About Us
History
Founded in 2000
The Middle Tennessee Billy Graham Crusade held in Nashville in June 2000 had an impact beyond its stated purpose. Members of the crusade Executive Committee saw racial, cultural and denominational walls broken down for the purposes of evangelism. As the Crusade ended, leaders agreed that an ongoing strategy should be developed to continue expanding the good things that came out of the Crusade. Formed as a non-profit 501(c) 3 ministry and named The Operation Andrew Group, leaders recruited a board of trustees, drafted a mission statement and bylaws and secured initial donations and office space.
First event in 2002
The first major outreach became known as the Gathering, and was held in January 2002 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center (now Sommet Center) in downtown Nashville. Over 150 churches agreed to suspend their Sunday evening service so that their congregations might join with other believers in a joint service of worship and praise. About 8,000 attended, and noted preacher and apologist, Ravi Zacharias, delivered the sermon. The event was held the following year in May, featuring well-known pastor and evangelist Tony Evans as the speaker.
Pastor becomes president
In 2003, The Operation Andrew Group Board felt the ministry would be strengthened by having a pastor as its President. Dr. Charles McGowan, Senior Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church, became The Operation Andrew Group’s first President.
Ministries expanded
The Gathering was re-configured into regional events where congregations gathered to worship and pray together. During this time many other ministries were added and expanded upon, including an annual Honor Banquet for church leaders and spouses, fellowship and training seminars for church leaders, and various partnership initiatives benefiting disadvantaged members of the community. Two other major citywide events were initiated at this time through a partnership with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee: the National Day of Prayer “Downtown Expression” and the Annual Citywide Thanksgiving Service.
New Executive Director
In February 2009, Mike Arrington became the new Executive Director of The Operation Andrew Group to give administrative leadership to the organization.
Currently, Operation Andrew acts as a strategic catalyst in the community, bringing a wide spectrum of churches, businesses and civic agencies together to meet spiritual and social needs. OAG strives to provide vision, networks and equipping tools that will facilitate a spirit of goodwill and brotherly compassion for all people.