BOB BAILEY, CHURCH LAYMAN, HONORED FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS
Guest Commentary
Courtesy Bill Ellis
Syndicated Columnist
What is the difference between a pastor and a layman?
The pastor is the one who does the
preaching. He is the professional
when it comes to leadership in the
church. The laymen are the men or
women who are the nonprofessionals.
They supply the financial resources
and do the hands on work. They
bring wide screen reality to the pipe
dreams of the pastor.
On Sunday afternoon, August 20th,
2006, Kitty and I had the privilege of being present for the dedication of the Bob L. Bailey Gymnasium at the Landmark Church of God, Princeton, West Virginia. The gym was packed as the speakers gave us
"perspectives on Bob’s impact" and helped us understand just what kind of people he and his talented wife, Shirley, really are.
Both Bob and Shirley have been leaders in their church. On this day, however, Shirley, the family and many friends had gathered to honor and pay tribute to Bob.
Son, Bruce, a hospital administrator in South Carolina, spoke for his brothers Steve, Brandon and himself. He began his remarks by saying, "As a son, you always look to your father for guidance. He taught us how to be leaders."
Eddie Blankenship, an accomplished entrepreneur, said, "Almost every day I use something he taught me. I trust and respect Bob Bailey."
Eric Mann, recounting the days when he worked under Bailey’s supervision added, "He taught me how to treat other people with respect. He is a good man and a true gentleman."
Rev. Larry Dyer summarized, "You gave me a chance and helped put bread on my table. You were full of wisdom."
His pastor, Scott Hodge, emphasized that, "Bob is supportive in every way. He is somebody I trust. In spite of the physical problems this once strong and talented athlete now faces, he is not bitter. His attitude is strong and always positive. I would like to have a church full of men like Bob Bailey."
I think of the thousands of laymen I have known in the church. Men and women with superb qualifications who have been builders, bankers, teachers, coaches, physicians, politicians, miners, electricians, engineers, laborers, athletes, lawyers, military leaders, authors, media personalities, judges and just about every profession you can think of.
Here are just a few of the thousands of outstanding laymen I have met and deeply appreciate: Antonio Romano, Kenneth Cooper, Don Ritchey, C. Everett Koop, Richard Larson, Ben Carson, Jim Patrick, Joanne Holmes, Bobby Richardson, Ed Hudnall, Deno Rousopoulos, Jim Dedman, Dick Griggs, Pat Boone, Bill Burwell, Jimmy Carter, Jim Macholtz, P. J. Patterson, Mark DeMoss, Glenn Falls, Jim Mifflin, Jerry Stevenson, E. F. Ellis, Dean Jones, Ornan Williams, Roe Skidmore, Larry Maddox, Mark Hatfield, Bill Perry, Luke Harshbarger, Charles Ralph Fox, John Willke, John S. Kane, Darrel Darby, Bill Gaither, Earl Brackenbush, Lou Gerig, Charles Rodden, Alice Cosgrove, Mort Crim, Jeff Jenness, Greg Eiler, Leon McCoy, Bob Knepper, Otis Wells, Howard Brown, Bill Fortney, Charles Schulz, Ken Lockhart, Jim Doster, Jeanette Taylor, Jay Rouse, Ed Stamper, David Livingston, and many others.
Bob Bailey is a layman like these men and women. He was very successful in business. He is a man of faith and deep conviction. His life bears witness that “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way” (Psalm 37:23, NKJV). He has lived to “ . . . follow in His steps” (I Peter 2:21).
For many years to come, children and adults will be enriched by their participation in programs in the Bob L. Bailey Gymnasium. All who know him echo the words of his son, Bruce, ". . . we are all proud of you."
© 2006 Wm. C. Ellis
All Rights Reserved
