EL DORADO, Ark. – As Liberty Baptist Association’s associational missionary, Wade Totty wants to “equip pastors and churches to be spiritually healthy as well as being intentional about obeying the Great Commission.”
Born and raised in Fordyce, Totty is a true native of south Arkansas and has spent more than 26 years as a pastor in the southern part of the state. The Lord called Totty away from the pastorate at Cullendale First Baptist Church in Camden to his current role in July of 2020.
“I love to preach the gospel. I preached my first sermon at age 14 on Sept. 11, 1983, at Southside Baptist Church in Fordyce,” Totty said. “As an AM, I stay really busy filling the pulpits in our churches. I love to talk with our pastors and try to encourage them. We have a pastors’ prayer fellowship that meets on Mondays at our associational office and one that meets on Thursdays at Grace Baptist Church in Camden.”
Totty described Liberty Baptist Association as “a fairly active network of more than 50 churches.” The association owns and operates Beech Springs Camp just outside of Smackover, Arkansas, which is open year-round for camps, retreats, and other activities.
“I think it is a hidden jewel in the pine forests of south Arkansas,” Totty said.
Liberty Baptist Association also operates two ministry centers that provide free food and clothing to people who qualify. The Ruby Snider Ministry Center is in Camden and the Liberty Ministry Center is in El Dorado.
Additionally, Liberty Baptist Association is partnering with other evangelical churches to host a “harvest event” led by Jay Lowder Ministries in August of this year. Totty said they have sponsored associational missions trips during the last two summers and are trying to encourage folks to take part in a trip this year as well.
Totty’s wife, Rebecca, is a pharmacist. They own Bearden Pharmacy in Bearden, Arkansas. Furthering his ministry, Totty hosts a live radio show from the store at 11 a.m. each Friday on radio station KQEW FM 102.3 in Fordyce. He has worked for the Coates family that owns the station since 1996, doing various programs for them.
“This affords me the opportunity to testify for the Lord in what is often thought to be a secular arena. I am grateful that the owner, Gary Coates, allows me this freedom and responsibility,” Totty said.
The couple has two children. Kathryn is a graduating senior at Ouachita Baptist University, where she has been Student Senate president this year. Their son, Noah, is a sophomore at Harmony Grove High School near Camden where he is active on the shooting sports team and in golf.
For more about Liberty Baptist Association, visit libertybaptistassociation.org.
2 Responses
Great article! Thank you for sharing it.
Wade Totty is a great AM. We are blessed to have as a part of Liberty.