Central Texas pastor retires after 1,700 Sundays of outdoor preaching

Longtime community leader steps down after decades of service to the homeless and underprivileged.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:40am

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After 45 years of preaching outdoors and under bridges in Waco, Texas, a local pastor has announced his retirement. The pastor, whose name was not provided, has led an outdoor congregation for over 1,700 Sundays, providing spiritual guidance and support to the city's homeless and underprivileged communities.

Why it matters

The pastor's decades-long commitment to serving marginalized groups in Waco highlights the important role that community-based religious leaders can play in supporting those in need. His retirement marks the end of an era for the city's outdoor ministry, which has been a fixture for generations.

The details

Every Sunday for the past 45 years, the pastor has led an outdoor service along the banks of the Middle Bosque River in Waco. Congregants would gather under the shade of giant pecan trees to participate in baptisms, communion, and other religious rituals. The pastor's ministry focused on providing spiritual guidance and practical assistance to the city's homeless population and other underserved communities.

  • The pastor began his outdoor ministry in Waco in 1981.
  • He has led services for over 1,700 Sundays over the course of his 45-year career.
  • The pastor announced his retirement on April 7, 2026.

The players

Waco, Texas

A city in central Texas known for its historic downtown, Baylor University, and outdoor recreation along the Brazos River.

Middle Bosque River

A tributary of the Brazos River that flows through Waco, providing a natural setting for the pastor's outdoor ministry.

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What’s next

The congregation plans to hold a special retirement celebration for the pastor on his final Sunday service on April 27, 2026.

The takeaway

The pastor's decades-long commitment to serving Waco's most vulnerable populations through an unconventional outdoor ministry demonstrates the power of community-based religious leadership to make a tangible difference in people's lives.