Former Alabama minister Gibson retires

Former Alabama minister Gibson retires

James Gibson, who served in ministry in Alabama for nearly 20 years, retired in July. Most recently Gibson served as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Meridian, Miss., for four years.

Gibson attended Baptist Bible Institute (now The Baptist College of Florida) in Graceville, Fla., before transferring to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

He served as pastor of several churches in Mississippi as well as a brief pastorate in Toledo, Ohio, before serving at Bethel Baptist Church, Robertsdale, from 1990 to 2005. He then served as senior adult minister for First Baptist Church, Birmingham, from 2005 to 2009.

Following his role at First, Birmingham, Gibson served as pastor of New Hope Baptist, the same church where he initially surrendered to ministry and the church where he and his wife of 55 years, Bettye, were married. 

The church held a retirement reception for the Gibsons before their recent move to Bessemer.

“It’s been a joy to serve the Lord,” Gibson said, noting that his children all serve in various aspects of ministry as well.

The Gibsons have three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Gibson said he is available for supply or interim preaching. He can be contacted at 205-441-5471.