The children he saw born in the church are now being married in the church, according to Ricky Pollard, who served as pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Centre, for 30 years and seven months before retiring April 24.
“You get to see a lot when you stay around as long as I have,” Pollard said. “God’s taught me how to love people. I try to love people through the good times and the rough times.”
Prior to serving at Pine Grove Baptist, Pollard began serving as pastor of Asberry Baptist Church, Jacksonville, at age 22 and served there for 11 years.
He studied at Jacksonville State University and Luther Rice College and Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia, and later earned his doctor of ministry degree from Covington Theological Seminary in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.
When asked about something he’s learned throughout his 41 years as a pastor, Pollard said, “I’ve learned the importance of maintaining my personal walk with the Lord. Having a daily quiet time with the Lord is very important. Not just preparing for sermons but preparing my own heart to live the Christian life.”
And the secret to staying at one church for more than three decades? Pollard said, “God is very faithful. Wherever He sends you, He’ll supply whatever you need to do the work.”
He and his wife, Joan, have one daughter.
Pollard said he plans to take the summer off but will be prepared to do supply preaching in the fall. “I never want to quit preaching and I love the gospel ministry.”
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