As I reflect on thirty years of ordination, I am really giving honor to my Dad. My father, W.H. Goatley,Sr. served the First Baptist Church of Eminence, KY for over 45 years as pastor. He has served over 5 years as pastor emeritus (honoratus). My father had a very profound impact on me as a youngster. I saw his prayer life. I witnessed times he helped his congregation. In our religious tradition, we must feel a "divine call" to preach for ourselves. But I know my father so influenced me that deep inside I wanted to be like him. I tell the story of how much I wanted to drive the car as a teenager. One of the ways my father influenced me was to make me his chauffeur as he visited members in the hospital. Naturally, I went up to the hospital rooms with him. Little did I know I was receiving on the job training. So as I celebrate my ministerial anniversary on Sunday May 25, I am really celebrating my father, before father's day. God bless you dad!
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