In 1969, W.D. “Step” Martin left Alabama to become
pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Shreveport.
Earlier this month, Martin left that pastorate, retiring after
33 years of ministry marked by growth and baptisms.
In 1969, W.D. “Step” Martin left Alabama to become
pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Shreveport.
Earlier this month, Martin left that pastorate, retiring after
33 years of ministry marked by growth and baptisms.
“Calvary Baptist Church has never been about buildings,”
Martin said during a retirement service attended by hundreds at Bossier Civic
Center. “Its never been about money. Its never been about budgets.
Calvary Baptist Church is about souls.”
The numbers bear out the testimony. Since Martin arrived, the
church has baptized more than 4,500 and added more than 4,600 members by letter.
It has moved from a five-acre site to an 80-acre plant. And its average Sunday
attendance has grown from 620 to 1,000.
The church also has begun an on-site academy and established
an independent budget to support worldwide missions.
“(Bro. Martins) ministry has touched people from
Cedar Grove to New Orleans, from New York to Ethiopia,” a retirement service
program noted.
During the recent service, old-time friends and colleagues
offered remembrances, and Martin preached a final address to his church members.
In an address marked by a closing altar call, Martin gave credit
to God for his longtime ministry.
“My ministry is because of … the amazing grace of God,”
he said. “I stand amazed. … Its Gods glory. Its Gods
credit. Its what God has done. … Its just marvelous to know the
grace of God.”
He also offered a parting word of encouragement to his church
members. “Wherever you are, be obedient to God,” he told them. “He
doesnt want everybody to be pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. He doesnt
want everybody to teach that boys Sunday School class. But he has a job
for each one of us. …
“Dont you let the devil tell you it doesnt
pay to follow Jesus. … You do what God tells you … and God will bless.”
At the close of the service, church members presented Martin
and his wife, Pat, with gifts. At one point, a pair of Calvary Baptist Church
children brought a wagon on stage to present Martin with coins they had collected
for him and his wife.
Church members also presented the couple with a check totaling
$45,065.22.
Martin also received a Champion of Morality Award from the Louisiana Moral
and Civic Foundation.