MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A South Memphis pastor, shot in the jaw outside his own church, made his return on March 31 for Easter Sunday.
On Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, Memphis Police said Pastor Clemmie Livingston Jr. was shot following a carjacking around 9:15 a.m. at the New Zionfield Baptist Church south of Downtown. This all took place about 15 minutes before Sunday service started.
This Easter was his first time preaching since the shooting.
"You know it's resurrection Sunday, but it also is a testimony Sunday for me,” said Livingston.
The congregation was overjoyed to finally see their beloved pastor back in the pulpit after five weeks.
"I'm a living testimony," Livingston said. "I never felt the pain, although I had a bullet go through my jaw. When the paramedics pulled into the trauma center at Regional One, I was still conscious.”
The pastor said he still has a long road to go when it comes to his recovery, but wanted to take advantage of this small window he has before his next round of surgeries.
Livingston still has a brace in his jaw and will have to undergo a bone replacement and plastic surgery once it’s removed. From there, recovery will take about six to eight more weeks.
"Praying to God that all things will go well, and I will fully recover," Livingston said. "The church is my life.”
Memphis Police said the vehicle stolen from the church has not been recovered and no arrests have been made.
If you have any information, call Memphis Police or CrimeStoppers at 901-528-2274 (CASH).