Classmate Larry Fields retired as Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Bearden, TN at the end of 2009. Local press coverage provided the following information about his retirement.
KNOXVILLE, TN. (WVLT) -- The service was standing room only as more than 1300 members gathered to celebrate the retirement of their pastor. Dr. Larry Fields' ministry has taken him from mission trips around the world to the sidelines at Tennessee football games. But he's most comfortable behind the pulpit at Central Baptist Church of Bearden where he's spent 23 years.
The church is saying goodbye to a leader and gaining a congregant. "My father told me that the ministry would be the most demanding but the most rewarding work in the world and that's what I've found to be true," says Dr. Fields.
After 23 years Fields is retiring as Pastor, but not without a few laughs, tears and even pushups first. "This is the first time I've ever seen the pastor do pushups at the pulpit," said Rep. Jimmy Duncan (R - 2nd District), who attended the service.
His calling in life has left him with fond memories, like his days as Chaplin for Philip Fulmer's UT football team. "Got to be on the sidelines and have the national championship rings that I get to enjoy, some perks," says Fields.
Despite Sunday's playful roasting, he says he knows the role he's played in Knoxville at large, and the lives of his 3000 members. "You touch the lives of so many people. Baptisms, births, deaths, weddings, anniversaries, worship services, seeing people's lives change," says Fields.
At 66, he says he's ready to enjoy retirement while he still can. He plans for travel and time with family - especially four grandkids.
Pastor Fields says he won't go far. He's just ready for a different vantage point in the sanctuary. "I'll be sitting in the pews," says Fields.
