Pastor preaches on Easter Sunday after being shot outside church a month ago

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) – A pastor who was shot in the face outside his church preached to his congregation for the first time on Easter since the injury happened in February.

In February, 70-year-old Reverend Clemie Livingston Jr. was shot while trying to stop a car theft at New Zionfield Baptist Church in Memphis.

Police said two people stole a 2019 Chevrolet Corvette from the parking lot outside of the church.

According to authorities, Livingston Jr. came out the front door of the church while the theft was happening. The suspects fired shots as they drove away, and a bullet hit the reverend in the face.

A second person was outside the church when this happened and shot back, police said.

Livingston said he’s thrilled to still be alive after what happened last month.

“You see this, it could have been right here, I am still alive, what more could you ask for,” Livingston said.

Livingston said he thinks when you pass away that God is saying it was your time, and after he got shot God said it was not his.

“I really believe in my spirit that god left me here for a reason if no more than to be an example for his children,” Livingston said.

Livingston said he appreciates all the help his family has gotten but nothing has compared to the prayers he has received.

As the special Easter service concluded, the church honored the man, they have followed for years for all of his strength and determination.

Livingston is not back at the church for good yet, he still has more surgeries ahead of him as the doctors say he can hopefully be back full time in about 8 weeks.

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