Waldrop, Judson

Daleville Baptist Church
Dale Baptist Association

Favorite Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Hobbies: Hunting and fishing
Family Status: Married to Donna for 24 years; three children, Magan, Seth and Lucas; and two grandchildren

Judson “Jud” Waldrop is a busy man. In addition to serving as full-time pastor of Daleville Baptist Church, Waldrop is a full-time school bus driver and high school football game announcer and team chaplain. Since coming to Daleville Baptist three years ago, he has led the church into various outreach ministries — serving meals after Hurricane Katrina, manning the high school football game concession stand, giving out hot chocolate during the Christmas parade, hosting block parties and helping with an after-prom party. In 2007, he was recognized by the Pilot Club of Daleville as Man of the Year for his community service the previous year. Waldrop, who has led churches in Georgia, Arkansas and Florida, is also president of the Daleville Ministerial Association and Dale Baptist Association Ministers Conference.

Q: How did you become a Christian?
A: I went into the Air Force in 1987, and it was while in basic training that I was saved. I got a medical discharge shortly after that and worked in woodwork for a few years until I went into the ministry. I have been full time in the ministry since 1991.

Q: How were you led into the ministry?
A: It was just a strong sense from God that the ministry was the direction He wanted both of us (me and my wife) to go into. It was a joint call, and that’s still true to this day. My wife is the children’s director at our church.

Q: What does the ministry demand?
A: Time, patience and a work ethic because it takes hard work. You have to do whatever it takes, and that means you may need to cut the grass or help someone physically build something so you can be what you need to be in the community. 

Q: Why is community ministry important to you?
A: The role of the church today is to engage the community and be a presence in the community in their lives. We can’t reach the community unless we get in the community outside the walls of the church and meet needs.

Q: What do you get from the ministry?
A: To us, it’s not about what we get. It’s just a blessing to help people, and it’s a blessing when people say thank you because you helped them. But we don’t do what we do to get (something).