FBC Mount Olive pastor celebrates 25 years in pulpit

First Baptist Church, Mount Olive, hosted more than 500 people Sept. 18 for a celebration of Pastor Doug Moore’s 25 years of leadership.

Instead of the typical two-service morning, the church had one large worship service at 9:30 a.m., and there was “standing room only.”

Evangelist Tom Whitsett gave a message to the church and Moore, encouraging them to keep the vision of evangelism: reaching the community and the world.

First, Mount Olive, presented Moore with a commemorative watch and a scrapbook full of letters and notes from church members; Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions; and Evangelist Junior Hill. A slideshow of pictures was shown, and Steve Loggins, director of missions for North Jefferson Baptist Association, also shared some uplifting words about Moore.

A church member, whom Moore had led to the Lord several years prior, sang a special solo.

Minister of Music Ed Helveston was glad to be a part of the celebration for his pastor whom he said is “a model example and just cares for everybody.”

As for Moore, he’s cherished his 25 years in the pulpit.

“It’s one of the greatest callings God ever gave — to be a preacher,” Moore said. “It’s not easy but I wouldn’t change my life for anything. … [Being a pastor] is the greatest honor God has ever given me.”