By Shelby Lakes

On his last day as pastor at Fairview, Brother Johnny Baker thanked the congregation for the years he could minister to and love us.

Brother Johnny said he had come to embrace change, that there is a danger of complacency when things are constant. He said he thinks he has not become complacent and thanks God for leading him in a different direction. We are supposed to change in ways that God leads us, and changes in churches are not always bad things, he said.

Brother Johnny suggested three things to do to help the new pastor: let the pastor lead, assist the pastor in his ministry, and pray for the pastor.

Pastors are only human and will need help. They have to make hard decisions, and will not please everyone.

In saying goodbye, Brother Johnny said, “A message has been entrusted to me: the gospel of Jesus Christ.”