Florence. Alabama

 

In 1991 when I stood before you in this pulpit as your pastor for the first time it was with mixed emotions.  I experienced mixed emotions because I left a 16 year pastorate with people I loved and I felt loved me. And, I knew that the road before us would be challenging. Today, I stand before you with mixed emotions once again because it is necessary that I announce that I am retiring from the pastoral ministry and it is therefore necessary that I relinquish my responsibilities as your pastor.    

 

Although I am retiring from the pastoral ministry after 34 years of service I am not retiring from ministry! I have accepted a position as President of  Ministries in Huntsville, Alabama where I will become actively involved in enlisting, training and deploying Great Commission Christians in an Acts 1:8 strategy around the world. T.I.M.E. is an acrostic for Training In Missions Evangelism. It is a 501 C3 non-profit, faith based organization that exists for the purpose of partnering with churches in helping them fulfill the Great Commission. For almost one year now the Lord has been actively preparing my heart to accept this transition in ministry. At first the shifts were slight but noticeable. In the past several months His clear leading has became obvious to the extent I could no longer ignore this call.       

 

Actually, this transitional move will be a retro experience for Debby and me. We have served as ministry partners for almost 39 years and it seems to be the will of God that we finish the active days of our ministry just as we began as a young couple almost four decades ago; in a faith-based ministry. This will be a bit of a stretch for us because we are leaving some of the guarantees and securities of a pastor and stepping out in faith trusting in the Lord’s goodness and grace to meet our needs. However, we are absolutely convinced that this is the will of God for this season in our lives. We have been careful and meticulous concerning the proper timing. We are likewise convinced that this is the right time for us and for First Baptist.     

 

Being your pastor is a great privilege in my life. I am honored and humbled by the confidence you placed upon me by calling me as your leader.   As I remember this congregation it will be with affectionate and fond memories. Our lengthy partnership of 17+ years is not only a record at First Baptist but it is a positive statement in a negative world. It is a statement concerning the redeeming and sanctifying grace of the Lord Jesus for indeed only He can make diverse people fit and function in the Body of Christ through the unity of the Holy Spirit. My sincere and heart-felt prayer is that this city and the Kingdom of God is a better and bigger place because we partnered together as Pastor and people.

 

I respectfully request that my last day in the pulpit as your pastor be March 8^th. I realize that is a little over four weeks away but there is much I need to do in working with the staff and the Leadership Team to assure a smooth transition. Also, one of those weeks I will travel to Guatemala with a medical mission team from First Baptist and this association. This is a mission endeavor we have been involved with for the past three years. I will return on Thursday, March 5^th and the following Lord’s Day will be my last Sunday in the pulpit. Afterwards I plan to take a couple of weeks to relax, regroup and reflect upon the 34 years of service as a pastor.  Hopefully, Debby and I will be able to take a short trip somewhere before assuming my responsibilities with T.I.M.E. around the first week of April.

 

Debby and I covet your prayers. I can assure you that we will be praying for you as you seek His will for your future.

 

Respectfully Submitted, Larry d. Wright