Pastor Appreciation 2019

The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

1 Timothy 5:17 CSB

Being a pastor is one of the toughest things that a person can be called to do… rewarding but at times, tough. I have had the privilege of serving the Lord and His church in a pastoral role since 1998. I know beyond the shadow of any doubt that this is what I am supposed to do – preach the Word and lead God’s people.

As October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation Month, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show a little appreciation to some of the pastors that God has/is using in my life and the life of my family. When a man is in the trenches of ministry, appreciation is not always easily found. I certainly would not want these men of God to go through this month without knowing that I am forever grateful for them.

Joey Savell

I would have to start with the man that I will always consider as my first pastor, Joey Savell. Joey has been in ministry since 1974. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Pineview Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama.

It was under the ministry of Joey that I was first discipled in the Lord. Though we came from very different sides of the tracks, Joey saw something within me that was worth taking under his wing and pouring into. This man has been in my corner since the beginning of my ministry journey. I will forever be grateful to this man for the passion that he has for Jesus and people coming to know Him in a real and personal way.

Dr. Stan Lewis

The next pastor that I would like to show my appreciation to is Dr. Stan Lewis. I was first introduced to Dr. Lewis as a seminary professor while I was working on my MDiv through NOBTS. He was a great teacher in the classroom, but I would soon find out that there was much more to this man.

Dr. Lewis brought me to FBC Birmingham, Alabama as a Pastor of Student Ministry at a time when I was really struggling. He was very open and honest that the position would not be easy as the church had been through the wringer prior to both of our arrivals. He helped me to see what patience in ministry looks like. It was also this man that God used to steer my ministry course from student ministry towards being a Lead Pastor. His encouragement and friendship have been something that I have cherished since we met.

Brad Kerr

The next pastor I would like to show some appreciation to is Brad Kerr. Brad serves on the pastoral staff team at FBC Fulton alongside me. He oversees the music ministry, children’s ministry, and so much more.

Brad has a passion for Christ like few that I have met before. This guy really wants to do all things for the glory of His Lord, Jesus. His passion to lead his family to be disciple-making disciples is so encouraging. It was Brad and his family that took us in when we first moved to Fulton and a “Snowmageddon” came our way on our first weekend.

Ben Clay

The final pastor that I would like to express appreciation to in this post is the one and only, Ben Clay. Ben serves as the Associate Pastor of Students and Outreach at FBC Fulton alongside me. Ben has a passion for people (especially students) to know the Lord. He is a hard-worker and faithful in the preaching of God’s Word whether it is with students or in the pulpit on a Sunday morning. I am very honored to call this guy a teammate in ministry here in Fulton. I appreciate his quirky humor and the passion for people to know the Lord in a personal way that he brings to the table.

If the Lord has blessed you with some faithful pastors, then I would strongly encourage you to take the time to show your appreciation. It might be a little note, but gift cards and gifts are also nice – just saying. The ones that God calls out and who serve faithfully are definitely worthy of double honor. I would also encourage you to not just express your appreciation once a year. You may never know how much of a blessing a simple “thank you for what you do” might be throughout the year.

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Pastor Appreciation 2017 Part 3

October has been recognized as “Pastor Appreciation Month,” and so I am taking a little time to recognize and honor some of the people that God has used as “pastors” in my life.  Those special people that God uses to spur you on to grow in your faith and be busy about the Great Commission deserve to be honored (1 Timothy 5:17).

In this post, I would like to take a little time to appreciate Dr. Curtis Ferrell.  Dr. Ferrell has recently retired from the Associational Missions Director position at the Calhoun Baptist Association in Calhoun County, Mississippi.  Curtis and his sweet wife are some precious folk.  They truly have a love for our Lord and passion to serve Him well.

When I came to Calhoun County some 4+ years ago, Dr. Ferrell was one of the first to come alongside of me.  He had the responsibility for looking out for some 46 churches in the county at that time.  I know that he poured countless hours into local ministers and churches.  He had a passion to see a Hispanic ministry take off in our county.  That might have been tied to the fact that he was the son of a missionary family in South America and also that his family served in South America as well.  Whatever the case, it was so refreshing to see someone with a passion for people that needed to experience the wonder of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I appreciated the ways in which this seasoned minister took time to listen to what was going on in my life and give some wise advice.  He would constantly ask me about how things were going both at church and at the house.  He truly had a heart for the county here during the time the Lord allowed him to serve here.

