Ty Parten, pastor of Thomasville Baptist Church in Clarke Baptist Association, has learned a lot about ministry from Associate Pastor James Best.
After all, Best has been at it for 60 years.
“Dr. Best’s life and longevity in ministry has typified how Paul intended for us to finish well in Christian service when he said, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,’” Parten said. And Sept. 12, the church honored Best for his years in the ministry. He served as pastor of several churches and director of missions for Bethlehem and Pine Barren Baptist associations.
“Dr. Best has given himself to our church for the last five years at a time when his ministry was truly needed. For that, we will forever be grateful,” Parten said, adding, “His heart for missions and his ministry to the homebound will never be matched at Thomasville Baptist.”
It is missions that Best said he has enjoyed the most in his ministry. He worked as a summer missionary in college and has served overseas several times in places such as Guatemala, Thailand and Jamaica.
During the celebration, Best led the congregation in singing and was accompanied by his daughter, who played piano. Members he had ministered to over the years shared testimonies, and there was a money tree for those who wished to contribute a love offering.
“Thomasville Baptist is truly a great church. My wife and I have felt such an outpouring of love and appreciation. I can’t speak enough for the pastor and the ministry,” Best said.
Even though he retired Sept. 30, Best intends to continue serving the church through missions, visiting the homebound and nursing homes and encouraging others within the community.
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