A Tribute to Pastor Sexton on His 50th Ministry Anniversary

Along the journey God brings people across your path who will forever affect your life. He did that for me in August of 1994. In the good providence of God I enrolled as a freshman at Crown College in Powell, Tennessee. Little did I know the lasting influence that Pastor Sexton would have on me and my entire family.

Like so many other students I listened, watched, and learned from Pastor’s example and exhortations. His “fireside chats” were the favorite. The powerful statements he repeated to us now flow freely from my own heart and mind nearly every day.

When I graduated in 1997 he invited me to stay, work on a master’s degree, and help him with a few “projects.” This was the beginning of an 18 year adventure. One of the greatest honors of my life was to work closely with a man who has the obvious hand of God upon him. Every day became a classroom as the Holy Spirit used him to teach me so very much about the Lord and His work.

Often I am asked to share favorite memories and helpful truths that I learned from Pastor Sexton. They are too many to list. My entire life and ministry carries the impression of his influence.

As I grow older and witness more in ministry, I have come to a deeper appreciation for one characteristic of Pastor’s life. I admire his love for Mrs. Evelyn and his family. I respect his personal integrity. I enjoy his preaching and teaching of the Bible. I continue to be amazed by his great mind and unfailing vision…

…but there is one thing that stands out now more than ever.

It the greatest thing I know about him. He has been faithful. Through spiritual attacks and physical challenges, he has been faithful. When others were faithful and when they were not, he has been faithful. Somehow, with God’s enabling, he has continued to just put one foot in front of another and keep pressing forward.

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6).

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

A 17-year-old Scott Pauley is glad Pastor Sexton started a college. A 41-year-old Scott Pauley is glad he stayed with it. Starting is easy. Staying is hard. In a world of quitters, compromisers, and drifters I praise God for men who have just been faithful. I praise God I have been privileged to know such a man.

Pastor Sexton, thank you for investing in me. You taught us the principle of 1 Thessalonians 3:8: “For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” By God’s grace I want to keep standing. I want to be faithful. Thank you and Mrs. Sexton for giving us a 50 year example of what that looks like. We love you.