God is sufficient’: Alistair Begg Bids Farewell to Parkside Church with Message of Faith
After over 40 years of faithful service, Pastor Alistair Begg delivered his final sermon as senior pastor of Parkside Church in Bainbridge, Ohio, marking the close of a remarkable chapter in American evangelical history. With a tone of humble confidence and unwavering conviction, Begg left his congregation not with the applause of man, but with a profound reminder: “God is sufficient.”
The message was not one of sentimental nostalgia, but one firmly rooted in biblical truth. Preaching from 2 Timothy 4:5–8, Begg encouraged believers to “keep your head in all situations,” a timely word in a culture often shaken by moral confusion and secular chaos. “Endure hardship,” he read aloud, reminding the Church that trials are not exceptions, but expected components of Christian living.
Alistair Begg, known nationwide through his daily Bible teaching program Truth For Life, has stood out as a pastor who never bowed to the pressures of modernity or popular opinion. His final sermon only reaffirmed this legacy. “There’s a reason Paul told Timothy to discharge all the duties of his ministry,” Begg said. “It’s because the finish line matters.”
Rather than turn the pulpit into a personal farewell tour, Begg made it clear that the focus must remain on the gospel. “The message is not about me,” he said. “The message is about the Lord Jesus Christ.” In an era where personality-driven ministry often overshadows the message, Begg’s parting words were a rare, refreshing act of spiritual maturity.
Begg, a native of Scotland, first arrived at Parkside Church in 1983, during a time when faithful expositional preaching was becoming increasingly rare. He brought with him a simple but powerful commitment to preaching the Word without compromise. Over the decades, Parkside grew not through gimmicks or flashy programming, but through the steady rhythm of verse-by-verse Bible teaching.
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Begg said, “It is a privilege to be able to do this while I’m still upright.” His departure was not the result of scandal, burnout, or controversy—sadly, an uncommon situation today. Instead, it was a model of biblical succession and stewardship. “It’s never been about holding on to power,” one longtime member said. “It’s always been about pointing to Christ.”
In a culture where many churches pivot toward cultural accommodation, Begg’s unwavering commitment to biblical authority has earned him respect among conservative evangelicals across the nation. “He didn’t chase trends,” a local elder shared. “He chased truth.” That commitment was evident in his final charge to the congregation: “Run the race. Fight the good fight. Keep the faith.”
The worship service itself was simple, dignified, and marked by reverence. There were no celebrity guests or public fanfare. Instead, there was Scripture, singing, prayer, and a reminder that Christian ministry is about finishing well. In his trademark Scottish brogue, Begg read Paul’s words with heartfelt urgency: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.”
Throughout the years, Begg’s influence extended far beyond Parkside. His Truth For Life broadcasts reached millions daily, offering solid, biblical teaching in a media landscape saturated with fluff and error. His impact on younger pastors—many of whom have turned to his sermons and writings for guidance—has been incalculable. Yet, the man himself would reject any notion of celebrity.
During the service, Begg thanked his wife, Susan, and their family, highlighting the often unseen sacrifices of a pastor’s household. “No pastor stands alone,” he said. “And no ministry thrives without the support of a faithful wife and family.” That acknowledgment reinforced the biblical model of spiritual leadership rooted in integrity, humility, and sacrifice.
While Begg is stepping down from his senior pastor role, he has no intention of abandoning the call to ministry. Truth For Life will continue, and he plans to devote more time to writing and mentoring. Still, the Parkside congregation will now move forward under the leadership of a new senior pastor, David Zauner, who served faithfully under Begg’s guidance.
For Christians watching from afar, Begg’s farewell serves as both a challenge and a comfort. It is a reminder that God raises up leaders for seasons—and that those seasons end. What matters is whether they run with endurance, preach the Word, and finish with faith. In that regard, Begg has done all three.
One member captured the sentiment of the congregation well: “We’re not mourning a loss; we’re celebrating a legacy of faithfulness.” For Begg, that legacy is not in buildings, numbers, or applause—but in the lives changed by the gospel he preached so clearly.
As he closed his Bible and stepped down from the pulpit one last time, Begg’s expression said what words could not. He was not clinging to nostalgia or seeking accolades. He was entrusting the future of the church to the One who never changes. “God is sufficient,” he said again. And the congregation echoed, “Amen.”