“Stepping Down, But Not Going Away”
Sharing, testifying and giving the Gospel of God for 44 years and as pastor of Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (2135 Jefferson Ave. SW, Birmingham, AL. 35211) for 40 years, Pastor Dr. Michael W. Wesley, Sr., has reached the moment of retirement.
Due to the calling of community development and redevelopment projects, Pastor Wesley will be pouring energy and time into such. Besides spreading and sharing the Gospel within all 50 U.S. states and more than 80 countries, a television program geared towards communities within Africa has also been set in motion.
“Within our mission statement we’re beginning steps of building our community around the church which is not either/or but is both/and. The need within our communities has never been forgotten, yet within our church we’ve strove to build a culture of excellence as we’ve aimed our ministry at worldwide things. It’s now time to focus on fulfilling the works we’ve wanted to complete within the community.”
On the list of duties Pastor Wesley will be taking up is workforce development, housing, and beautifying neighborhoods within Jefferson County, particularly starting in the West End area.
To inherit the Senior Pastor duties within the Greater Shiloh church, Minister James Wesley has been chosen as the probable selection.
As a youth Pastor Wesley obtained a musical scholarship playing the trumpet and became a band member of a local musical group which found him ministering to audience members.
During his time as a pastor he would also serve as an educational instructor, becoming the first African-American principal of Woodlawn High School.
Never deterring from God’s word, Pastor Wesley told us, “Remember everyone has plans for your life, but God has a plan for you, also. And to those who have certain gifts and talents and are unsure what to do with them, ask yourself, ‘Will this be a great thing for God, Will this help hurting people, and Is this something God has given me to do?’ Every direction you’ll ever go if we’re willing to let God direct us, God will lead us.”
With a brand new documentary based around his life set for an upcoming release, Pastor Wesley will also be an instructor for the Bible College.
We commend this man of principles and an unselfish willingness to give and share knowledge with those starving for such, as he takes on the new journey of retirement. Though he will be stepping down from one distinct duty, we are glad he is not simply going away.
Pastor Wesley concluded, saying, “I’ve tried to base my life around a passage of scripture my Mother shared with all of her kids, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.’”