After 35 years of serving Southern Baptists, Larry L. Ballard is retiring from the pastorate. He will say goodbye Jan. 31 to Valley View Baptist Church, Leeds, in Birmingham Baptist Association after almost six years as pastor.
Along with Valley View Baptist, Ballard has served churches in Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia. He earned a master of divinity and master of arts in religious education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and a doctor of ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif.
"[M]y wife and I have experienced both the divine blessings of God and the difficult challenges that come with pastoral ministry," Ballard said. "I am thankful to say that [Valley View] is filled with some of the most gifted … and godly people I have ever known."
He plans to retire to Gadsden with his wife, Becky, and son Mike. Ballard will be available for interim and pulpit supply work, as well as some short-term missions work. He may be contacted by phone at 205-602-7133, e-mail at llrballard@aol.com or by writing to 2105 Argyle Way, Gadsden, AL 35904.
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