For the last 23 years, those walking through the doors of First Baptist Church of Collierville would usually hear a sermon from Chuck Herring.

Since 2003, Herring, 72, has served as senior pastor of the suburban church, which draws between 1,250 and 1,300 people on Sunday mornings. But soon that will change, as Herring plans to retire. He announced his plan to the congregation in March, but there is not exact date for his departure so that he can help with the transition to a new pastor — a decision that still needs to be made.

“The thing that has really driven me from the day I surrendered to ministry — it was the joy of studying the Bible, preparing sermons and preaching,” he said. “I’m telling you, I am highly motivated when it comes to that.”

This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.