It was indeed a precious and sweet time we enjoyed together as a church family this past Thursday, as we said, “farewell” to our beloved Shepherd, Norman Pyle.

“Preacher Pyle” was, indeed, a great leader that served his Lord and his flock faithfully for over 60 years; 54 of those years were here at Bible Baptist Church in Hampton, GA. Very few ministries are able to say of their pastor that he remained in one church for over 5 decades, but to us he granted a very precious treasure – staying power!

You can take all the accolades of his storied career in ministry (and they are quite weighty), a fine preacher, wonderful gentleman, family man, lover of children, worthy warrior of the fundamentals of faith, a custodian of conservative values, author, champion innovator, visionary, camp director, and political whistle blower and pretty soon the legacy and luster of his life takes on nearly legendary proportions. He casts a large shadow, indeed!

However, to me, as the pastor who followed “Preacher Pyle” in the last four plus years of his life, he was none of those things though he was all of those things. It was my privilege to meet him during the quiet dusk of his sunset days, and to me, he was more than all the parts of his ministry. He was the sum – he was my pastor. Every pastor needs a pastor. It can be a lonely business...but I knew he cared for me.

Every shepherd needs to know the essential quality of shepherds is bound up in one word - CARE. I could tell by the way he listened, smiled and prayed for me that he cared for me and the stewardship of the church. His favorite question for me on Sundays wasn’t, “How’s the church growing?” But, “How’s the church doing?” He knew a powerful secret every preacher should remember, well-being precedes everything. The spiritual health of a church comes from paying close attention the flock.

He lived by the premise that the Apostle Paul lived by when he commended the flock at Ephesus to God and to the “Word of His grace” which is able to “build you up and give you an inheritance among the sanctified." (Acts 20:32). These warm words were prefaced by a phrase that has monumental implications for all those who knew Pastor Paul and Pastor Pyle, “Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,” (Acts 20:18).

Yes, Pastor Pyle, we know, because you were the “all season” pastor. Take now your heavenly rest and enjoy your inheritance among the blessed and faithful.