I will forever be grateful for the friendship that God gave me in this dear man (and his wife).  I know that God has big  plans for them as they will continue to serve Him in our state and around the globe.

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Pastor Appreciation 2017 Part 1

October has been set aside as “Pastor Appreciation Month.” I have always thought that this was a little silly. It is like the joke that goes around the church where I serve as pastor: “we got to appreciate you a little.”

When it comes to showing appreciation to your pastor, I think that it would be good to understand who those “pastors” are. Just because a person holds a position in a church, it does not mean that they have been a pastor. Just because a person does not hold the title of “Pastor” (of any kind) that does not mean that he or she is not serving in that role.

During this month, I want to take some time to recognize some of the people who have been “Pastor” to me. These are people that the Lord has placed in my life over the years to help me become what God desires.

In this post, I want to talk about my appreciation for the man I consider my first pastor: Joey Savell.

Joey was the youth pastor that God used in great ways to disciple me as a teenager. When I had been burnt by “church as usual”, this guy was leading a ministry that was reaching out to students both close to God and very far from Him. I am so grateful that he was obedient to the Lord (even when it cost him MANY of confrontations in deacons’ meetings).

Joey has been there for me ever since God called me into the ministry in the summer of 1996. He took me under his wing and gave me opportunities to learn and grow in my faith and calling. He has always been one that I could call up and share my heart with. He has definitely been given the gift of “telling it like it is.” It has been good when I have needed a voice that was going to shoot me straight that I could call on this man.

The apostle Paul never was married, he did play a parent role (spiritually speaking) in a few people’s lives. Just as Timothy and Titus are referred to as Paul’s sons in the ministry, Joey has served as a father in the ministry to me and other people throughout the years.  Thank you for all that you do, Joey!

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Thoughts on Mother's Day

Yesterday was one of the most celebrated days of the year: Mother’s Day. All across our country, people celebrated the one person who has been there with them from the very beginning. We salute you moms.

As a pastor of a local church, I know that Mother’s Day is one of the biggest days of the year. As far as church attendance goes, Mother’s Day is usually in the top three of the year with Christmas and Easter. (If Momma ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy!)

As we are on the other side of this “big day,” I thought that I would share some thoughts that I had about Mother’s Day.

• Moms are definitely worth honoring.  I have such a great respect and admiration for moms out there. I know that I had a great mom growing up. I know that my wife is the greatest mom on the planet. The “job” that moms do is one that not just anyone can do. It calls for so much of their time, energy, and life.
• Mother’s Day may be missing the point.  I enjoy a good celebration. I believe that there is nothing wrong with celebrating moms. I just think that it shouldn’t be done one day out of the year. I fear that there are some who see this day as another check on their list – “treated mom today, I’m good for another year.” The Bible tells us that we should honor our parents at all times (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2-3). To set aside one day and honor mom is just lacking on so many levels.
• Mother’s Day can be a difficult day.  While many enjoy Mother’s Day and all that goes with it, there are many who dread this day. For those who did not have a loving mother, it is hard to get excited about this day. Thoughts of abandonment and mistreatment arise and make this a tough day to get through. For those who have had to walk the painful journey of losing a mother to death, it can be tough. I lost my mother a couple of years ago. This day makes me think about not only the good times I had with her but those days around when I had to say “good-bye.” For those who have had to walk the painful path of losing a child/miscarriage, Mother’s Day is extremely difficult. All those memories and “what ifs” flood one’s heart like few other times.
• You don’t have to give birth to be celebrated on Mother’s Day.  While I had a great mom, there have been a few people that God has placed in my life that have also played that role to a degree. There are many who are not able to have children of their own, and they feel left out on Mother’s Day. I would like to say to all those ladies out there who are playing the mom role in a child’s life even though it is not biologically yours, THANK YOU!!! You will never know the impact that it makes. Every child needs a mom, and there are many who are desperately looking for that need to be filled in their life.

I am so thankful to God for the mother that He allowed me to have for so long here on this earth. I am also so thankful for the mother that God has blessed my children with (as I said earlier, she’s the best). I hope that you honored the ladies in your life who play this vital role well. Just don’t let it be a one day out of the year thing.

What were some of your thoughts coming off of Mother’s Day?

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Give Thanks Day 26

 

On this dreary Tuesday, I am very thankful for the gift of music.  I would love to be able to say that I am talented at some instrument or can work a mic with the best of them, but that would be a lie.  I do play a mean radio or CD or iTunes playlist though!

