March 10, 1999
Wittner sings last note at Waco church
___WACO--Ed Wittner recently retired after 23 years as minister of music at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco and 50 years in the ministry.
___All that experience provided him with a bit of insight into what it takes to do ministry for the long haul.
___"Part of it is a love for people and a love for ministry. If you don't have those things, you're probably not going to last," Wittner said.
___Wittner said another crucial ingredient is to be part of a church that will allow you to minister in a way which uses your strengths.
___He said part of the strength of his ministry comes from having great pastors with which to minister.
___Other parts of the puzzle are the same as with most professions.
___"You can't be lazy. You have to be creative. You have to keep abreast of new ideas, and you always have to prepared to bring your best to the table. Training is also important and should not be discounted," Wittner said.
___Wittner said anyone in ministry must have the support of family.
___"I could not have done this without a supportive wife. Children are also a very important part of a successful ministry," Wittner said.
___Wittner has tried to pass his knowledge along to younger people just entering the ministry. Part of his ministry at Columbus Avenue was to mentor the interns serving the church in its music program. Their church honored Wittner and his wife, Merle, at his retirement with a scholarship fund that will aid students interested in pursing a ministry in music.
___Wittner has found his chief guidance in the word of God, however.
___"My verse has always been Proverbs 3:4-6: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.'"
___While Wittner has retired, he hasn't stopped working. He currently is working to help prepare for the Texas Baptists Creative Arts Festival to be held at Fielder Road Church in Arlington April 23 and 24.Frontpage / Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!