FBC Eufaula pastor celebrates 25 years at the church

Some people have a sense of direction for their life at an early age. Ken Bush is one of those. At the age of 14 he felt called to become a pastor. 
   
This summer Bush celebrated his 25th anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eufaula, and more than 35 years of career service.
   
The direction of his ministry has been people-oriented, being involved with people’s lives from birth until death. 
   
“I have great joy in being involved in the total lives of people for a long period of time,” Bush said. 
   
His commitment to people requires organization and scheduling. He can be seen carrying a small notebook with him to make notes and reminders. 
   
“If he says he will be there at a certain time he will be there,” said Jack Powell, a deacon at First, Eufaula.
   
Bush grew up in the small town of Sanford near Andalusia. He and his family attended First Baptist Church, Sanford, where he accepted Christ at the age of nine.
   
Bush graduated from Samford University in 1964 and finished seminary in 1967. He then interned two years under Edgar M. Arendall at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham Baptist Association. 
   
His first pastorate was at First Baptist Church, Montezuma, Ga., where he served for 11 years. He received his doctorate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., in 1978. In June 1980, he became pastor of First, Eufaula.
   
“He takes his ministry and his work very seriously,” said Powell. “He has been supportive during times of crisis. His greatest asset has been the way he handles weddings and funerals.”
   
During his years at First, Eufaula, Bush has become a spiritual counselor for many in the Eufaula community.
   
His son, Bryant, followed in his father’s footsteps and serves as senior pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Lenoir City, Tenn.
   
To celebrate his years of service at First, Eufaula, the congregation held a party at Lake Point State Resort and presented Bush with a travel gift. He said he plans use the gift to go to a place he has never been before — Hawaii. (TAB)