Bob Covington

First Baptist Church, Cedar Bluff
Cherokee Baptist Association

Favorite Verse: Galatians 2:20

Favorite Hymn: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Hobbies: Reading and listening to music

Family Status: Wife of seven years, Ann; wife of 53 years until her death, Gerry Smith Covington; children: Timothy Poe, Jenni Jones, Daniel Covington and John Covington; four grandchildren

Bob Covington served in the Navy and received his education from the University of Alabama and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Afterward he served more than 33 years with the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board). He served in Malaysia, western Australia and Singapore. In retirement, he instructed Samford University extension classes in Tuscaloosa and has provided pulpit support, taught Sunday School and worked with the homebound ministry of his church in Cherokee County. For 18 months, Covington, now 85, was pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Centre, in Cherokee Association. 

Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?

A: A very loving, warm-hearted pastor’s wife. We had lost everything in the Great Depression. We moved into a new community. I would walk down to this white-frame church on Sundays. The Sunday School class was sort of like an oasis of love. I was 12 years old when I accepted Christ as my Savior.

Q: When and how were you led into the ministry? 

A: I was led into the ministry by going on something of an expedition while at the university. I had come out of the Navy. I hadn’t been in church in a while. Through activities and classes, it kept coming back that Christianity was the only thing that makes sense. 

Q: What does the ministry demand? 

A: Love the Lord first and love people. You love them and you ask the Lord to help you love them.

Q: What do you get from the ministry?

A: I get a meaning and a purpose in life. I get the joy of serving other people.

Q: How do family members support you?

A: They support me by telephone calls and by their prayers.

Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?

A: I plan to continue teaching Sunday School. I will continue to preach. I will continue to do my daily Bible study.

Q: What difference will this ministry make for you in the future?

A: It will give me an ongoing purpose. When I’m preparing to teach or preach, it gives me “fire power.” When I hear a moving song or something, I want to get up and preach or teach.

Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?

A: He has made all the difference because He has given me life and life eternal. He has given me fullness of life.