WS Chronicle

Former United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church pastor Rev. James Ballard will sign copies of his new book, “They, Two, Became One”  on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at his former church.

The book-signing will be from 6 – 7:15 p.m.

In the book, Rev. Ballard speaks candidly – and with great humor – about his childhood experiences and his close relationship with his parents.  He also discusses in detail his call to the ministry following a period of reluctance and stubbornness against the plan God had for his life.  There are testimonies throughout the book about the satisfaction, peace and the comfort he has experienced as a result of total surrender.

The book, which costs $20, also includes a detailed history of West End Baptist Church and First Institutional Baptist Church and chronicles their merger into what would become United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church – hence the book’s title.

Ballard led United Metropolitan for 45 years before his retirement in 2004. Though retirement has meant that Ballard is now able to spend more time with his family, especially his adorable granddaughters, he has hardly given up his calling. He is a popular guest preacher. Rev. Ballard has missed fewer than 10 Sundays in the pulpit proclaiming the Gospel.

Retirement has also allowed him to pursue his passion of writing, and not just sermons – although five are included in the book.

“They, Two, Became One” has been praised as a useful guide for those in the ministry, whether inside or outside the pulpit, that reiterates and reinforces the message of redemption.

United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church is located at 450 Metropolitan Drive.