Often as part of my quiet time, I take time to listen to sermons from pastors across the country. This morning, my choice of preacher was one of my favorites of all time. David Calhoun of Hope Springs Church in Lexington, KY. Some of you know him well, many of you have never even heard of him. Regardless, he ranks at the top of my list of people I love to listen to...for sooooo many reasons.
I know that most parents are fighting to get their children out of bed in time for school, but for two of our children...that is not a problem at all. Our twins are EARLY risers, often up on their own at 6 a.m. This morning was no different. Cuddled up next to the fire, they embarked on the journey with me to hear from Pastor David as Landen looks up at me with the most serious look on his face when he says, "Daddy? He sounds just like you!"
I laughed at his innocent little observation, but as I listened further, I realized he was right. There are a lot of similarities in both he and I. I don't know if David would agree or even be happy about that, but I could certainly see why my son made that statement.
There is good reason for his observation. David Calhoun was my pastor when I was a teenager. He introduced me to a more contemporary approach to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was (and is) an incredible friend, mentor, and shepherd. In fact, we had the opportunity many years ago to be part of the launch team of Hope Springs Church as David led the charge in birthing that congregation in Lexington.
I owe a lot of who I am to this man. I owe a lot of my ministry influence to this man. God placed him on my journey to shape me and prepare me. But he is not the only one. I have spent a lot of time this morning thanking God for the pastoral influences in my life that helped me to be where I am today. If you will grant me the privilege, I would like to pay homage to those Godly men that influenced me from the cradle to the present.
A.G. Smith, Donnie Smith, Buddy Hix:
My lineage in the pastorate so to speak, my grandfather and two of my uncles. All three men were passionate preachers filled with fire. All three men stood strong in the pulpit, sharing the Word of God with intensity. All three men, serving their purpose in their generation. All three loved and respected by anyone who ever sat under their direction. All three I loved and respected. All three now home with Jesus, fierce warriors that have come home to rest after their battles were over. Thank you God for these men and the heritage of faith that I have.
Bobby Conner, Danny Bailey:
The first people I recognize as "pastor". They served me as my shepherds in the earliest years of my life. As a 9 year old boy, I gave my heart to Christ under the preaching of Bro. Bobby and a few years later under the guidance of Bro. Danny, my faith really started to grow. As a young teenager, Danny was not just an influence in ministry and the Word, but also in my love for music. Thank you God for these men and their influence in the early years of my life.
David Calhoun:
See the opening....I could say so much more, but I will just say he is not just a spiritual influence, but probably the biggest pastoral influence for me...not to mention one of the friendships in life I cherish most. He also introduced me to church planting and creativity in ministry. Thank you God for this man's guidance, example, and love.
David Davis:
I am sad when people struggle with their in-laws. I however, do not struggle in the least. I love, honor, and respect my father-in-law. He is an amazing man. He is respected in his profession. He is adored in his ministry. He is passionate about his calling. He has been an incredible pastor. He has shown me how to really love a flock. He is wise and knows how to navigate through tension in a way that helps all involved to be better in the end. Thank you God for this man's gene's (for my wife) and for his wisdom in both my life and ministry.
Terrell Somerville:
So much could be said about this man. Under his direction, my eyes have been opened even further in creative ministry. Probably, the greatest influence he had in my life has been in giving me an opportunity to hone the skills necessary to lead people, reach out to a community, and be intentional about how I communicate the Gospel of Christ. In 4 short years serving on his staff, I grew more as a man, as a leader, as a pastor, and as a preacher. Thank you God for the opportunities for growth you gave me through this man's influence in my life.
There are many other influences that have shaped me from a distance. This list includes those through whom God worked the most to make me the servant I am today. Whether you like who I am or despise who I am...you can either thank these men or blame them. I however am eternally grateful to the Lord for placing each of them on my path. I love them all. I respect them all. I am thankful for them all and I pray that each of them can look at my life as a man and as a pastor and be proud of what God did through them.
I look forward to being to someone else, what these men have been to me.
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