By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
MORGAN CITY – Charles Gilder practiced what he preached during his 39-year tenure at Bayou Vista Baptist Church, especially the importance of steadfast commitment.
“One benefit of long-term ministry is you get to know people and they build a trust with you,” Gilder said. “That opens doors that aren’t open initially.
“It was not that other churches didn’t approach me, but I felt that when you don’t stay very long, yo can’t really get to know the people that well,” he continued. “They accepted us. The area did not grow on us at first. It was the people that grew on us. It was developing relationships with people and families. We became a part of a family. I’m grateful that continued throughout the years.”
Gilder was honored for his dedication and hard work in ministry as a Louisiana Baptist Retiree of the Year award winner at a reception for bi-vocational and retired pastors during the 2018 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting at Temple Baptist Church, Ruston.
A native of Greenville, Mississippi, Gilder accepted Christ as his Savior during a city-wide revival at age 15. Shortly after, Gilder accepted the call to preach the Gospel.
He began his education to prepare for ministry at Clarke College in Newton, Mississippi, in 1959, and preached at 10 churches in Greenwood, Mississippi, during a two-year span. Gilder furthered his education at William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and subsequently served as pastor of Maurepas Baptist Church, Bogue Chitto Baptist Church in Mount Hermon and Hebron Baptist in Bush.
During his time at Bayou Vista Baptist Church, Gilder baptized “hundreds” of people and built relationships that are strong 10 years after his retirement, including one with current pastor Steven Kelly.
The two first met during a 2009 LBC Executive Board meeting shortly after Gilder had announced his retirement.
Gilder offered to leave and join another church, but Kelly insisted Gilder remain and continue to share his wisdom at Bayou Vista.
“He was being considered at the time and we had a nice 45-minute conversation,” Gilder recalled. “Steven told me he wanted me to come and pray over him if he became pastor, which happened.
“We made visits together and that bridged some gaps in the community and church,” he continued. “It’s developed a bond that he doesn’t feel threatened by me and I certainly don’t want to be a threat to him. We share things together and spend time together. It’s been a very meaningful thing that I’m glad can still continue.”
Kelly echoed the thought.
“When I was dealing with the search committee from Bayou Vista and learned that the pastor that had just left had retired after 39 years, I was a bit hesitant,” he said. “Some might believe it is too hard to follow a pastor with such influence, much less to serve with him still in the congregation. Instead, what I have experienced in nearly 10 years of serving alongside Brother Charles is a mentor and friend. I could not have asked for a greater supporter and friend. I could not have asked for a greater supporter and encourager.”
