Crumbliss retires after nearly five decades of ministry

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As pastor of First Baptist Church in Forest Park, Reed Crumbliss led in an outreach to the homeless and community that fed and clothed nearly 200 people twice a month. SCOTT BARKLEY/Index

FORSYTH — Longtime Georgia Baptist pastor Reed Crumbliss officially retired in April after 47 years of ministry, most recently for 12 years at First Baptist Church in Forest Park.  

Crumbliss, a native of Macon, also served at Alamo Baptist, First Baptist Cochran, First Baptist Americus, and Bethel Baptist Church, also in Americus. In addition, he was a missions involvement volunteer for South Metro Assocation from 2008-2013. He and his wife, Jan, have relocated to Forsyth. He is available for pulpit supply and can be reached at reedcrumbliss@bellsouth.net or (404) 803-9444.  

In 2008 First Baptist Forest Park was profiled in several Index articles that reported on ministering within an ever-changing community. The church’s food ministry to the poor and homeless featured opening up the fellowship hall for a free meal and grocery giveaway twice a month. Free clothing items and a worship service also joined the outreach that helped approximately 200 people every time the doors opened.  

“We’ll often hear people who come to these meals refer to this as ‘my church,’” said Crumbliss in that Oct. 9, 2008 article. “We realize that for many of them this is their only worship time.” 

Reed Crumbliss

A story published July 31 of that year told of additional ministries First Baptist Church had undertaken, including English as a Second Language classes three times a week.  

“We also have after-school programs that focus on children who are at risk,” Crumbliss stated. “We help kids with their homework, give them snacks, tell them a Bible story, and provide recreational activities.” 

leadership, missions, retirement