Harris retires as pastor of Linden Baptist after three stints on staff

Harris retires as pastor of Linden Baptist after three stints on staff

When you ask Billy Harris how long he’s been at Linden Baptist Church, he laughs and says, “Which time?”

He served there 1974–1976 as the church’s minister of music and youth, then came back as the pastor for 2002–2006. Then after a stint as an interim pastor and as an associate in the office of evangelism at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions he came back to Linden in 2015.

“It’s been a wonderful journey with some wonderful people,” Harris said.

And it’s one that’s been full circle in a lot of ways, he said — his wife, Patty, started her faith journey growing up at Linden Baptist.

“She’s been by my side every inch of the way, and we’ve seen God do some amazing things,” he said.

In their second stint serving at Linden, Harris led the church through a capital campaign that saw a building built — but even more importantly built up the church with people who came to know the Lord.

“There was a lot of buy in from the church and we saw a lot of growth,” he said. “They are a people of passion and a people of vision.”

It’s a precious church and leaving is hard, Harris said. “I look back over the years and it puts a smile in my heart,” he said. “It’s been a joy.” 

Still, he’s excited about the opportunity to serve as a transitional pastor and lead more revivals and men’s ministry events. Contact Harris at his new phone number, 334-357-2226, or 251-754-9722. (Grace Thornton)