Most of my pastors have been my bosses, which is pretty strange. Being in the ministry for 10+ years at this point has meant that I have served under and been led by a lot of godly men. Today, in light of Pastor Appreciation Month, I wanted to write a letter to the men who shepherded me through my years of learning to be a pastor. There is so much more that could be said about these men who have impacted my life, but that'll have to be for another day.
To my childhood pastors (that I remember), Pastor Rusty and Pastor Paul. I don't remember a lot of personal dealings with either one of you. However, now that I serve as a pastor, I realize that your work led to the children and youth ministries in which I was involved. Because of your overall leadership and behind-the-scenes work, I was able to learn, grow, and be saved during my childhood. Thank you for all that you did that I will never know.
To the pastor who wasn't my pastor but felt like my pastor, Nathan McCall. You invited me into your home, and your ministry, and even gave me opportunities to teach (poorly, I'll admit). I don't know if you realize the impact you had on my theology (not to mention my knowledge of the lyrics to Bohemian Rhapsody) before going off to college. The trips to Appalachia, Bonclarken, and Mast General Store were invaluable as I look back on them all. Thank you.
To my first pastor/boss, Lance Scarlett. Why you would take a chance on the quiet kid in the back of your English class still baffles me, but I am so thankful that you did. It was under your leadership that I learned what it means to love your church. I had the privilege of seeing you minister to those who were hurting. I got to observe as you loved on your congregation before and after services. I was there when you were cutting wood and delivering it to those in need. Your love for God's people seemed to overflow from the pulpit in every message. All of this love was shown to me personally as I spent many hours in your home, at flea markets, and in the old red truck. Thank you.
To the pastor who taught me how to lead, Brad Philbeck. It was a dream come true when I got the phone call presenting the opportunity to serve with you. As my mentor, as the one who pushed me to go to Fruitland, and as my friend for many years, I couldn't pass up that chance. The time we spent at that local church was challenging to say the least. However, it was through those difficulties that I got to see a pastor lead his family humbly and his church boldly. Standing around the kitchen debriefing on Sunday nights and thinking of ways to love our church and community taught me that it takes an intentional plan to pastor a church well. Thank you.
To the pastor who was there when I needed to heal, Jeremey Mahaffey. With tears in my eyes, I write these words. My wife and I were in desperate need of a safe place to worship without any pressure of service. We had been burned and you walked with us all the way. The simple act of telling us that you wouldn't ask us to do anything until we were ready started the healing process. I cannot express to you all of the gratitude we have for how you cared for us. From a warm welcome any Sunday morning to using your box truck to haul our stuff around, God used you in a special way during that season. Thank you.
To the pastors who showed me how to think seriously about the local church, Michael White, Josh Sugg, Andrew Goodson, and all of the lay elders along the way. Only a few days before getting the offer to lead worship and be a pastoral intern with you, I had expressly told God that I wasn't interested in any position outside of a senior/lead pastor role. Clearly, He didn't listen to me and I thank Him for it. My years at Freedom Church humbled me as I served with pastors who felt out of my league. I realized that there was so much that I hadn't thought through. I couldn't give a robust, biblical defense for my thoughts on the local church. Watching you lead and being invited into the conversation gave me the space I needed to grow in all of this. Thank you.
Finally, to the Chief Shepherd whose hand is evident in it all, thank You. I look forward to how You will continue to lead me beside still waters.
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