Macedonia Baptist: Church honors pastor of 15 years
From Staff Reports
religion@newnan.com
Macedonia Baptist Church recently honored John Riley, the church’s pastor, for 15 years of service and ministry.
Peggy Holloway said the “congregation and community came together in worship and celebration to the Lord” on July 22 “for the blessing of having” Riley as pastor for the past decade and a half.
“He may not have the worldwide recognition of Billy Graham, but there is no doubt that he is following the path God has set out for him. This is a man who knows his purpose, a man who has willingly devoted his life to God,” Cortner said.
The celebration included Macedonia’s Sanctuary Choir, the Agalliao dancers and a showing of a video compilation of testimonies from members of the congregation and community. There also was a keyboard medley by Christina Riley, honoring her father.
Macedonia presented the Riley family with a sunflower-ornamented birdbath designed by Carlos Montano – sunflowers being a symbol of happiness and strength. The celebration program highlight was the surprise entry of John’s lifelong friend, Pat Terry.
Terry is a renowned songwriter and musician. “I have visited and performed at many, many churches across the United States, and nowhere have I found a church congregation more supportive of their pastor than at Macedonia,” Terry said.
Terry performed a song before a teary-eyed John Riley.
Matthew Myers, Macedonia’s associate pastor, delivered the sermon, titled “A Ministry Well-Modeled,” which carried forward the celebration theme. Summarizing other points in the service, he said, “I think if you consider how John has ministered among us, you will notice those characteristics (those mentioned by Cortner), and – even more – you will notice how John strives to model Jesus’ life and love.”
Myers spoke of how the congregation and community can follow Riley’s example to strengthen their own relationship with Christ.
In addition to serving as pastor of the church, Riley has taken his gift of music and ministry beyond the campus of Macedonia Baptist in his work throughout the community. He has been a part of the Newnan High School drama department, helping with lighting and sound for 13 years.
Riley has been conducting Bible study classes at Wesley Woods of Newnan-Peachtree City for more than 10 years.
Riley also is a professor at Brewton-Parker College’s campus in Newnan, and he meets with other local pastors for breakfast each week. “Macedonia is very grateful to have Dr. John Riley with us as pastor for so long, and we hope we have him another 15 years,” Holloway said.
