s a small miracle,” said Davis. “The work of literature evangelism is one way for the Church to shine in the world.”
As of the writing of this article, the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference has not appointed a new publishing director. Visit www.kytn.net for any additional updates.
Kentucky-Tennessee | March 2025
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