Retired preacher takes reins of church
A preacher who retired from the pulpit three years ago from a Methodist parish in Evans has once again answered a divine call to shepherd a church.
The Rev. Pierce Norman is the new pastor at Riverview United Methodist Church. He led Lewis Memorial Methodist Church until 2002, when he retired.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"It's not something I went looking for," said Pierce Norman, of Appling, the newly appointed pastor of Riverview United Methodist Church at 1244 Furys Ferry Road in Evans.
"I've been sort of selected and asked to do it. I'm excited about it," he said.
After more than a decade of service as the pastor of Lewis Memorial Methodist, Norman retired in 2002. During his hiatus, the 38-year ministry veteran continued to attend Lewis Memorial, where he served as pastor emeritus and led gospel crusades in door-to-door, knocking campaigns. He also preached revivals and camp meetings.
One reason why he said he believes he was appointed to the 100-year-old Riverview United Methodist Church, which has 50 members, was that he was able to increase membership at Lewis Memorial.
"Lewis was a small church when I took it,'' he said. "The Lord grew it up on my ministry. I think (those in the Methodist system) think I can do a repeat performance out at Riverview, and I hope so."