By Loretta Fulton

The only pastor Lytle South Baptist Church has known is retiring after 40 years, almost to the day.

Sunday, June 28, will be the last time that Rodney Watson delivers a sermon from the church’s pulpit, at least as its full-time pastor. His first sermon came on July 1, 1984, at Temple Baptist Church, 1073 Sycamore, which became a mission of First Baptist Church in 1988. The congregation moved to Industrial Boulevard and became Lytle South Baptist Church. 

“I thank God, Jana, my family, and LSBC for the opportunity I’ve had to pastor at one church for all these years,” Watson said. “It has been a tremendous blessing, something a pastor may dream about, but never really expects it to become a reality.”

The only plan the Watsons have through the summer is “chasing grandkids.” The Watsons are the parents of three sons, “All Aggies!” as Watson likes to boast. The sons are parents of two children each, for a total of six grandchildren.

Under Watson’s leadership, Lytle South has grown tremendously. Originally, members met in home Bible study groups before constructing a new building and holding their first service on December 11, 1988, with 74 members. Since that time, the church has grown to over 250 members and added a children’s wing and a sanctuary, remodeled the first building into a kitchen and a fellowship hall, and added five more acres.

For the near future, Lytle South Baptist Church will be served by an interim minister provided through a process with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. 

“He will help the church move from the long-term pastor and prepare them for their new pastor,” Watson said. 

Rodney and Jana Watson

BIO

Hometown: Bryan
Family: Wife, Jana, married 43 years. Three sons:
Ryan and Cassidy live in Plano and are the parents of Benjamin and Caroline.
Kyle and Jessica live in Leander and are the parents of Maggie and Lucy.
Ty and Hailey live in Abilene and are the parents of Ellis and Brazos
Education: Liberty Eylau High School in Texarkana, bachelor of arts from Hardin-Simmons University, master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Previous positions: associate pastor, Patillo Baptist Church, Patillo, Texas.
Community involvement: Abilene Callahan Baptist Association. 

Q You have been pastor at Lytle South Baptist Church for 40 years. That’s unheard of! Why/how has that relationship worked for so long?
A God has given our church grace through all the years in allowing me to pastor them. There were times that I thought it might be time for a change, but they never worked out and the Lord just continued to confirm that I needed to stay at Lytle South. All I can say is that God has allowed me to pastor one church since I graduated from seminary, and it has been a very fulfilling journey. God is good! 

Q What are the major changes you have seen in the life of the church universal over the years?
A Technology and our culture are changing so fast. There seems to be a need to use more contemporary music in worship plus move away from using traditional choirs and organs. I’ve also seen how social media is used more and more in outreach, communications, and Bible studies. Keeping up with change will continue to be a challenge for those in ministry if things continue as they are. 

Rodney and Jana Watson with their three sons, their wives and children.

Q How have you adapted?
A We haven’t adapted very well, but we tried. We have replaced our choir with a worship band and worship team, although my wife, Jana, still plays our organ. We don’t pass the offering plate now because people give online. We also don’t pass out flyers in the neighborhood as much because we can advertise on Facebook easier. 

Q Your church has been involved with overseas missions, as well as hosting refugee services here. How has that experience enriched your life and the lives of your congregation? 
A since we work with Rest for the Nations Baptist Church and their affiliated churches in Africa, it has broadened our focus just on our church ministries to people in our community coming to a new country and the basic needs they have. Also, we have seen God work in evangelism, leadership training, and expand the churches there from 4 to 14 in Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. It has challenged us to grow in our faith for his provision, safe travel on mission trips, and our commitment to the Great Commission. 

Q What will be the process for getting the next pastor?
A Our church voted to do the intentional Interim Ministry that the Baptist General Convention of Texas provides. The interim pastor is trained in working with churches like ours, who have had a tenured pastor that has retired. He will help the church move from the long-term pastor and prepare them for their new pastor. 

Rodney Watson prepares for a baptism.

Q Does the church have any immediate expansion plans, either in physical space or programming?
A The main thing we did is to bring on an associate pastor to help with the day-to-day ministry needs while our interim is preparing the church for our nest pastor. We also have a committee that has worked on goals for the church’s future that contain plans for some updates for our foyers, update or sanctuary platform, and building a multipurpose building and other ministry objectives. 

Q What are your immediate retirement plans?
A To take the summer off to rest and chase grandkids.