After 44 years of ministry, Jerry Keese of First Baptist Church, Flomaton, is calling it quits. Or is he?
Although his retirement from the full-time pastorate became official Dec. 31, Keese is undertaking other pursuits that will keep him as busy as ever.
Keese, 64, has begun work on his doctor of ministry degree which he plans to complete in 2003. He also plans to serve local churches as interim pastor when needed, as well as lead nationwide excursions for senior adults in Escambia Baptist Association.
First, Flomaton, saw much growth during Keese’s 20-year pastorate. According to Anne Anderson of Flomaton’s Tri-City Ledger, the church established and built a day care in 1975 shortly after Keese’s arrival and erected a family life center a year later. In 1998, the church added an educational building. Additional land has been purchased to prepare for any future growth.
While serving the Flomaton community, Keese has conducted nearly 500 weddings and more than 300 baptisms. He sadly notes that he has buried more than he has married.
The people of First, Flomaton, honored Keese with a surprise retirement party in November that included special music, a check for more than $5,000 and surprise guests such as Keese’s seminary friend and mentor David Gardner. Born and reared in Anderson, S.C., Keese grew up as a member of First Baptist Church, Anderson, where he accepted Christ and was baptized at age 11.
Called to preach at age 18
He was called to preach on his 18th birthday. He was licensed at 20 and ordained at 21 by First, Anderson. He graduated from Anderson College and in 1998 was given an alumni achievement award. He also graduated from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and earned a master of divinity and a master of arts from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
Keese started his ministry as a pastor in 1958 and for more than four decades has led churches in Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida. He served the Flomaton and Century (Fla.) areas for 28 years. Keese is aware of the gifts God has given him through the years, and he lists among the most important “His grace and my wife, Doris.” His favorite Scripture is 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)
“Confessing sin and finding the grace of God is such a wonderful and awesome thing,” Keese said. If there is a “secret” to his success, Keese says it is being able to relate well to others. “You have to love people,” he said.
Keese has learned many important lessons over the years while working with people in churches. “Be flexible, be loving, be patient, be forgiving and be there for people,” he said. “If people need me, I want to be there.” Keese expressed the importance of being available in times of crisis and need. “When needs are met, people will respect the man behind the pulpit even if he is not a great pulpiteer.”
Keese has some advice for ministers who have been serving for years and for those just getting started. “Don’t lead out of a sense of your own importance, Have a servant’s mentality and lead by example.” Keese strives to live by this motto: “I’ll never ask people to do something I’m not willing to do myself.”
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