Thankful for Pastors

Yesterday, our church in Colorado Springs, Vista Grande Baptist Church, called a new senior pastor. Joshua York is now the latest in a line of men whom I call Pastor. He preaches with humility and clarity as he proclaims God's truth from the Bible. I am looking forward to the relationship we will have as time goes by.

With the calling of a pastor, I was reminded of all the men I have been privileged to call my pastor. From the time of my birth through the first three years of college, Dr. Grady Metcalf was my pastor at First Baptist Church, Temple, Texas. He was an encourager to me in many ways particularly during the days of sensing my own call to ministry. He gave me my first set of commentaries from his own personal library. Ben Carter and Jim Clemons were staff ministers at Temple that gave me opportunities in leadership and preaching. I am forever grateful for a pastor and staff that helped me understand my calling.

When my wife and I married during the later portion of our college years, we joined Highland Baptist Church in Waco. Bob Ross was our pastor who soon became a friend and encourager. He even invited me to join his church staff several years later but my ministry was already focused and it was not a good time to make a move.

During the first year of being a seminary student, we were members of First Baptist Church in Arlington. Dr. H.E. East was our pastor. In this large church there were several seminary students. Dr. East gave us a tour of his study and revealed his study habits and filing system to us. I still use what he shared to file my sermons. He also gave each of us the opportunity to preach on a Wednesday night. When I was called to pastor my first church, Dr. East led my ordination service in Arlington.

For twenty-four years I was a pastor serving four different churches in Texas. During those years I had many fellow pastors with whom we encouraged each other. Two men who particularly have had influence in my life are Dr. George Ray and Dr. Bill Tinsley. George helped me through the planting of a new church and became a lifelong friend. Bill has been a friend since the first day of our freshman year of college and we continue to encourage each other today.

In 1993 I became the Executive Director of Denton Baptist Association in Texas. I was then a pastor to other pastors. I hope I was as much of an encourager to them as others were to me. During the next 28 years we were members of FBC, Lewisville, Texas. Dr. Stephen Hatfield was our pastor the entire time. He became a friend, as well as our pastor, during those years.

Four years ago we moved to Colorado Springs and Dr. Chris Moore was our pastor. He became a friend and gave a retired preacher opportunities to serve. When he was called to a church in Arkansas, two staff members - Bill Cox and Devon Knuckles became friends and encouragers. They have also given me opportunity to serve in very meaningful ways. Now, I am looking forward to building that new relationship with my pastor, Joshua York.

Why list all of this biographical information about my journey and those who have impacted my life? My hope is that it will cause you to remember and give thanks for those individuals, particularly pastors, who have had positive influence in your life. Provers 27:17 reminds us of our need to have people who help keep us sharp, encouraged, and moving forward.

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man

sharpens another."

Next week, school begins in many places. I hope to write about teachers who have had an impact on my life. Take some time to remember those in places of leadership who have been your encouragers.