Many men work, use chain saws to cut down trees, fish, use a backhoe, and build things — but most men may not do those at age 90.
William Goodson, recently retired director of missions (DOM) for Sardis Baptist Association, is one who does.
James Preachers, who succeeded Goodson as DOM Dec. 1, said he has known Goodson since 1960, and always admired him.
“I come into this job with fear and trembling to be following a man with as many years’ experience as Goodson,” Preachers said.
But to Preachers’ credit, for 38 years he has served as a bivocational pastor in several south Alabama churches. And although only 67 he said “only the Lord knows” whether he will serve as DOM until 90 years of age.
Ninety-year-old Goodson was asked to serve as part-time DOM of Sardis Association at the young age of 72 while he was serving as pastor of New Chapel Baptist Church. He accepted the position and has continued to be a pastor or interim pastor in the area.
Although some may have been tempted to see the new position as a chance to relax, Goodson did not rest on his laurels.
Throughout his 18 years as Sardis DOM, Goodson led the association to develop a central location. And through his encouragement, a member of the association donated property worth $20,000 which included a building.
Since then the association has added office space to the existing building, which also houses a Christian service center for nearby residents who need food and clothing. Most recently, Goodson has been encouraging the association’s youth to become more involved in missions projects.
“At his age, he [has been] incredibly faithful to the association,” said Steve Cloues, associate in the office of associational and cooperative missions at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. “I am amazed at his vitality and vigor. He is always willing to go the extra mile. [Goodson] is a great mentor,” Cloues said. “I would say that he is definitely a father of faith as mentioned in Hebrews 11.”
Called into the ministry when he became a Christian at 20, Goodson was licensed Aug. 3, 1947, by his home church, Harmony Baptist Church in Covington Association.
He served his first church, Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Covington Association, for three years.
Since then he has served as pastor or interim pastor of more than 18 churches in Alabama. Goodson said his desire in each place of ministry was to lead the congregation in building the church physically as well as spiritually. He frequently led the churches to purchase property, build a new building or add to existing buildings.
Goodson said his ministry has taught him to love people and be a people person.
“I always like to work with the underdog, those who are neglected,” he said, “and I love working with children.”
He said his strength to serve comes from staying close to the Word. On Goodson’s refrigerator are the texts of John 15:5, Psalm 20:7 and Proverbs 16:3.
Below these Scriptures is typed in bold letters, “What you feed your mind the first 30 minutes of the day determines your attitude for the day. You must demonstrate the love of God to people before you can lead them to God. People must see you living consistently at home, at church, anywhere.” He said he hopes this lifestyle will be a lasting influence on those he has served.
And although Goodson is retiring, he doesn’t plan to slow down.
He plans to enjoy his four catfish ponds, work in his yard, do some supply preaching and spend time with his wife, children and five grandchildren.
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