By Becky Holland
Recently, Apostle William Basby was honored for 35 years of faithful pastoral service.
While that milestone alone is worthy of celebration, what stood out to me just as much were the many comments about his years of quietly serving not just his congregation, but the community as a whole. (Read our feature on Apostle Basby’s 35 years of ministry here: https://thecbledger.com/2026/07/16/a-life-of-quiet-faithfulness-pastor-william-basby-celebrates-35-years-of-shepherding-be-a-doer-church/).
If you’ve spent any time around Apostle Basby, you’ve likely heard him return to the words of James 1:22: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” It isn’t simply a favorite Scripture—it’s the calling God has placed on his life and the message that has shaped his ministry for decades.
That reminder stayed with me long after the recognition ceremony ended.
I’ve always appreciated that verse because it doesn’t leave much room for excuses. It’s one thing to talk about kindness, compassion and loving our neighbors. It’s another thing entirely to roll up our sleeves and live it.
Being a doer doesn’t require a title, a platform or recognition. It doesn’t require a pulpit, elected office or your name on a plaque. It simply requires a willing heart.
We don’t all have to captain the team. Sometimes God simply asks us to be a faithful team member. And the truth is, no team succeeds without those willing to do the work that often goes unnoticed.
Sometimes being a doer means volunteering at a local nonprofit. Sometimes it means coaching a youth sports team, mentoring a child or serving a meal. It may mean donating blood, stocking a food pantry, reading to children at the library, supporting local businesses, attending city council meetings, picking up litter after a community event or checking on an elderly neighbor who could use a friendly visit.
It can mean serving on a local board, supporting a school fundraiser, visiting someone in a nursing home, helping a family after a storm or simply extending grace when it’s easier to criticize.
Sometimes it’s writing an encouraging note.
Sometimes it’s praying with someone.
Sometimes it’s simply listening.
The truth is, communities are rarely changed by one grand gesture. They are changed by thousands of small acts of kindness that often go unnoticed.
As a journalist, I have the privilege of writing about ribbon cuttings, awards and accomplishments. Those stories deserve to be told. But some of the greatest stories never make the front page because they happen quietly every single day.
A meal delivered.
A ride offered.
A lawn mowed.
A child encouraged.
A family helped through a difficult season.
Those moments don’t always come with headlines, but they leave lasting impressions.
Our community isn’t held together by buildings or budgets alone. It’s held together by people who decide someone else’s needs matter. By volunteers who arrive before everyone else and leave after everyone else. By pastors who answer late-night phone calls. By teachers who spend their own money on classroom supplies. By first responders, civic organizations, librarians, coaches, business owners, neighbors and countless others who serve simply because it’s the right thing to do.
And yes, it’s held together by ordinary people who quietly choose to care.
Congratulations to Apostle William Basby on 35 years of ministry and on a lifetime of demonstrating what it means to be a doer. His example reminds us that real leadership isn’t measured by how many people know your name. It’s measured by how many lives are better because you chose to serve.
Imagine what Bleckley County would look like if each of us found just one way to be a doer this week.
Volunteer.
Encourage.
Give.
Mentor.
Pray.
Serve.
Help someone without expecting anything in return.
Communities don’t become stronger by accident.
They become stronger because ordinary people decide to do extraordinary things—one act of service at a time.
As Apostle Basby has reminded so many through the years, don’t simply hear the Word.
Be a doer.
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