From the Pulpit: Following his father

For the Rev. Luther Lee Rhodes, serving the Lord is a family tradition. His father was a minister and served several churches in Southeast Missouri, and "Brother Lew" has been a pastor for almost 40 years -- his big anniversary will be in May.

"All the churches my father served were Baptist, and all the churches I've been a member of or served has been Baptist," he said. Rhodes has been the senior pastor at First General Baptist Church of Jackson since September 1985. He loves Sundays and playing racquetball.

What drew you to serve the church in a leadership role? From the time I was in elementary school and all through my school years, I was usually asked to open school parties and/or events with prayer or take a lead role. After high school, I served as a part-time minister of music and taught in Sunday school, so leadership was just a natural from the early years.

What education/background/studies did you go through to become a pastor? I received my Biblical studies at Midwest Bible and then later began seminary work. I was ordained May 29, 1971. Since that time I have continued my studies to date. I usually attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for advanced training in the summer.

Where are you from and when/why did you move to Jackson? I grew up in southern Bollinger County around the little community of Arab, Mo. From there I moved to Illinois and served in music and teen ministry. In 1970 I began serving the Randles General Baptist Church as my first pastorate and then to Scott City for 10 years (1974 to 1984), followed by a 13-month interim in Bertrand, Mo. From there I accepted the call to come to Jackson First General Baptist.

Luther Rhodes with the cross-shaped pulpit made specially for him at First General Baptist Church in Jackson. (Kit Doyle)

Were you involved with First General Baptist before becoming the pastor? I was not involved directly with this church but was serving in the same association of which it belongs (Southeast Missouri).

What do you think makes this church special? Over the years the church has been willing to accept new ideas and accept different types of ministry. We have ministered to many different types of people with various needs. They've always been willing to reach outside the four walls of the church.

What's your favorite verse and why? I have two favorite verses. Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose," and Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

These tell me that everything I go through can serve a purpose in my life and can actually work for good regardless of how bad it may seem and also that God does answer when we call on him. He has great things in store for his people.

What program have you done with the church that you are proud of and why? There are several things we have added in the past 24 years, but the things I'm most proud of is the programs we have developed for our children's ministry (KFC -- Kids for Christ) and our teens ministry (FUSION). We have full time ministers in each department which keeps the flow moving at all times. We have lots of children and young people which assure us of a great future.

What events or occasions does your church have coming up? We will begin the New Year as the "Year of Outreach."

What's your favorite day of the week and why? Sunday! That's when many of God's people come together for corporate worship and the love and fellowship flows. It is energizing!

What's your favorite part of being a pastor? I love the people of the church. I jokingly tell them, "If it wasn't for people, I would have the perfect job. But if there weren't people, I wouldn't have a job."

What hobbies do you have? Racquetball, racquetball, racquetball! Oh, by the way, did I say racquetball? I also love to play the piano.

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? I serve as a volunteer chaplain for the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, and I'm a part-time chaplain for Preferred Hospice.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)