Rev. R. Pierce shared he must instruct the young in the way of salvation, counsel the inquiring, strengthen the weak, seek the lost and reclaim the straying, comfort the sorrowing, care for the needy, visit the sick, minister to the dying, and pray for the spiritual welfare of every soul under his care.
By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter
Greater Safeway Baptist Church recently installed their new pastor, the Rev. David Pierce. Pierce takes over from the long time Pastor Rev. Frazier Martin. Martin was pastor at the church for 47 years.
The service brought out notable names such as Rev. Randy Brown, Rev. Robert Dix, and Rev. John Jackson. David Pierce father the Rev. Ricky Pierce from Tampa, Florida presided over the service.
Rev. D. Pierce was escorted in by Rachel Woods and Sister Pierce was escorted in by DeAndre’ Webb. Sherry Wilson gave a welcome before music selections from the Alpha Baptist Church.
Rev. Larry Perkins, pastor of Alpha Baptist Church, preached a mighty sermon that ignited the whole church. Perkins then gave the charge to Rev. D. Pierce, followed by the charge to the church by Rev. Dix.
A charge to church membership: you have heard the solemn promise. Receive it not as the word of men, but what the Word of God expects of you as members of his flock. Listen eagerly to his preaching of the Word, receiving it not as a word of men, but the Word of God. Take to heart his scriptural words of warning and encouragement, humbly accepting the Word planted in you. Work together with him for our Lord’s kingdom so that by your works of service the Body of Christ might be built up. Honor him and love him. The apostle Paul says, “Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Pray for him continually, that his ministry among you may be greatly blessed.”
A special highlight of the service was when Pastor Emeritus Martin presented the new pastor with the keys to the church. Sister Aquanetta Woods and Deacon Thomas Prince Sr. presented the new pastor with a robe and bible.
The installation ceremony for a pastor is important to the pastor and to the church. It is a way of passing the mantel from the old pastor to the new pastor. It is a way for the church to get behind the pastor and say, “we are going to follow your leadership.”
It is a time for the pastor to say, “I am going to love you and lead you.”
The service is very important but, the installation ceremony for Pierce was a time of celebration, a time for rejoicing, a time for reflecting and a time for starting fresh and new for both the pastor and the congregation.
The church read a responsive reading to let Pierce know they are supporting him. As an ambassador of Christ, he will preach and teach the pure doctrine of God’s Word, administer the Sacraments according to Christ’s institution.
Rev. R. Pierce shared he must instruct the young in the way of salvation, counsel the inquiring, strengthen the weak, seek the lost and reclaim the straying, comfort the sorrowing, care for the needy, visit the sick, minister to the dying, and pray for the spiritual welfare of every soul under his care.
It is no question that a pastor must be ready to preach at all times. Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (II Timothy 4: 2, 5).
