The Ledger

By Becky Holland

Thirty-five years as pastor. More than four decades in ministry. A lifetime spent quietly pointing people to Christ. Those milestones tell only part of Pastor and Second Vice Apostle William Basby’s story. The greater measure of his life’s work cannot be found in calendars or anniversaries, but in the people he has faithfully served along the way.

Be a Doer Church, located on Limestone Road in Cochran, will celebrate Basby’s 35th pastoral anniversary during its 11 a.m. worship service Sunday. The occasion will honor a man whose ministry has been rooted in a simple but profound conviction: faith is meant to be lived.

Born and raised in Cochran, Basby’s roots run deep in the community he has spent a lifetime serving. A 1978 graduate of the local high school , he was known on the basketball court, where he still holds the school record for scoring 52 points in a single game—an accomplishment made even more remarkable because it came before the three-point line existed. His athletic achievements earned him induction into the Cochran-Bleckley Sports Hall of Fame.

But while basketball brought recognition, it was a far greater calling that would define his life.

Pastor Basby recalled of his early years of being a typical young man.

Everything changed when he was about 22 or 23 years old. Through the influence of the late Rev. E. K. Hall and other faithful mentors, Basby accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. That decision reshaped not only his future, but his understanding of what life was meant to be.

From that point forward, serving the Lord became his purpose.

He began serving as a deacon at Marthann Church, where he ministered for nine years before becoming a licensed minister in 1985. As the years passed, God continued to lead him, eventually calling him to establish a new congregation.

The inspiration came from James 1:22:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…”

That verse became more than a favorite Scripture. It became the foundation of a ministry.

Beginning with approximately 20 to 30 members, Be a Doer Church has grown to a congregation of about 100 members. Nestled along Limestone Road, its beautiful and peaceful sanctuary was once a horse barn—a place transformed into a house of worship, much like the lives Pastor Basby has spent decades encouraging.

Yet he is quick to say the church has never been about a building.

At the heart of Pastor Basby’s ministry is a simple mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ who become doers of God’s Word, putting their faith into action every day.

His philosophy extends far beyond Sunday mornings.

“If you’re not active in the community, you’re not pulling from the community,” he said, explaining that churches should be woven into the lives of the people they serve rather than standing apart from them.

For Pastor Basby, ministry has never been measured by the size of a congregation or the walls of a sanctuary, but by faithfully showing up wherever God gives him the opportunity to serve.

That commitment has taken many forms over the years.

He fondly remembers leading a choir that worshipped in both Black and white churches throughout the community, building relationships through music and fellowship. He continues to participate in Cochran’s annual Bible Reading Marathon and remains a steadfast supporter of local schools and community events.

Perhaps most telling, however, are the moments that never make headlines.

Those who know Pastor Basby are just as likely to encounter him quietly visiting church members in the nursing home as they are hearing him preach from the pulpit. For him, ministry has always been about people—walking beside them through seasons of joy, uncertainty, celebration and sorrow.

Leadership, he believes, also requires humility.

“Pastors need to be held accountable,” Basby said. “You can’t do whatever you want. Just as you tell someone what’s right and wrong, you’ve got to have someone who can tell you.”

That spirit of humility has remained one of the defining characteristics of his ministry.

Pastor Basby also credits his wife, Michelle, as an indispensable partner in the journey. Married for more than two decades, he said he could not have carried out his ministry without her faithful love, encouragement and support.

Together, they have quietly invested in the lives of countless people—one conversation, one prayer and one act of kindness at a time.

Be a Doer Church is part of the New Beginnings International Fellowship of Covenant Churches, but Pastor Basby’s vision has always been remarkably simple.

Asked what he would tell his younger self, his answer reflected the wisdom gained through decades of ministry.

“Be a part of a people that can help you make a change.”

As Be a Doer Church marks 35 years of Pastor Basby’s leadership, Sunday’s celebration is about far more than an anniversary. It is a recognition of a life spent answering God’s call with humility, consistency and quiet faithfulness.

Long before “Be a Doer” became the name on a church sign, it became the principle by which William Basby chose to live. More than four decades after surrendering his life to Christ, his purpose remains unchanged: to make disciples of Jesus Christ who become doers of God’s Word.

Because for Pastor Basby, faith has never been something to simply hear.

It has always been something to live.