October 2, 2026
LITHIA SPRINGS, Ga. — Kenneth Hennesy, pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church, has faithfully served the Douglas County congregation for 36 years. Last November, his life and ministry took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with stage 3 bile duct cancer.
On Nov. 14, 2023, Hennesy was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta with severe pain. Multiple tests confirmed the diagnosis, and doctors said he would need Whipple surgery, a major, complex procedure
By divine providence, the top surgeon in the southeast saw Hennesy’s chart. He was in the preferred hospital with the best results for that particular surgery, and the preeminent surgeon who had seen his chart had a surgery cancelled and was available to perform the operation eight days later.
The surgeon noted, “Pastor Hennesy is surely a man of God, because all those favorable circumstances could not have coincided apart from divine intervention.”
True to form, Hennesy preached the Sunday before surgery. He told the congregation about his condition and the operation scheduled for Nov. 22, the day before Thanksgiving. “I don’t know how long the recovery time will be,” he said, “but you will have to carry on God’s work without me for an indefinite period of time.”
After the surgery, the long journey of recovery began. Retired pastors and Jason Loudermilk, the associational mission strategist for the West Metro Baptist Association, filled the pulpit. The deacons led the services on Wednesday evenings and periodically opened the church doors and welcomed people to come pray for their pastor.
Several members have grown up in the Union Grove church, including 94-year-old James Still, who is an active deacon. Those who had been members of the church for many years and those who had become members more recently were faithful, and God blessed the church during the pastor’s recovery.
On Jan. 14, 2024, Hennesy returned to the pulpit and preached while sitting on a stool. Church member Kathy Braswell explained, “He was so weak, we held our breath as we watched him preach. He came in for his sermon only. He was not permitted to have any interaction with the congregation because significant caution had been prescribed to prevent infection. The deacons stood in his place during the invitation.”
On Jan. 18, the Union Grove pastor started his first of twelve rounds of chemotherapy. Early in the process, he had an allergic reaction to the chemotherapy and was readmitted to the hospital.
From January to July, he preached only twice a month. From April to June, he came to the church but sat in a classroom during the church’s senior adult programs to hear the guest speakers. He finished his “chemo” in July, and on Aug. 8, he was able to attend the senior adult event, “Shared Blessings” and eat with the group for the first time in nine months.
For months, he suffered through infections, port replacement, weight and muscle loss, pain, and being unable to preach consistently.
Because of the love of the people for their pastor, they stood in the gap where there was a need to see that the ministries of the church continued without interruption. They prayed for him. They sent cards and letters to encourage him. They continued his salary without fail. They proved their affection and appreciation for him in a multitude of ways.
While Hennesy continues to deal with the lingering effects of the surgery and chemotherapy, he is determined to give himself to his calling and the church he has served with loving dedication for 36 years.
Under Hennesy’s leadership, the church seeks to minister to the community in meaningful ways. Union Grove ministers to several schools in the area, and the pastor recently shared the devotion for the teachers of three of the elementary schools. He encourages teachers and school employees to look to the Lord for help and strength.
Hennesy still believes in scheduling revivals for his church each year. He typically has a different pastor to preach for the various services. For several years, Ben Lang, pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lithia Springs, has brought the closing message. At the August revival meeting this year, Lang reminded the church of how God had been gracious and answered their prayers for their pastor. As a result of the revival, at least four people came to faith in Christ.
While the Union Grove pastor is still dealing with some post-operation side effects, he is getting stronger every day and is leading the church with faith and love into his 37th year of ministry in Lithia Springs.
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