But the grand purpose has always held steady, according to Lipe. “I hope we’ve pointed the community to Christ. When my tenure is over they’ll miss us, but not too much. They know where the anchor is.”

He’s coached Little League, substituted as a French teacher, announced high school football games, been a Cub Scout leader, and led quite a few parades—all in the town of 3,500 he’s ministered to for the last 50 years. And Rev. Paul Lipe, pastor of Delhi PCA in Delhi, La., will be honored for his long service during a celebration in late August, featuring a message from Dr. Bryan Chapell, president of Covenant Theological Seminary, recognition from the state legislature, and a key to the city presented by the mayor.

Lipe is clearly “the town’s preacher,” says Troy Richards, who serves as an elder at Delhi Presbyterian. “He is so well-respected here. It’s a model of what we need today—pastors instead of pulpiteers.”

Lipe, one of the founders of the PCA, speaks highly of the benefits of ministering in one location over time, and the reward of seeing a church mature. Delhi currently has 250 members and become more financially stable under Lipe’s leadership—now giving half of its budget to benevolences.

Lipe speaks to the importance of both loving those in the community, and earning their love. “It’s important to be visible in the community: If you touch the lives of kids, you have the opportunity to touch the lives of parents too.” For 27 years, Delhi offered a basketball program for just that purpose. “We’d teach them basketball skills, and sneak in Bible training too,” he laughed.

But the grand purpose has always held steady, according to Lipe. “I hope we’ve pointed the community to Christ. When my tenure is over they’ll miss us, but not too much. They know where the anchor is.”