JUST THINKING: Worth of Double Honor — Dr. Larry Silvey

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (I Tim. 5:17 NIV).

Previously in this column, I wrote about “Trailblazers of the BMA.” Most of those great leaders have received their heavenly promotions. But I was just thinking… what about those who are still with us — and have served the Lord well? In the next several issues I want to write about some of those who are worthy of double honor.

Dr. Larry Silvey

James Larry Silvey was born July 2, 1940, in Rocky Mound, just outside of Hope, in southwest Arkansas. The family later moved to Texarkana, and it was at Central Baptist Church there that he trusted Christ as Savior at the age of 12. While still in high school, Silvey began to minister — as the teacher of a junior high Sunday School class.

He answered the Lord’s call to preach the gospel on May 8, 1960. That fall, he enrolled at Central Baptist College in Conway. While a student at CBC, he accepted the pastorate of Antioch Baptist Church in Nashville.

During the course of his long ministry, Larry Silvey pastored three churches in Arkansas and three in Texas. It was during his time at Grace Temple Baptist Church (now Spring Lake) in Texarkana that I first became acquainted with him in 1964. His demeanor and enthusiasm struck me immediately. I found him to be, like his dad before him, a great encourager.

When I was ordained in 1965, my pastor, Paul Bearfield, informed me that I could request someone to question me during the ordination. I requested Larry Silvey. He questioned me for 24 minutes! I have since forgiven him! Our friendship has lasted for 59 years.

Changes in Ministry

In 1977, the well-loved pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Garland, Texas, was called to transition in his ministry. It was then, at the BMAA national meeting that he was elected by the messengers to become the editor of Publications for the BMAA (a position that his father, D.O. Silvey had held for many years). That title later became executive director. Larry Silvey served the association of churches exceptionally well for 29 years at what today is known as Baptist Publishing House.

The Educational Background

The well-educated preacher continued to pursue even more. As a result, he received three degrees (B.A. in Bible, B.S. in Education and Master of Divinity). Additionally, he studied at BMA Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas. He later completed studies at Mid-America Seminary, where he was conferred with the Doctor of Ministry degree.

An Exceptional Gift of Leadership

There are talented people, then there are gifted people. Dr. Silvey is both. The Holy Spirit certainly gave him the gift of leadership. Under Dr. Silvey’s well-organized leadership, the ministry of Baptist Publishing House grew in every aspect. This was especially true of the literature ministry for Sunday School, Christian Growth Ministry and VBS. He also led teaching conferences in various states. My wife, Karen and I treasure the times we spent traveling with our friends and participating in the BPH ministry. To say Larry Silvey had a great impact on the churches of the BMA of America would be a gross understatement.

Back to the Pastorate

In 2006, after serving the BMAA well, Dr. Silvey moved back to his hometown of Hope to become pastor of Garrett Memorial Baptist Church. In 2008, he assumed the role of administrator for the Garrett Memorial Christian School.

Afterward, he accepted the call to be pastor of First Baptist Church in Waldo. It was after his service with that church he retired from full-time pastoral ministry.

A Devoted Family Man

Dr. Silvey is married to his wife of 61 years, the former Janelda Thompson. The couple has four children — Paul, Mike, Mark and Lynn. Their sons are all ministers as well. Larry and Janelda are the very proud grandparents of 11 and the great-grandparents of 3.

Friends are Blessings

I have been blessed to call Dr. Larry Silvey my friend for decades, and I treasure that relationship. Devoted servants of Christ are certainly tremendous blessings, and this man has been that to thousands. If you have also been touched by the ministry of Dr. Silvey, then you know very well that he is a minister worthy of double honor.