Professor John Williford: Work hard, pray hard
Photo by Treasure Hardwick
Treasure Hardwick, Staff Writer
John Williford, communication professor at North Greenville, announced his retirement after 25 years of hard work and dedication to the school. Though there were many grueling tasks and sleepless nights throughout his journey, Williford worked hard and depended on God for his every need.
Williford graduated from the University of Georgia in 1973 with a degree in journalism. His hard work and sheer talent enabled him to become the sports editor for The Hartwell Sun, a Georgia Press Association award-winning paper at 23.
After working on The Hartwell Sun for a year, Williford received the opportunity to be the editor for the Elberton Star, a press association in Elberton, Ga. He jumped at the offer. His time as editor perfected his journalistic skills and furthered his love for the world of communication.
During this time, Williford recognized his talent, especially in writing and public speaking. He decided that he wanted to use his God-given talent to a make a difference for Christ. He decided to pursue a Master of Divinity and communication arts at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in Fort Worth, Texas.
While earning his master’s, Williford became particularly captivated with Habakkuk 2:2, which says, “Write my answer on a billboard. Make it large and clear and easy to understand so that people can read it at glance and rush to tell others.”
This passage in scripture sparked his desire to communicate the Gospel using the media. Though he was not quite sure where God was leading him, he set his mind on becoming an exceptional writer and speaker so that he could make God’s name known.
In September of 2000, NGU hired Williford to teach two fundamental writing classes. Even though he was expecting to teach for just one semester, he was surprised when the school asked him to return. He had no idea that he would be at the university for the next 25 years.
As he continued teaching at NGU, Williford worked to receive his Ph.D. in communication studies from Regent University.
Williford explained that working for his Ph.D. was notably challenging, but he clung to Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“I could not get that Ph.D. on my own,” Williford said. “During those years, I worked like everything depended on me and prayed like everything depended on God. He gave me strength, and by His grace, I succeeded.”
While earning his Ph.D., he conducted his dissertation on the growth of cowboy churches. He would visit these cowboy churches where the services were held in large arenas. The pastor would dress up head to toe in cowboy attire and sit on a horse while preaching. After the sermon, people were offered the opportunity to be baptized in unused horse troughs.
These cowboy services impacted Williford’s view of communication and Christianity because it taught him that the Gospel can be shared anywhere and in any way.
“The cowboy churches reached a lot of people for the Lord. It’s just outstanding . . . It was such a gorgeous ministry and so sincere, and they just worshipped God in their own way. It was really a life-changing experience for me,” he said.
After receiving his Ph.D., Williford began creating two of the fundamental communication classes at NGU. He developed the communication theory as well as small group communication classes.
During his time at NGU, Williford has particularly loved watching his students succeed and grow into leaders.
He said, “It was by God’s grace that I got to see so many students become leaders and work so hard to succeed. I always tell my students to work like it depends on them and pray like it depends on God. And I am just so blessed to see students love God and work hard. A lot of students have visited me after they graduated, which is special.”
Williford also greatly appreciated working alongside the other professors in the communication department.
“Every single person on staff is incredible. They are all such God-fearing people, and they work so hard for their students,” he said.
Just as Williford has been greatly impacted by his coworkers, his coworkers have gleaned valuable lessons from Williford and because of his influence, they have grown into even better people.
Shur Gopal, communication professor at NGU, met Williford in 2001. Since then, the two have grown into dear friends who depend on each other.
“I will miss Williford dearly,” said Gopal. “He is the most dependable, kind-hearted and humorous man I know. If you ever need anything, go to Williford.”
Gopal said that Williford’s faith stands out the most when interacting with him. He described him as a man of integrity who loves God and people.
“He is an evangelist. Not that he is a preacher, but he evangelizes by the way he lives and makes people feel,” Gopal said.
After this semester, Williford plans to retire. He is still praying about exactly what he will do in retirement, but he knows that God has called him to continue actively serving and being a light wherever he goes. He will continue to study the Word as well as stay physically active.
“Even though I don’t know what’s exactly next, I am sure that I will serve God and be active. I will not become one of those couch potatoes,” he said.
