I publicly announced my call to preach on June 23, 1973, at my home church, Yadkin Baptist Church in Statesville, NC. For almost three years I was blessed to preach in different pulpits and do pulpit supply work for pastors on vacation, sick leave, revival meetings, youth meetings and Bible conferences.
In July 1976, St. Mark Baptist Church, Statesville, NC extended a call to me to be their pastor where I served until May 1995. Beginning in June 1995 I served as pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Taylorsville, NC until West Lenoir extended a call to me to serve as your pastor in July 2008.
Although I have been preaching for 53 years, 2026 marks my 50th year in pastoral ministry. The Lord has been gracious to allow me to preach and pastor His church for five decades. I am truly thankful for those the Lord has entrusted to my pastoral care and leadership.
This past January, I informed the newly elected elders and deacons that I would be retiring from full time pastoring this year. Lord willing, July 26, 2026, will be my last Sunday as full-time pastor of West Lenoir Baptist Church.
I want to assure you that my decision is not driven by anything other than my desire to do God’s will and finish my course in a way that is pleasing to Him. I also want to assure you that neither Kim nor I have any serious health problems that led to this decision. However, as most of you know, my ability to do full-time pastoral work and sermon preparation has been a challenge since my sickness in 2019. There are some days when my memory, my vision, and my balance issues hinders me from giving my best as your pastor.
I do not plan to accept a call to pastor another church. If I was physically able to be a full-time pastor, I would stay here with the people I know and have loved for the past eighteen years. Lord willing, West Lenoir Baptist Church is the last church where I will serve as a full-time pastor.
Kim and my children, Jonathan, Jana, and Jason have supported me through this difficult decision. Kim and I met with the kids in May 2024 when I was ready to retire because of fatigue and my vestibular issues. They encouraged me not to make a life decision like that during a time when I physically was not my best. They gave me good counsel for which I am thankful.
Brother Roger, Curt, and Bruce have supported me and prayed for me for several years about this decision. I can’t express enough my appreciation to them for their patience and understanding. They have offered help to me in so many ways, offering to drive me to my visits and bring in someone to help with the pulpit preaching. When Brother Tyler and Brady were appointed as elders and Brother Thomas as deacon, they too expressed support and understanding for which I am thankful.
The elders have asked me to continue with my normal duties as pastor until July 31st. Lord willing I will continue to study, pray, teach, preach, visit, and minister as I am able until the end of July. The elders have asked Kim to continue with her teaching, choir singing, children’s choir, and church decorating.
Today, Sunday April 12, 2026, Kim and I joyfully submit to the leadership of the church elders and the will of the membership of West Lenoir Baptist Church for our remaining days with you. I have asked the elders to please help me minister and serve with integrity during the coming days and months. Kim and I want what is best for the church, for you and your family, and most of all for the glory of our Lord.
Where the church goes from here and who leads the church in the coming days is clearly defined in the church constitution. The elders and church leadership have things they will need to discuss with you from time to time between now and the end of July. On those occasions, Kim and I will not be present out of respect for you and the church leadership. It is important for you to be faithful, prayerful, and supportive of church leadership during this process.
Although I will no longer be serving as a pastor at the end of July, I will preach as long as the Lord gives me opportunity. I’m not able to travel far from home and can’t see well enough to drive at night or in bad weather, so that limits a lot of things I will be able to do. But there is one thing I know I am going to do. And that is pray for you, your family and for West Lenoir Baptist Church that the true gospel will always be preached here and that God will be glorified in this congregation and its leaders until Christ returns.
Thank you for the privilege and honor to be your pastor for eighteen years. Please pray for Kim and me, our children and grandchildren during this transition.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Rick Safriet
