October 2, 2026
VILLA RICA, Ga. – There are many blessings that come with being a pastor, but when one has served a church for many years the blessings are frequently multiplied.
Most churches have celebratory seasons and challenging seasons. John Crotts, a pastor in Sharpsburg, Georgia has written, “If a man only comes when things seem to be on the upswing and then leaves as the hard times begin, the church will probably develop wrong ideas about both the man and the church.” But the pastor who is steadfast, faithful, and loving will win the favor of the people and earn the right to be their shepherd.
On Sunday, Jan. 22, Ephesus Baptist Church in Villa Rica honored their pastor, Billy Godwin, on his 30th anniversary as pastor of the church. At the two morning worship services Godwin and his wife, Miriam, were affirmed for their devoted service by Deacon Chairman Stan Reeves and presented gifts – Billy as the pastor and Miriam as the church pianist for three decades.
Reeves stated, “Billy, you have had such a great influence upon our church and this community. You baptized both my boys, two grandchildren and conducted my wife’ funeral. We probably could fill one side of Alexander High School stadium with the lives you have touched over these 30 years. We are delighted that we can gratefully acknowledge your integrity and service today.”
The church had a reception in the afternoon attended by several hundred people, many of whom presented cards with personal gifts included. It was a great time of celebration and reflection.
The Godwin’s adult children, Hayley Echols and her husband, Taylor, and their two sons, William and Mason, were present along with Harris and Hope Godwin. Taylor and Hayley are active members of First Baptist Church in Alpharetta. Harris, who graduated from Kennesaw State University with an electrical engineering degree is an active member of Ephesus; and Hope is currently serving as a North American Mission Board GenSend missionary in Los Angeles helping to replant a church there and working with homeless and indigent people.
Pastor Godwin has won the esteem and support of his congregation and the most recent evidence of that is the church’s response to a sermon he preached in December. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal for the support of international missions was set at $40,000. God touched the Ephesus pastor’s heart and convinced him the goal should be higher.
On December 4th Godwin preached a powerful sermon on Matthew 28:18-20 challenging the people with a message called “What Will it Take?” He explained what is needed to fulfill the Great Commission:
A bigger heart for the nations
A deeper appreciation for the Gospel
A clearer understanding of our mission
A greater dependence on the Lord
A stronger partnership with each other.
He declared, “We must not allow the Great Commission to become the great neglect. We must learn to give sacrificially. Years ago, I began to ask myself this question: why would I spend more on my house mortgage than I give to missions?”
He drew attention to the church’s stated mission: to be RIVERS, not reservoirs. He said, “God blesses us not so that we can horde his blessings, but so that we can be a blessing to others.”
He challenged his congregation to go to the mission field or to go on several short terms mission ventures the church sponsors and supports. Then he used a statement often ascribed to the “father of the modern mission movement,” William Carey. “I will go down (to India), if you will hold the ropes.” The analogy has remained until this day. Southern Baptists must hold the ropes for the 3,552 missionaries serving Christ around the world. These frontline soldiers of the cross continue to rely on those who remain at home, but who tenaciously and faithfully “hold the rope.”
The members of Ephesus listened to the sermon and obviously were moved by the pastor’s message, because they responded by giving more than $75,000 to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This will be combined with $25,000 from the church’s 2022 budget giving surplus. The resulting Ephesus contribution to the Lottie Moon offering this year will be over $100,000. Godwin has stated that all the glory goes to God who calls us to be Rivers of His love and blessings.
Sustained longevity is not always easy, but it is difficult to overestimate the power of presence when it comes to pastoral ministry. Dan Reiland, the pastors’ coach, writes, “When your presence is connected to longevity there is a cumulative effect that results in increased influence. Trust is also increased because the people know they can count on you.”
Sometimes God interdicts and interrupts what might have been a long pastorate by leading His servant to another church, but in most cases an extensive tenure is a blessing to both the pastor and the church.
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