Larry Lott, pastor of the Blue Hills Community Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away July 13 after serving as Blue Hills church pastor for 38 years. He was 75.

Lott earned an Associate of Arts from Penn Valley Community College and a Bachelor of Arts from MidAmerica Nazarene College (now University) before accepting the pastorate at the Blue Hills church in 1977. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Divinity from MidAmerica Nazarene University.

In addition to pastoring, Lott served on the NTS Board of Trustees and as president of the NTS Alumni Association.

"All of us who were privileged to serve alongside Larry Lott are richer for the experience," said Jeren Rowell, Kansas City District superintendent. "Pastor Lott impacted thousands across his nearly 40 years of ministry at Blue Hills Community Church of the Nazarene. Dr. Lott was truly our 'senior pastor' on the Kansas City District and we will miss him greatly. Our joy is in the knowledge that he is with the Lord awaiting the Resurrection."

Charles Tillman, Black Ministries facilitator for the USA/Canada Region, spoke highly of Lott’s work on the Black Strategic Readiness Committee. 

“Dr. Lott was the chairman of our committee for a number of years before his health prevented him from continuing in that role, and he provided great leadership,” Tillman said. “He was a personal mentor to me and a godly man. He was a giant of a figure among black Nazarenes and a much sought after speaker on the evangelistic circuit. Dr. Lott could flat-foot deliver the Word in a way like none other. We've lost a true champion of the holiness message with his passing. He will be greatly missed."

Lott passed away just two days before his 55th wedding anniversary with his wife, Evelyn "Bettye." The couple has three adult children, Monica Lee (Christopher), Larry C. Lott III (Tiffani), and Winston Lott (Esther), all of Kansas City.

A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. on July 25, followed by a funeral at 11 a.m.