Pastor R.G. Rowland Retirement
Retirement Announcement for our Pastor, Rev. R.G. Rowland Jr.
From Rev. R. G. Rowland Jr:
For 37 years I have been blessed to be the pastor of the Greenfield Family of Believers, the Greenfield Baptist Church, Gretna, Virginia.
One of the most difficult questions we have to ask and answer is, when is it time for me to go? Now is my time.
I have announced my retirement as pastor of Greenfield, effective August 25, 2024.
During our 37 years together, we have laughed and cried together, celebrated births and baptisms, weddings and anniversaries, and so much more. We’ve also walked together through sicknesses and deaths, divorces and disasters, tragedies and travails.
I’ve made my share of mistakes along the way, and sometimes more than my share. But the Greenfield Family has been loving and forgiving of me, as I have of them; for we all have our faults, foibles, and failures.
While I am retiring as pastor of Greenfield, I am not retiring from ministry. There will be other things to do ahead, and I’ll try to be attune to the call of God. I have been a pastor for 55 plus years, and I hope to continue in some kind of ministry moving forward.
The First Baptist Church of Gretna took me on as kid and let me be their interim pastor in the summer of 1966. The people there, who had confidence in me, will never know how much they meant to me.
Midway Baptist Church in Gretna let me be their interim in the summer of ’67. It was there that Margie and I started dating, and there we were married. The love and support of the Midway congregation has always stuck with me in good times and bad.
My first pastorate was at the Sandy Level Baptist Church. I was there for seven wonderful years, and established relationships that have lasted a lifetime. They were my educators in ministry; for it was there that I learned so many great lessons of the pastorate.
For ten wonderful years I served at the Greenpond Baptist Church. I really don’t have the words to describe those good years and good friends. Some of my best friends I met there, and some of my saddest moments have been spent in that historic pulpit trying to say an earthly good by to those friends and/or their family members. One of the most difficult spiritual decisions I made was to leave the beloved congregation at Greenpond and come home to Greenfield.
But, it was the right decision. My home church needed me at the time, and we’ve all worked together in ways I never imagined. Fortunately, on many occasions, they were willing to either forgive or overlook my mistakes and decisions.
And the rest, as they say, is history. I look forward to doing life another way…I’ll try to listen to life (as my friend Joey Faucette says) and I’ll try to listen to God.
About Pastor R.G. Rowland
R.G. Rowland, Jr. grew up in the Greenfield congregation and returned some eighteen years later to become pastor. He was educated at Bluefield University, The University of Lynchburg, and the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, with extra academic work at the College of Preachers at the Washington National Cathedral and St. Edmund Hall, Oxford University. Reverend Rowland has been pastor of the Greenfield Family for 37 years as of May 19, 2024.
A wise friend said: “pastors and farmers never really retire.” R.g will retire from full-time pastoring in August. Where you find R.g, you will also find Margie. Together, their ministry has spanned 58 years. They love to share memories of those years. The people they have met, the relationships they have formed, and the gospel they have shared have shaped their lives. With that in mind, we would love for you to share a note or letter with them. It can include how they met you or anything you would like them to remember about being a part of their lives. It can be short and sweet or long and heartfelt. Each letter will be placed in a protective book for them to keep and enjoy for years to come.
Please send letters addressed to:
Letters to remember:
P.O. Box 875
Gretna VA 24557
Also, a box will be located at the following churches to collect letters/cards:
Midway Baptist
Sandy Level Baptist
Greenpond Baptist
Anderson Memorial
First Baptist Church
SEND LETTERS TO RG
Years of Dedicated Service: 37
To celebrate R.G.'s retirement, a catered event will be held. Details will be announced later.
"Best wishes for whatever lies ahead. You have helped my family to through some tough times over the years, and I am grateful. As you know, I’ve clung to the words you spoke at Daddy’s funeral in 1983. Embrace and enjoy the next chapter of your life."
Debbie M.
"We wish you and Margie nothing but the best. You have been there for me and my family and we are forever grateful for all you’ve done. Hope y’all can take some time to travel and enjoy your retirement, Lord knows you’ve earned it. May God bless y’all."
Rick J.
"I will miss you R.g.! I wish you Best Wishes but I know you will still be around for us all!!"
Judy B.
"The most amazing pastor I ever did meet."
Brianna S.
"Thank you, R.G. and Margie for giving so unselfishly to so many - me included. I remember your days at Sandy Level Baptist - well. Love you both. Prayers for you and family."
Brenda P.
"I am beyond thankful to have officially called R.G. my pastor for the last year since my family and I joined Greenfield. R.G has been there for me & my entire family during the darkest of days, & most turbulent of times. He was there for my birth. He preached at my sister's funeral. He walked along with my wife and me while our son fought for his life in two NICUs. R.G is the Berger family Pastor, & there will be none like him. We are sad to see him leave as our Pastor but are elated that he can do that & enjoy his amazing family on his own time. We will always love you & Margie."
Taylor B.
Write your text here...
