Serving one church for more than a quarter of a century might seem unusual in the world we live in today. But for David Bishop, long, committed service is the only way to go.
Bishop, pastor of Mulberry Baptist Church, Maplesville, in Chilton Baptist Association, is retiring after nearly 33 years of ministry, 26 of which were spent at Mulberry Baptist. “The Lord never called me to preach. He called me to pastor,” Bishop said.
He was called to pastor in 1973 at Coker Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa Baptist Association and accepted a pastorate in December of the same year at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Gordon, in Columbia Baptist Association. Bishop was called to Mulberry May 1, 1980.
Over the years, Bishop has not only been a pastor but also has been very involved in his community — a place he plans to stay involved in after retirement. He’s served as a volunteer firefighter; a commentator for the Isabella High School football team in the Isabella community; and a coach, chaplain and sometimes scorekeeper for the basketball team.
Bishop said he views his community as a missions field — “We might be able to reach some of the children at the school that may never come to the church.”
Bishop’s wife, Faye, worked in the office at Isabella High and has also recently retired. A ministry is only as strong as the support it receives and his wife has been an asset to his ministry from the beginning, he said. The two have been married 45 years and have two children, Pam Bishop Smith and David Bishop Jr., and four grandchildren.
Mulberry honored the couple May 7 with a reception. They were presented with a scrapbook, monetary gifts and a silver tray engraved with the dates of their service.
“He’s the greatest Christian I have ever seen (serve as a) pastor,” said Curtis Smith, deacon and head of the search committee that called Bishop.
He noted the impression that Bishop’s deep sense of caring for his people left on the congregation. “This is a sad day for the church but a good day for him. They will be missed.”
Chilton pastor Bishop retires after 33 years
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