Bill Barton’s legacy lives on in many ways. It lives through his family, his friends, the churches where he served as both pastor and interim pastor. It lives through the thousands of clients that have and will come through the Home of Grace. And now, it lives through a book…A Man, a Mountain and God.

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Reflections and Questions on the book.  With Billy Barton and Wayne Hudson

In early November 2011, I sat down with Billy Barton, Executive Director of the Home of Grace. My purpose was to ask some questions prior to the release of his book on the life of his dad, Bro. Bill Barton. The following is the result of our time together:

Wayne: For the book’s title, you’ve chosen A Man, A Mountain and God.  Where did this great title come from?  

Billy: Dad dearly loved to preach and has written and preached many hundreds of sermons. But I believe his most powerful of all was entitled, A Man, A Mountain and God. Because I felt so strongly about that, I both chose it for the title and included a printed copy in the book. This sermon was in many ways reflective of his philosophy of life.

W: What compelled you to share your dad’s story in this way? 

B: Dad’s life was so full that I decided years ago that it must be put into a book. Now others can read of his challenges and be encouraged by his incredible story.

W: What’s your earliest memory of your dad’s ministry efforts? 

B: From an early age, I knew that he was an effective pastor. But it was after he founded the Home of Grace that I saw first-hand his ability to empathize, challenge, and minister in many other ways to our clients.

After I came to work at the Home, Dad would come out very early, attend to a few matters and then leave. Often I would wonder why he didn’t stay out there more. Later, I learned that he was most effective out in the community promoting the ministry. It was those trips away from the Home every day that kept the ministry running and also kept it funded.

W: Now that you sit where he once did, what do you think was your dad’s greatest challenge? 

B: There are two ways to look at challenge. With Dad, he wanted to be a shepherd to a church flock. When he was compelled to start the Home of Grace, it soon became obvious that he couldn’t give 100% to both. He also dearly loved promoting the ministry, but he was often needed on the campus. So as you can see, he was a man constantly pulled in many directions. I suppose if I had to name his greatest challenge, it might be the never ending responsibility of protecting the integrity of the ministry.

W: Now that two of your sons are on staff, do you see Bro. Bill’s vision being continued and carried out in their work? 

B: My son Josh has a passion to expand the ministry in many ways. This, I believe is expanding on Dad’s vision for this local work. Lee is a take charge guy and a “let’s get things done right now” kind of guy. I’m pleased as I watch both of them exhibit the qualities of their grandfather.

W: What would you like to say to those who are currently facing their own mountain? 

B: I would ask them to please read this book and learn from Dad’s life. I would encourage them to not be afraid; they’re re not in it alone. If they’re a child of God, He’ll hold their hand and walk with them step by step. These kinds of mountains are all through the Bible, and we encounter them for a reason. He expects us to climb them.

W: What would you like to see in the future of the Home of Grace? 

B: Our campuses are vital to the operation of the program.  The men’s campus has progressed significantly due to the relocation from the flood zone.  The women’s facility however, is in much need of repair and development. For example, a women’s chapel is greatly needed.  And although our facilities are vital, my vision for the future is not about buildings; it’s about providing opportunity for hurting men and women to realize how much God loves them and desires to transform their lives.

W: As we speak, we’re entering the Christmas season. If you could give your dad a Christmas gift this year, what would it be?  

B: Oh I already have, and it’s called A Man, A Mountain and God.