A Legacy of Ministry

Pastor Van N. Houser leaving North Side Baptist in Weatherford

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church Pastor’s Assistant

On the north side of Weatherford, towering high above surrounding buildings, stands a cross. The cross sits in the parking lot of a 125-year-old church, North Side Baptist Church (NSBC). Now in its 126th year, the legacy lives on strong, and part of that legacy is the retiring pastor, Van N. Houser. After 57 years in ministry, serving for 25 years at NSBC, he is stepping down from full-time ministry to enjoy the retired life. June 4 will be his last Sunday at North Side.

At one time, North Side Baptist Church was said to be “The Most Interesting Place in Town.” I can say with certainty that statement remains true, thanks in part to the influence of Van Houser, affectionately referred to as “Brother Van.” This church is truly one-of-a-kind and has been blessed to have Brother Van, who is an incredibly gifted leader, preacher, and speaker. In fact, if you did not already know, he is a national speaker.

Houser was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 6, 1947. After graduating from high school, he attended Baylor University where he received a combined bachelor’s degree in physical education and religion. He went on to achieve a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

As a young boy he knew he was called to the ministry, and he began serving in 1966. He served in a couple of churches as associate pastor/music minister/youth and pastor before taking a break from the pulpit to publicly speak on drug prevention, a subject that weighed heavy on his heart.

From 1985 -1998, Houser traveled across the country speaking about drug prevention. He established Van N. Houser Ministries Inc., a non-profit counseling and conference ministry. He founded and was president of the American Foundation for Drug Prevention. In May 1991, he established Keys to Prevention Consultant Services, where he continued his call to help parents, workplaces, schools, and cities fight the battle against drug addiction.

In September 1998, Van agreed to serve as interim pastor at North Side Baptist Church while the church conducted an extensive search for its next leader. Eventually, the search committee realized there was no one like Brother Van, so on Nov. 1, 1999, Van N. Houser became the 20th pastor of North Side Baptist Church.

His initial goal was to take a 100-year old church and make it relevant to the next generation.

“My joy has been to see the young couples and their families bonding and creating the fellowship of the future,” he said.

In the last 25 years, the church has seen countless transitions and increasing attendance. Some of the changes that happened under his leadership were the new children’s building, the new worship center, the addition of contemporary worship, middle school ministry, preteen ministry, town hall meetings, agape dinner, involvement in missions – both local and foreign with a yearly missions banquet to celebrate, and so much more. The last 25 years have been transformational for North Side, and the church has been privileged to have Brother Van leading the way.

He’s also played an important role in fundraising for non-profits throughout the community by leading the church to make a difference through ministry and involvement.

No one has a bigger heart and more love for people than Brother Van. He loves the people of North Side and the community of Weatherford and has been committed to making as many positive changes as he can during his time here.

During one of his sermons to senior adults, Brother Van reminded them that you never really get to quit ministry until God says so. You may “retire,” but God will continue to use you where you are.

God uses us in every season of our lives, and I am sure that Brother Van will be ministering to others wherever he goes. It is a part of who he is.

When asked what his favorite memory was of his time here, he responded that it was singing “The Lighthouse” with Gary Wood, minister of music at NSBC for more than 30 years.

Van and Gary served together and made a unique team as they complimented each other well. Members looked forward to what was often affectionately called “The Van and Gary Show,” which took place during the announcements portion of every service. They light-heartedly joked with one another, and sometimes about one another. Gary was the recipient more often, but occasionally he would get the best of Brother Van with everyone cheering him on. It’s that camaraderie that Houser will miss most.

“I’ll miss hearing my staff sharing and laughing in the main office. I love them dearly,” he said.

But, even though he’s leaving, he’s not saying goodbye.

“Eventually I hope to return as a member after giving some time for the congregation to get a new pastor,” he said.

And, as with anyone transitioning to retirement, he does look forward to taking a well-deserved break.

“Probably the biggest thing I look forward to is not writing a term paper every week, and having a sermon on my mind day and night,” he said. “Secondly, the freedom to have a weekend free to go see my family more and travel with friends. When my sister and brother passed, they left three sons. I feel I need to fill the gap.”

For all the transitions Brother Van has led us through, the next one may be a tough one. It will be strange for a while without him in the pulpit every week, making his way through the halls, chatting with everyone along the way. We will miss his humor and “Vanisms,” although some will probably live on. It is a bittersweet time for both NSBC and Brother Van. However, I am confident it won’t take long for him to embrace retirement as we move forward into uncharted territory. His will always be in our DNA, as are all those leaders who have gone before him. Since he has served for so long, touched so many lives, and loved so deeply his imprint on us will be even more profound.

As June 4 comes and goes Brother Van and his wife, Susie, will enjoy retirement, camping, fishing, golfing, and spending more time with their grandchildren. As for North Side Baptist Church, many things that began during the last 25 years will not change on June 4. It will still be a church for every generation with a congregation that serves God and loves its members and the community as well. Though Brother Van may physically leave the building, the various ministries that he initiated will continue, and his legacy will be carried on by the people of North Side, as well as in the community, and beyond.

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