Music is one of the things that God has allowed to be created that touches the heart like few things can.  I can remember joking with some college buddies about the fact that there is a song for virtually anything under the sun.  If you are in a downer mood, there's always that hope of hearing "that song" on the radio which picks you up.  If you are cruising down the road, a little "Sweet Home Alabama" hits the spot.

God truly knew His creation well when He allowed music to be invented.  It impacts and inspires people like few things on this playground we call earth.  The sad part is that because it is such an powerful tool, it has been perverted in many cases and used for evil (shame).  I truly believe that music was first invented as a means for people to worship God and express their devotion to Him.  I believe that it an also be used to tell a good story or just express how one is feeling, but to use it to destroy what God is seeking to build up is a tragedy.

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Give Thanks Day 25

Today, I am thankful for the Bible.  I know that may seem "understood" coming from a pastor, but I'm not writing this post as a pastor.  I'm writing this as a person who happens to be a pastor.  I have always had a fondness of the Bible.  I was raised in a home where my parents were believers in Jesus Christ.  They thought that the Bible was important.  While other children got stories of bears, dragons, and other characters, my sister and I were told the stories of the Old Testament along with Psalms many times before bed.

I have come to see the Bible as much more than just a good "bedtime" storybook.  It is the only book that I know of that is alive (Hebrews 4:12).  It is not just a collection of thoughts about God, but it is actually the word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  I do not have to wonder what or how God thinks about a topic.  All I have to do is open this letter that He has provided, and He lets me know.

What impact has this wonderful word had on your life?

 

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Give Thanks Day 13

As I continue to move through this month expressing my thanks for various things in my life, I have come to one that is not the easiest. There are some things that come in life that make you want to do everything but give thanks. One such event took place in our family about 8 years ago when we miscarried our first child. My wife has written a great post about that here.

There are some things that are easy to give thanks for, but others - especially in the moment - are not so easy. Finding out that you are having a baby for which you have prayed - easy. Finding out that the heartbeat of that child is no longer there - not so much.

Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. ~ James 1:2-4 HCSB

These verses from the Bible seem so strange. Be grateful for the trials that come our way? That's right. Because the sovereign God of the universe has got everything under control. There is nothing that escapes His notice. Because of His proven love for me over and over (and over again), I can say thank You for whatever comes my way - even the trials.

God has used the loss of "Peanut" to teach me to be grateful for all my children. Too many times we think we are entitled to things. We are entitled to NOTHING! Because of that dark day where the heart monitor was silent, I have learned to grab and love my boys every day, because you never know when it will be the last opportunity to do so.

So today, I am thankful for the trials that God is using to make me mature and complete - even though I don't like them.

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Give Thanks Day 9

After missing yesterday, I need to get back on track with my thankful list. Today, I would like to thank The Lord for allowing college football to be invented. Saturdays in the fall are something I look forward to every year. The competition of the game is like nothing else.

The game of college football provides a much needed release also for me from ministry work. The work of a pastor is on-going. If I'm not careful, I will spend every waking hour thinking, planning, visioning, preparing... If I'm going to make it for the long haul, I need a release. For some time, college football has been that release for me.

If you're going to talk about college football, you have to talk about the greatest team there is: the Crimson Tide of Alabama. As they prepare to whoop up on some bayou bengals, I'll make plans to holler "Roll Tide" as much as possible!

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Remembering To Be Thankful

It's once again that time of the year here in the United States of America.  It's time for the family to get together, munch on some good food, and make memories... oh, and be thankful, too.  Isn't that how it goes more times than not?  Our thankfulness comes as an afterthought?

One of the ways I minister in my community is to be part of a chaplain program at the local hospital.  Once or twice a month, I go in and share a devotion with the staff members and visit with patients.  The Lord had laid on my heart to share with the staff members about the 10 lepers that were healed by Jesus (Luke 17:11-19).  Here 10 men suffering from a terrible disease called out to Jesus from a distance for relief and healing.  Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests and along the way, they were healed.  Only one returned to Jesus to simply say, "thank you."

I feel that I am much like the 9 men in this story.  I find myself so blinded by my blessings that I forget to stop and give thanks to where it is due.  You know it is shame when a secular country has to create a national holiday to remind us to be thankful.  Did the blessings in my life come from me or my hard work?  It doesn't take much to realize that any good thing within me came from only one source, the gracious God of the universe (James 1:17).

