First Presbyterian Church of Palestine, Texas
Palestine, Texas 75801
903-729-5730

• Education: Bachelor of Arts, Waynesburg University, Waynesburg, PA. Master of Divinity, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. Master of Science in Administration, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN. Certificate in Public and Environmental affairs, Indiana University, South Bend, IN.
• Experience: North Lincoln Westminister Parish, Silex, MO. Co-Pastor Memorial Presbyterian Church, South Bend, IN. Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Gary, IN. Interim Head of Staff Hobart Presbyterian Church, Hobart, IN. Interim Co-Pastor Heritage Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX. Co-Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Liberty, TX. Pastor Trinity Presbyterian Church, Port Neches, TX. Pastor First Presbyterian Church, Georgetown, KY Pastor / Head of Staff / First Presbyterian Church of Palestine, TX, Stated Supply, Head of Staff
• Comment to those looking at my sermons: If you read one of my sermons, it would be helpful to me to have you rate it. Thanks! You may go to www.amazon.com to obtain a copy of my latest book. The title is "Living The Parable Of The Talents". If you use one of my sermons or sermon ideas, would you please email me at gaitherbailey@bellsouth.net to let me know how it was received?
• Sermon or series that made a difference: Living the Parable of the Talents - I challenged Trinity Presbyterian Church to live and serve God with their "talents" by raising $100,000 toward liquidating indebtedness. They raised over $91,000 in about a year.
• One of my favorite illustrations: Almost every Sunday morning I begin my sermon with a cute or funny story. This morning I start with a sad story. Bob and Betty were 2 of my dearest friends in Indiana. A strong, loving example of what a married couple should be. However, this couple was always at least 15 minutes late for everything: church, fellowship dinners, or parties. Bob contracted cancer and died. The funeral was to be in the church sanctuary. That afternoon, the funeral director came to my office all upset. Betty was outside in the limo and would not get out. I went out to the limo expecting Betty to be upset not wanting to accept the reality and finality of Bob’s death. I pleaded with Betty to get out of the limo. She insisted she was NOT getting out. Finally, clinching her teeth, she looked at me and said, “That man made me late for everything for 45 years because he waited to the last minute to prepare and I will not be on time for his funeral.” (A true story whose names have been changed to protect the guilty.)
• Family: Married to Barbara Lynn Mynar Carr Bailey. We have a blended family of 5 children: four boys and a girl. All of our children are grown. We have three married sons: Jon and Chrissie live in Tomball, Texas, our single son Andrew lives in Houston; Christopher and Tori live in Pilot Point, TX; Richard lives in King of Prussia, PA with his wife, Alyssa and twin daughters; and Jennifer lives in Channelview, Texas with her husband, Seth. We are proud of all of our children.
• What my parents think of my sermons: My father is deceased. He was very proud of me and my preaching. My mother is deceased but was a little more critical. She said that my sermons have made her think.
• What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: My spouse thinks my sermons are often thought-provoking and inspired. Barbara believes God speaks through me and gives God’s message to the people gathered. She says my sermons usually have a differnt slant than most she has heard and they expand her consciousness and make her think in new directions about God’s word.
• Best advice given to me about preaching: Let go and let God while being faithful to your self and your relationship to God.
• Books that have had an impact: The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. When God Interrupts: Finding New Life Through Unwanted Change by M. Craig Barnes
• Hobbies: I play the piano to "unwind." I enjoy writing and have written children’s books, short stories and am currently working on a novel. I have completed and published a short book titled, "Living The Parable Of The Talents". It is available through Amazon.com
• If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: You are the only "gospel" someone may read so do it well!
• Something funny that happened while preaching: A man lit a cigarette and a little lady in the church hit him with her purse.
• What I want on my tombstone: He tried!

• First Presbyterian Church of Palestine, Texas