This post comes from Kyle Kelley, associate coordinator, Louisiana Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

John Goodwin

John Goodwin, Pastor Emeritus of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, died Sept. 20 at 8:30 a.m. in Baton Rouge. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at Broadmoor in Baton Rouge. His memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. at the church.

He had recently moved to Carpenter’s House Hospice in Baton Rouge. Remember in prayer his precious wife, Johnnie Faye, daughters Jackie and Jodie and the entire Broadmoor family. Jodie’s wedding date was moved up and took place last week, in the hospice chapel, so John could share in that most special event. Also, please remember Jackie, who has also been under treatment for cancer. May God give this family the peace that passes all understanding. 

John has been such a well loved figure in CBF life since the beginning of our movement. The words below were written at his retirement in 2007 and are still true today:

Just 3 months shy of 28 years as pastor, Dr. John W. Goodwin leaves Broadmoor-Baton Rouge in July for retirement. On May 20, the congregation held its 50th anniversary worship service, celebrating among many things, the excellent leadership of a servant who has shepherded the church for over half its life.

Goodwin, an early leader of CBF was through the years, an unfailing supporter of the movement in Louisiana. His name is on our founding documents and his influence will endure long after the hanging up of his spikes as “professional” minister. His popular weekly column, “Pastor’s Pen Points,” travels the country reflecting the pithy, to the point, fun loving personality of its author. John always seems to have a good story up his sleeve, particularly those with twists of irony and humor.

Dr. Malcolm Tolbert notes of his friend “He has the remarkable ability to lead a church in the direction he is convinced it should take without cutting ties with the members…

He is very loved by the congregation that feels extremely fortunate to have had such a loving and wise man at the helm of the church.” Indeed, John is the veteran pastor who has managed to retain the humility, joy and wonder of his high calling.

We send our love to the family and praise God for such a life well lived.