Who knows where a dream comes from? I do not. I only know that early in my ministry I dreamed of serving as editor of a state Baptist paper. Years later, while serving as editor in another state, my heart began to dream of being editor of The Alabama Baptist. Praise God, He gave me both my dreams. I pray that was because He was the source of the dreams in the first place.
For 30 years I have served as editor of a state Baptist paper, the past 10 as editor of The Alabama Baptist. Last week’s edition of this publication acknowledged the anniversary with a front-page story. I was surprised when I saw the story and speechless when I read it. Colleagues and co-workers were kind and gracious. Reading the story was a humbling experience that brought tears to my eyes.
But, for the record, it is I who am indebted to Alabama Baptists, and Missouri Baptists before them, for giving me the opportunity to live out the God-given dreams. Serving as editor has not always been easy or without pain. Providing the first draft of Baptist history, which is what the state paper does, puts one in perilous positions in the best of times. The turmoil Southern Baptists experienced these past several years only heightened the exposure.
But God’s call is not about safety. It is about faithfulness. It is not about personal privilege. It is about service. A call to the ministry of state papers does not provide a platform for one’s prejudices. It requires one to “tell the truth and trust the people.”
A state paper editor, like all ministers, is to glorify God’s Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and build up the body of Christ. Concerns about reputation and influence are out of place. The ultimate goal is to hear our Lord say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” For 30 years as editor, my prayer has been that the contents of each weekly issue will be helpful to readers in their Christian life and that the news and information would accurately reflect what God is doing in His world.
Obviously an editor, like all other human beings, needs encouragement along the way. Alabama Baptists have provided that for me. The most dramatic example of that care was mentioned in the anniversary article — the death of my wife, Eleanor, in 1998. The outpouring of sympathy and prayer was remarkable. It extended beyond the funeral. Calls and cards continued during the long months of my recuperation. Even today, people ask about my well-being.
A little more than three years ago, when I married Patricia Creel Hart, Alabama Baptists shared our joy. Hundreds, literally, attended our wedding. People continue to express their joy at the way God led us to one another. Together we continue to minister in churches across the state.
In a report to the board of directors of The Alabama Baptist a few years ago, I shared that I would never be able to repay them or Alabama Baptists for what they did for my family and me during that experience. To all, I again say thank you.
Alabama Baptists have cared for me in other ways. They have allowed me to minister among them. The state Baptist paper still goes into about 2,400 different churches each week, about the same number of churches that contribute to the Cooperative Program. Circulation is not as high as it was 25 years ago, but it has not slipped far. Knowing that tens of thousands of people will read what one writes and that they care about Baptist life energizes all of us associated with the state Baptist paper to do our very best.
Alabama Baptists have demanded that I grow in my abilities in order to fulfill the responsibilities of leading the state Baptist paper. My first paper 30 years ago was produced one line at a time from hot lead. Now the newspaper comes out on paper one full page at a time ready for the press. At times, the editor is theologian, businessman, investor, personnel officer, postal official, printer, negotiator, reporter, friend, preacher, counselor and more. No day is like the other, and every day is a challenge.
Alabama Baptists allow me to be involved with Baptist life beyond the state’s borders so the paper can open a window to the kingdom of God around the world for readers. This is one of the joys most personally rewarding for me. It is reporting missions efforts in places like Spain, Venezuela or Ukraine. It is working with Baptist leaders from around the world in the Baptist World Alliance. Sometimes it is learning from other Christians in ecumenical groups such as Evangelical Press Association and Associated Church Press. Every experience is a learning experience, a time of personal growth. I am always better for it.
Thank you, too, for allowing me to minister in Alabama Baptist churches. I love to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. As long as Alabama Baptists invite me, I will keep accepting. Being in the churches helps keep me focused on the needs of people and churches rather than some irrelevant topic.
In case you haven’t noticed, I love being an Alabama Baptist. It is more than because this is my home state. It is because of who Alabama Baptists are. You are a great people of God. I have enjoyed my years as editor of the state Baptist paper and, God willing, look forward to more.
Thank you for allowing me to minister with you. Being editor of The Alabama Baptist really is a dream come true.
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