Engelmann reflects on life in ministry

Lloyd Engelmann has been a pastor since the age of 28. Now at 90 years old, he enjoys retirement and the rewards of knowing he has done what he was called to do.

Q: Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

A: I began to pastor when I was 28. I started at County Line Baptist Church, left there, pastored other churches, was invited back to County Line and retired there. The Lord called me to pastor bivocationally as a mechanic and carpenter.

Q: What was it like being a bivocational pastor?

A: Being a bivocational pastor was satisfying. I did what I was supposed to do. God supplemented me during that time. He will take of your needs: physically, spiritually, emotionally and financially.

Q: What made you want to be a pastor?

A: I surrendered to God at 28. I was saved at 14. There's nothing like being in the will of the Lord. There's nothing better. There's nothing worse than being out of the will of the Lord. What he calls you to, he will make possible. There are two choices we make: serve him or don't.

Q: What was being a pastor like when you began?

A: My first nine years I was pastor at County Line Baptist Church. I retired where I started. It was a compliment to be invited back. People were considerate and dedicated. There were a lot of differences in thinking and dedication that I had to overcome. The Lord has to work. The Spirit has to lead. I can't change minds. I can preach and the Lord has to convict; that's as far as I can go.

Q: What are some of the challenges you faced?

A: All I can do is share the word and preach the word. The Bible is true in every degree, there's nothing false in it. People need to accept and read the Bible and let God guide. The Spirit needs to lead. All the pastor has is the Lord.

Q: What are some of the rewards?

A: There's comfort that comes from knowing and being in the word. If you have peace that you are doing what the Lord wants you to do, that is a reward. I worked as a mechanic and carpenter. I argued with the Lord to make being a pastor as easy for me as being a mechanic was. He let me know to use being a mechanic to supply my needs financially. It's dangerous to argue with God. His love is real, and his promises are true. He promised to never leave or forsake us and to make possible whatever is needed. The safest place is in the center of God's will. The most rewarding place is the same.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: We just enjoy living.