MVP Resigns

While many people were watching the Super Bowl and eating chicken wings, a more significant accomplishment was being celebrated in Wade, MS. After fiftteen years, Bill Barton preached his last sermon at Wade Baptist Church in Jackson County, Mississippi.

I worked with Bro. Bill for several years as the Associate Pastor/Mininster of Youth/Minister of Music/Minister of Education/Minister of Etcetera at Wade Baptist. He is the most amazing man I know. He assumed the position of pastor at the church after "retiring" from the Home of Grace, which he founded in the early 1960s. I have never met a more dedicated and focused servant leader. Bro. Barton is a master at guiding members to be involved in doing the ministry of the church. He has an unusual ability to motivate people, who are naturally inclined to sit on the sideline, to get "into the game." His motto was always "Teamwork: Because it Works."

When Bro. Bill was nearing graduation from Bible College, a representative of a Mission Organization had an interview with him. Since Bro. Bill has a speech impediment, the man told Rev. Barton, "You'll never pastor a church, you can't pronounce your "r's." That statement, though cutting at first, was a great motivating factor for Bro. Bill. He knew God had called him and nothing would (and has) stop him from fulfilling his call to minister.

In a copy of a book he gave me, he signed the cover and included the scripture John 15:7-14.In this passage, Jesus encouraged his followers to "abide" in him. Cultivating a strong relationship with Christ is essential to a productive and fulfillling life. In verse 14, we find that Jesus said, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."

Bro. Barton is certainly a friend of God. He is my friend. I pray God will continue to use him greatly, because he has never used the word "retire." He will begin as Director of Public Relations for the Home of Grace on Mar. 1.

Read a article about Bro. Bill here.