Alright, I haven't blogged for a while...the last couple of weeks have been pretty crazy. That's a lame excuse I know, but I'm going to use it anyway. This month is pastor's appreciation month and so I thought that I would express my appreciation to a few pastor's who have blessed and influenced me--so here goes in no particular order:
Monty Patton: Monty was the pastor of my church when I was in middle school. He was 27 years old when he became our pastor (which seemed awfully young:-) and he was the first preacher I can remember relating to. I just ran into him by chance in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago in an elevator of all places. I haven't seen him since I was 14 years old. He is the pastor of a church he started in Phoenix, AZ now. I always told myself if I ever got a chance to see him again I would tell him how much he influenced me. I did in that elevator and it was very cool.
Ken Idleman: Ken is the pastor of Crossroads Christian Church in Evansville, IN now, but I've known him for most of my life as the President of Ozark Christian College. Since I was good friends with his son, I was in their house a lot growing up and Ken was one of the first ministry leaders to believe in me before I believed in myself. I owe a ton to Ken: his encouragement, his counsel, his example, and his leadership. He oozes integrity and leadership perhaps more than anyone I know.
Mark Scott: Mark was my preaching professor in college and ignited a passion and love within me for preaching. He is one of the most gifted teachers I've ever had the privilege of sitting under and his humility is truly stunning. I'm grateful to be an extension of his ministry within the local church.
Dean Pense: In my opinion, Dean is one of the most underrated leaders in ministry. He is the father (and grandfather) to countless church plants, primarily on the West Coast. He grabbed ahold of me as a dumb 25 year old and mentored me through the days of starting a church. He is a pioneer and a "Paul" to countless younger pastors. He now serves as a pastor in a church in Napa Valley, CA.
Tim Harlow: I first met Tim 4 years ago on a white water rafting trip with about 11 other pastors from around the country. He pastors a large church outside of Chicago which has recently experienced incredible growth. The first thing that struck me about Tim was his transparency, his "realness", and his undeniable passion for God and the Church. I was the youngest pastor on that white water trip and he embraced me as a peer, but provided thoughtful counsel as a mentor. He was one of my biggest cheerleaders when we were thinking and praying about coming to Traders Point. I appreciate his friendship and enjoy learning from his ministry.
Howard Brammer: Following a well-loved, long-term pastor is not an easy thing to do, but Howard has not only made this easy, but enjoyable. I have already learned from him and am looking forward to learning more in the future. His fingerprints are all over Traders Point and the legacy of his leadership makes my job a blast because of the healthy culture he created within this church. He was the first one to call me my first day on the job and cheer me on. Words can't express my gratitude for leaders like Howard.
Well, this list isn't exhaustive by any means, I could go on--and probably should. Take a minute this month to make a list of your own and let these leaders know how much impact they've had in your life--trust me, they'll want to know.
Aaron,
We just wanted to take a moment to let you know that we have really enjoyed being a part of Trader's Point. Listening to your sermons every Sunday have encouraged us to get more involved. We are praying about the mission trip to Mexico, it will be our first mission trip ever. We are both very involved in the children's ministry and love the kids dearly, but really feel that we could do more. Your influence has really opened our eyes to more things that we can do to help others.
Thank you for everything and we think you are doing an great job.
In Christ,
Posted by: Cole & Tonya Warnisher | October 30, 2008 at 04:33 PM