Jerry Vines is an Alabama football fan who calls this stage in his life his fourth-quarter ministry. Recently, he spoke during the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s Evangelism Conference at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley.
In retirement, 75-year-old Jerry Vines still preaches regularly and has written a Sunday school curriculum.A two-time president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Vines was pastor of one of the nation’s largest churches, First Baptist in Jacksonville, Fla., for 23 years, and retired in 2006 after 50-plus years as a pastor. He will turn 76 in September and is still actively engaged in ministry, especially the ministry of preaching. His new Sunday school curriculum, “Vines by the Book,” is designed to take a church through the New Testament in four years.
Expository preaching has been a hallmark of his ministry. A powerful moment came at the 1987 Southern Baptist Convention, when he preached a message entitled, “A Baptist and His Bible.” The hall was electrified, moderates were angered, and conservatives were roused to action. The message revolved around the inspiration and infallibility of Scripture. He was elected president of the convention the following year.
Vines is often introduced as one of the greatest expository preachers in the SBC. How does he evaluate the state of preaching in our convention today? “It seems to be a mixed bag,” he said. “Some have bought into the idea that exposition is not needed, but there are some young guys who are doing a good job giving book-by-book exposition of the Scriptures.”
What advice does he have for young preachers today? “I would say start every day in the Word of God. Take time to be with God. Read the Bible and let God talk to you. Pray. Don’t start your day without it.” He also pointed out that a key mistake pastors and staff members make is “trying to change everything at once.”
He admonishes preachers to preach the Word. “We’ve just got to preach the Word to the people. That is what does the work.”
His message was well received at the evangelism conference. He continues to be an expository preacher, emphasizing the meanings of Greek or Hebrew words and providing illustrations that help people to understand the text. He stays busy preaching, writing, blogging and traveling throughout the nation.
It seems his fourth-quarter ministry is going quite well.