Carl Watson Wasden
Antioch West Baptist Church, Greenville
Butler Baptist Association
Favorite Verses: Proverbs 3:5–6; John 10:27–29
Favorite Hymn: “How Great Thou Art”
Hobbies: Hunting quail and pheasant; playing baseball and softball with grandchildren
Family Status: Wife of nearly 62 years, Grace; daughters, Sandra Barrett and the late Deborah Atkins; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild
For 48 years, Carl Watson Wasden has either jogged or walked three miles each day. During the same span of time, Wasden — now 84 — has kept a similar pace in the ministry. On Jan. 7 he marked 48 years as pastor of the only church he has ever attended, Antioch West Baptist Church, Greenville. He was called as the church’s pastor just a month after going into the ministry. In the 11 years prior to that calling Wasden was both music director and a deacon at Antioch West Baptist. From 1975 to 2000, he served as clerk-treasurer for Butler Baptist Association. A veteran of the Korean War, Wasden worked in civilian life in construction, lumber and building supplies. He received his education from Baptist Bible Institute (now The Baptist College of Florida) in Graceville, Fla.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: I always went to church. I never made a decision until I was grown. I wised up one day and saw my condition and my need for Him. In fact, it was after my first child was born that it dawned on me my need for Him. I wasn’t wild but I was as lost as I could be. I was 24 (when) Deb, the first child, was born.
Q: When and how were you led into the ministry?
A: That was something I didn’t want to do. I fought it and ended up in the hospital for three days. I fought it a long time. I loved construction — I still do. Eventually, I ended up in the hospital with almost a nervous breakdown until I surrendered to the ministry. I didn’t enter (the ministry) because I wanted to enter it.
Q: What does the ministry demand?
A: It demands all my time, (or) just about. I visit nursing homes, two every week, and hospitals. I go to Montgomery a lot to visit when someone has asked me.
Q: What do you get from the ministry?
A: A blessing. I get a tremendous blessing.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: They have always supported me.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I know my time is limited. I would like to make it to 50 years (in the ministry).
Q: What difference will this ministry make for you in the future?
A: I think that it will give me a satisfied mind, knowing I was able to do it through the years.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: He has changed my thinking and my everything.
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