In 1980, I preached in revival services at Martha Drive Baptist Church (Pleasant View today) in Anderson. I met a young, outgoing college student at Anderson University named Tim Clark.
He was a vibrant and dedicated follower of Jesus and grew to be a great servant leader.
Fast forward to today: He has retired after 28 years at Holly Springs Baptist Church, where the church continues to give a whopping 21 percent to the Cooperative Program. Tim has spent 47 years in ministry (40 as a full-time pastor). He hasn’t changed that much … maybe like me in some ways — a little more weight and a lot less hair!
His wife, Kim, enjoys photography. The couple is looking forward to traveling and taking in the scenes with Kim using her camera to record their experiences. Kim and Tim — the names have a nice rhyme to them. I have told them they go together like soup and sandwich.
She retired in May 2022 as a public school teacher but continues to work for the school district as a math coach. They plan to stay in the Holly Springs community, where they can “spend more time with our five grands.”
He is a graduate of Anderson and Erskine universities, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Liberty University, where he earned a doctor of ministry degree. Tim has been involved in and has supported missions throughout his ministerial career. In addition to leading his church to be one of the leading Cooperative Program givers in the South Carolina Baptist Convention, he has taken 11 mission trips to Romania and Mexico (teaching extension courses in Mexico). He has served on several committees and boards in both the SCBC and the Southern Baptist Convention and is completing his five-year term as a trustee for The Courier, which I jokingly add may be his crowning achievement!
He was called to preach at age 16 and did some supply preaching while in high school, serving as an interim pastor twice while in college. He served as senior pastor of four congregations during his ministerial tenure.
I asked him what he is going to do next besides travel. He said, “I am planning to do supply preaching, revivals, Bible conferences, and interim pastorates. I want to be open to whatever the Lord has in store for me down the road.”
Being a pastor, especially now, is not an easy task. Tim has served well and remains optimistic about the ministry. “My 47 years in ministry have been challenging but very rewarding! God has given me great churches to serve,” he said. I would add that those churches have been blessed with a great servant and authentic, godly man.
He has been, and will continue to be, a great friend and encourager. Anne and I are happy for his transition into the fourth quarter of life. Remember, the game isn’t over, and many games are won in the fourth quarter. There is also the possibility of overtime! Tim has done well during this time of life. His gracious manner and devoted heart will continue to bless people. His life, for those who know him, is an example of servant leadership.
So many of the pastors I have known while I was in the pastorate are now retired. Some have died and are now living in the glory of our Lord. It is sad in some way to see so many great people pass off the scene. I miss them. However, life continues, and so does serving the Lord Jesus. God calls and gifts new servants to take up the mantle of service.
Tim, you have fought the good fight and are drawing closer to finishing the course. The blessing you have been to me and many others will never be forgotten. May you and all our faithful pastors who are retired enjoy the vibrance of continued service and the rest that comes with a job well done. God bless you, good and faithful servant of Christ. Keep plowing and don’t look back!