A few days ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Pastor Parker on his imminent retirement. Retirement puts a period on one chapter of life and opens the door to embracing another. I was anxious to see what plans our Pastor has made. 

Pastor Parker appeared relaxed, happy, and totally at peace during the interview.  One of my first questions to him was “What now, do you have big plans for life after retirement?” He looked thoughtful for a moment and replied that at one point in time, he thought he would retire at age 65.  He is now past that age. He shared with me that he has been at Broad- view Missionary Baptist Church for forty-one years (beginning in 1977). He said he’s always had to have a plan, but in retirement, he plans to “go with the flow”, relax and simply enjoy life. He stated that he prayed, and the Lord guided his decision to leave at this time to make way for the new energy

and change needed at a large church.  He went on to say, that his health is good (after he underwent heart surgery a couple of years ago), and he could pass a physical to play for the Chicago Bears, but he won’t (smile).

He elaborated further when I shared with him that I thought he would have post-retirement aspirations such as writing a book, teaching, or perhaps extensive travel. Pastor Parker smiled and told me that he would not be taking on any of these things; instead, he’s considering volunteering in a hospital, offering patient transportation, or maybe working as a greeter.

I asked if he would miss the role of Pastor since he had worked in this capacity for a long time. He told me that when he retires, he would be stepping out of the role as Pastor at Broadview Missionary Baptist Church, but not away from his responsibility as a minister.  He went on to say that he would remain active at Broadview and on Sundays we can find him sitting in the congregation alongside Sis. Inez.

Our conversation took a retrospective turn. Pastor Parker thought carefully when I asked him what he felt were some of his accomplishments.  He stated that joining the church and rising up through the ranks to assume the leadership role of Pastor was paramount. He thought further, smiled, and said Broadview was where he met Inez. He said that they joined the church at the same time and married here. When he mentions the name Inez he always smiles.

During his tenure here, he’s had some goals that were not realized.  He stated he really wanted to see the mortgage on our church retired, and that he would like to have seen an increase in the number of baptisms we conduct.  He also wanted to have more of our young people to obtain a formal Christian education. 

Pastor Parker stated that he looks forward to meeting his replacement when the selection process is completed. I asked if he would have any advice for the incoming pastor.  Again, he was thoughtful with his reply.  After a minute or two, he told me that his advice to the new minister would be to love the congregation, and to keep church business transparent; to make himself available to the people and lastly, to lead by example.

To my church family:  We respect the exhaustive work that the Pastoral Search Committee is doing without a doubt and we look forward to gaining a respected and knowledgeable leader to replace Pastor Parker; but Broadview, we are losing a great man too. Let’s all wish him well and keep him in our prayers. 

Pastor Parker enjoy your new status as a retiree, we love you!