First Baptist Church, Centre
Cherokee Baptist Association
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:28
Hobby: Reading
Family Status: Married to Etta for 71 years; two daughters, Sue and Jenny; and four grandchildren
Jim Griffin served as pastor of churches around north Alabama for 32 years. After retiring in 1986, he worked as a letter carrier and has continued to serve in interim positions as needed.
Q: How did you come to know the Lord?
A: One night in 1935, I went to Mount Zion Methodist Church (in the Rhinehart community in Cherokee County) with my friends, and I really felt like I needed to do something that night but I didn’t. I went back home with a heavy burden on my heart. A revival started a little later, and I went down to give my life to the Lord.
Q: When and how were you led into the ministry?
A: I was about 34. I had been thinking for quite some time that I was called to preach. One night, a sermon got to me in a particular way, and I knew I had to go forward and acknowledge the call.
Q: What did the ministry demand?
A: I think it demands, first of all, a total commitment to the Lord. We need to have Isaiah’s attitude of “Here am I; send me.” We need to be focused on the main thing, which is reaching the lost for Christ and helping them to grow and preaching the Word.
Q: What did you get from the ministry?
A: There are so many things. The Lord has really been good to my wife and me. He’s blessed us with many friends through the years, and that means a lot to us.
Q: How did family members support you?
A: My wife was willing to quit her work whenever we moved to a new church, which I appreciated. My daughters played the organ and piano for me when we needed it.
Q: What difference has Christ made in your life?
A: He’s been the center of it; my life has been about seeking to please Him and to do His will.
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