I will praise the Lord all my life;
Psalm 146:1-2
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.
Emeritus: a person retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held.
For 25 years, from 1986 to 2011, Dr. Larry Bazer served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Melbourne. Under his leadership, the church experienced incredible growth, not only numerically but geographically – moving from their downtown location to their current position off of Dairy Road – and missionally as well, developing a heart for the nations that continues today.
For those of you who may not already know, First Baptist Melbourne has been (and continues to be) an incredible friend to First Baptist Indialantic. They have walked alongside us during difficult times, prayed for us, supported us, encouraged us, and been available to us—and still are! I thank God for that relationship and praise Him for what He is doing in and through the faith family at First Mel.
Today, Brother Larry (as he is affectionately known at First Mel) bears the title Pastor Emeritus, but he is anything but retired. A few minutes into any conversation with him, you’ll hear about his next mission trip, the young minister he’s investing in, or the most recent message the Lord has given him to preach.
As my friend Elmer is fond of reminding us, retirement is nowhere to be found in the Christian life. We are on mission until the Lord returns, or He takes us home. As I’m getting to know him – and as the pastors and people of First Mel have affirmed – that embodies our guest this morning.
As I am in our Fellowship Hall kicking off our Grasping God’s Word journey, I am honored and grateful to have Brother Larry in worship, challenging us from God’s Word. First Baptist Indialantic, would you join me in welcoming God’s messenger this morning!