Thanksgiving should be more than a day.
In the United States, we set aside one day a year to ceremonially show our appreciation for all we have been given. No one would disagree that this practice shouldn’t be limited to just once day. With that in mind, I thought I’d use part of my blog this week to share a little gratitude. Throughout this week I’ll be sharing some things and people I’m thankful for in my life.
Today I want to talk about people who have had a huge impact on me professionally. I’m a pastor now. I haven’t always been one. I was in the business world for many years before God called me into ministry. When I think of the process God used to prepare me for ministry, three men immediately come to mind. There are many people along the way who have helped me, but these three made significant investments in my spiritual maturity and preparation for ministry.
Here are three people who helped me be where I am today professionally:
Dennis Newkirk – Dennis was my pastor during the greatest leap I took in spiritual development. I once wrote about him in THIS POST. He challenged me to desire more of Christ and to be like Him.
David Atchison – David was my first official mentor. David was in ministry after a career in business and met me as a young man while I was in the business world, but wanting to serve Christ. David’s friendship and counsel prepared me for the days ahead when God would call me out of the business world into ministry.
Larry Riley – Larry was a friend and served on the church staff where I attended as a layperson, before my call to ministry. Larry introduced me to the idea that church could be done differently to reach unchurched people. I’m in my second church plant now, and it was through Larry’s initial encouragement that the initial seeds were planted in my heart that would eventually become Grace Community Church.
That’s my list (or at least part of the list…there are so many more). What about you? Who is someone who, without their investment in your life, you would not be where you are today professionally speaking? You don’t have to share three as I did…but share one person who made the difference.
Pay tribute to them by leaving a comment here. Who knows…they may see this and be encouraged greatly this Thanksgiving season.
Cool story. Thanks for sharing
The person who helped me most become who I am professionally is my mentor. In particular, a mother in our presence was excusing her son's destructive and hurtful behavior with, "Well, he's a boy. Boys are different." My mentor told her, "Jesus was a boy." At that moment, I became convicted that it was indeed possible to raise a godly son, and became a homeschool mother.
This is good, Ron.
Off the top of my head, I'd say:
1) Seth Barnes – my current boss and mentor. He's believed in me since Day One and taught me how to be a leader (is still teaching me this, in fact), how to believe in myself, and how to grow spiritually.
2) Seth Godin – everything I know that is of any use professionally most likely comes from Godin or a Godin recommendation.
Thanks Jeff. Great list. Always great when you can name your current boss as a mentor…
1. My dad. He came to Christ when I was in college. When I came home for Christmas break. I didn't know who He was and I wanted what He had.
2. My uncle. He is a Pastor (so is dad now). But my uncle was cool. He showed me that being a Christian wasn't lame.
That's a great story about your dad Michael. Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Love this
1) My Dad. Without him investing in me and really being patient with me, I would not be who I am today.
2) Rondel Ramsey. Rondel was my youth min prof at Lincoln Christian University. He has been a great mentor, friend, and role-model.
3) Everyone else. Honestly, I take a lot from everyone. There are a lot of people who have played key parts in my life at certain moments. everyone has taught me something and I am grateful for that.
Thanks man. Great list.