Bettye Minyard
McEntyre Baptist Church, Ashville
St. Clair Baptist Association
Favorite Verse: Romans 8:38–39
Favorite Hymn: “Because He Lives”
Hobbies: Reading and playing music
Family Status: Married 58 years to husband, Jesse; sons, Mike and Kyle and the late Mark; daughters, Amy and Beth; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren
Bettye Minyard, 75, of Rainbow City, has played the piano or organ in churches for 61 years. She also is a substitute Sunday School teacher, helps with Vacation Bible School and visits people for the church with her husband. Nine years ago she organized her church’s choir and continues to lead it. She also selects music for worship services. About her music ministry, she said, “I love it and thank God every day that He gave me what little ability I have.” In addition, she served thousands of children in the 19 years she worked in the lunchroom of John S. Jones Elementary School in Rainbow City.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: My granddaddy, Louie Calhoun, was a minister and served in churches in St. Clair, Etowah and Blount counties. My grandmother, Annie Mae Calhoun, was a godly woman. They had a lot of influence on my life. I was saved during a revival at Gum Springs Baptist Church, Ashville. I was 12 years old. I was very blessed to be raised up in a good Christian home. My mother and father, Louise and Warner Davis, were very good Christians.
Q: When and how were you led into your ministry work?
A: I began to take music lessons in third grade. The pianist at Gum Springs Baptist would let me play on Sunday nights to get experience. I thank God for the privilege of serving Him through music.
Q: What does your ministry work demand?
A: First of all, I don’t feel like it’s a demand. It’s a joy to be able to serve God through music. I try to be dedicated and committed to it. If there is any praise, it would go to God and not me. He works through me.
Q: What do you get from your ministry work?
A: The joy and just working with the choir like I do; they’re so willing to learn and they do just an outstanding job.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: Oh, they do. My husband is right there with me. He is someone I can count on. One of my daughters-in-law is in the choir and helps me a lot with arrangements when we are trying to get them together.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I just hope and pray that God allows me the ability and strength to carry on. Music is such a love of mine and it is my way of sharing … what God has done in my life.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: Oh, He’s made all the difference in my life. … There’s nothing like a personal relationship with Jesus.
By Leigh Pritchett, Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist
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