First, Hoover, retiring Pastor Earl Tew leaves legacy of community, church ministry

Earl Tew has lived the mission of First Baptist Church, Hoover, since he came as pastor in 1997.
   
He has centered his life around the church’s mission statement: “to be the family of God where all people are welcome, where believers are discipled under the lordship of Jesus Christ, characterized by grace, guidance and growth.”
   
But now it is time to hand that role over to someone else. Tew will officially retire April 18.
   
“We hate to see him leave,” said Ron Hilburn, minister of music for First, Hoover. “He has done marvelous things for the church.
   
“I’ve worked with him for three years and have seen miraculous growth under his leadership,” he said. “The music ministry has grown now to have an adult choir, college ensemble, youth choir and music training.
   
“He is concerned about the people,” added Hilburn. “This is his greatest strength.  He is dedicated and works harder than anyone I’ve ever seen.  It has been a privilege to work with him.”
  
Tew was still on the staff of the Birmingham Baptist Association (BBA) at the time of his calling to Hoover as interim pastor. 
   
His decision to leave the BBA was personal — to help take care of his mother-in-law. 
   
The church offered Tew a full-time pastorate after he retired from the BBA.
   
“The church had hard times then financially and only 90 members in attendance on average,” said Tew.  “One objective has been to lead the church to a full-time pastor and grow the church.”
   
Tew launched “Renewing the Dream” and the church became debt free. 
   
The building loan was paid off and another $150,000 was raised for ministries and renovations.  Currently the church boasts the highest annual budget in its history and has doubled in attendance.  
   
Tew adds, “Hoover has been the most demanding, but most rewarding church I’ve ever pastored.”
   
Tew said he worked hard to develop the church’s ministries and staff. He has led Hoover in launching FAITH-based Sunday School Evangelism Strategy and restarted Woman’s Missionary Union, GAs, RAs and Mission Friends.
   
He also launched clothing and food programs, replaced committees with ministry teams and began weekly ministries to individuals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 
   
The staff has increased to include a full-time pastor, youth minister, music minister, children’s leader, preschool leader, secretary, organist, pianist and Hispanic minister.
   
Tew’s career began 55 years ago after he graduated from Howard College (now Samford University). 
   
He taught school one year between college and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary while serving two other churches. He was pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church, Birmingham, for 21 years and then at BBA for 12 years. He also served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan. 
   
“He is one of the finest men I’ve ever known,” said Marylyn Carroll, church member.  “He is compassionate, loving and caring.  Nobody wants him to retire, but he deserves it.”
   
Tew said he will miss working with the church members. “These are wonderful people with strong bonds of love,” he said. “It’s tough to retire.  I love this church, but the time has come. 
   
“It’s been a good ride,” he said. “I’m proud of where we are.  A new pastor will come in with adequate facilities, parking and no debts or struggles. 
   
“More great things are in the future for First Baptist Church of Hoover,” said Tew.  “Its mission will continue:  to evangelize the ever growing population of Hoover and to support missions around the world.”
   
Tew said he hopes to enjoy time with his wife, Juanita, their three children and six grandchildren during his retirement.