Rocky Mount Baptist Church, Valley
Tuskegee Lee Baptist Association
Favorite Bible Verse: 1 John 5:11–12
Favorite Hymn/Christian Song: “Because He Lives”
Hobbies: Fishing
Family Status: Married to Mary Helen for 53 years; three children, Danny, Timothy and Mollie; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren
Lu Cadenhead won the 2005 Shophar Award from the University of Mobile’s school of Christian studies, which honors pastors for their service. Cadenhead was pastor of Rocky Mount Baptist Church, Valley, for more than 40 years, taking only a small salary and driving about 20 miles to and from the church. He currently serves as interim pastor of Cottonton Baptist Church in Russell Baptist Association.
Q: What led you to the ministry?
A: The Lord called me into the ministry when I was about 26 years old — 2 years old as a Christian. I had taught Sunday School and a young people’s training union class and the Lord kept calling. I finally decided that that’s what He called me for, and I never have regretted it.
Q: Why have you done this activity?
A: Because I was convinced that’s what God wanted me to do.
Q: What does the ministry demand?
A: That’s hard to describe. A lot of time, care, Bible study and prayer. But every bit of it is rewarding.
Q: What do you get from the ministry?
A: The satisfaction of knowing that I’m doing what the Lord wants me to do. It’s a thrill to see people’s lives change and (them) make decisions about their lives. That’s just a blessing that you can’t count. It’s a thrill, a joy and it’s humbling. You know when lives are changed that you are doing what God called you to do.
Q: How do other family members support you?
A: Wonderfully. My oldest son leads singing at Cottonton (Baptist), and my youngest son pastors at Enterprise Baptist Church in Richland, Ga. My wife is in total support.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I’m going to preach somewhere as long as I’m able. I’m 74 and I’ll fill in and do whatever I can do.
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