Better Than a Retirement Rolex

Posted by chuck maxwell on May 18th, 2009 filed in Chuck's blog

Last Sunday afternoon I attended the retirement celebration of Ray Newcomb, pastor of the church I grew up in, First Baptist, Millington, TN. He served that church for 33 years and 4 months. Pretty much unheard of in a day that the average stay of a pastor is around 2 years. I listened to alot of proclamations, observed the giving and receiving of some nice gifts, (including his and her Rolex watches!) and heard the reflections of some members and staffers who had been impacted by Bro. Ray’s ministry. It was all pretty impressive and moving. But the sweetest part was seeing how many people at the service had come to faith under his ministry. The 100+ people were just a drop in the bucket for the length of his time there. He was humbly moved to see it as well. Bro. Ray’s passion is evangelism. Soul-winning. And his passion was on display in a big way. As you might imagine, anyone in ministry couldn’t help but think about the fruit of his/her own minstry. I realize much of it we will never know, but it is certainly convicting to consider what the response would be if the fruit of my life’s investment was displayed for others to see.

I pray I can be as faithful to my calling and passion as Ray Newcomb has been to his. I would love to serve my church that long. Even longer. But more importantly, I pray that God allows me to bear fruit that remains, and fruit that bears more fruit.