As you gather together this week with family and friends, take time to remember where the many, many blessings in your life have come from - the Heavenly Father.  May we not be blinded by our blessings, but truly thankful and busy expressing our thanks to Him.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

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I'm Thankful: Day 5

Day 5: Mentors

As I think about things in my life that I'm thankful for mentors from my past rise to the top quickly. These are people that have taken time out of their lives in order to pour into me and shape me in my faith. These people did not have to take the time to help shape this hard-headed young man, but they did. For their investment I am eternally grateful.

Joey Savell - Joey was my youth pastor growing up. He was instrumental in knowing what it meant to be called of God into vocational ministry. After I shared with my home church about my calling, Joey was quick to take me under his wing and showed me some of the ropes. He gave me opportunities to preach and help plan events for our student ministry. As the apostle Paul was a spiritual father to a young pastor, Timothy, Joey has played that role in my life. I still to this day call Joey up when I need advice in ministry matters. Joey is currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Pineview Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama.

Dan Perez - Dan was one of my first small group leaders as a teenager. Dan showed me what it looked like to live the Christian life on a daily basis. He constantly opened his home to me and my friends for fellowship and Bible studies. Dan has had a continual presence in my life through prayer, discussions, and other avenues.

Dr. Douglas Bain - Dr. Bain was one of my Bible professors at Blue Mountain College. He was a tough professor. His classes were very demanding. One thing that I quickly learned about my time at Blue Mountain College was that this man was one who was full of much wisdom. Though I didn't always excel in the classes that I took under Dr. Bain, the conversations that I had with him in his office or the student center were things that I will cherish forever. It has been so good to have someone that I can call up at pretty much anytime of the day and get a fresh wind of wisdom on situations.

Dr. Stan Lewis - I was introduced to Dr. Lewis in 2007 as I began my seminary journey with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He taught a couple of classes at the Pensacola extension center and supervised it. He quickly showed me how to take the knowledge learned about ministry and the importance of making it very practical. In 2008, I had the privilege to come on staff with Dr. Lewis at First Baptist Church of Birmingham, Alabama as a student pastor. He always kept an open door to me. I would talk with him often about ministry things. Dr. Lewis was key in helping me understand and work through the transition that God has been bringing me through from student ministry to pastoral ministry (senior pastor).

These are just a couple of the mentors that God has blessed me with over the few years that I've lived. I have learned from them the importance of pouring your life into others. A legacy doesn't just happen... it has to be intentional. If you have been blessed by having mentor(s) in your life, thank God and let them know what they mean to you.

Who are you pouring your life in to?

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I'm Thankful: Day 4

Day 4: A Church Home



The local church has played a vital role in my life to this point. I do not see any change in that pattern coming anytime soon. I was raised by my Christian parents with a priority given to "going to church." It is very typical of those who live in the deep south to be involved in a local church. To some, it is a fellowship gathered to worship... to others, it is another social meeting to be part of. When I speak of the local church, I'm speaking of a group of professing believers who gather together to worship the Lord and carry out the Great Commission that Jesus gave.

I'm thankful for the local churches that I have had the privilege of being part for many reasons...

• It taught me about who God was and gave me knowledge of His word.


• It told me about the "why" behind the "what". Though I had heard and even believed the truth that Jesus was God's Son and that He came to earth to live a perfect life, die upon a cross, be buried, and resurrected from the dead, it was the obedience of a couple members of a local church that showed me that Jesus did all that to pay for my sin and make a way for me to have a relationship with God.


• It showed me the importance of growing in my faith. God used people within the church fellowship to show me how to study the Bible for myself, pray, and share my faith with others.


• It backed me and encouraged me in my calling to ministry. As a 17 year old young man, the local church came alongside me and gave me opportunities to see that calling grow and be used for the glory of God.


• It has provided some of the deepest friendships I've ever known. In the local churches that I've had privilege to be part, God has brought into my life (and the life of my family) some friends that have truly grown more to be like family.

These are just a few reasons that come to mind for the reason that I thank God Almighty for the local church. There is truly nothing on the face of the earth like the local church. I whole-heartedly agree with Bill Hybels (Pastor of Willow Creek Church) when he says..."The local church is the hope of the world."

I hope that you have the wonderful opportunity to be part of a local Christian fellowship commonly known as a church. If you are not, I would greatly encourage you to find one close to you. Get involved and let God minister to you as He has me in my life. What role has the local church played in your life?

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I'm Thankful: Day 3

Day 3: My Children

As I continue to think about the blessings that I am thankful for in my life, I'm drawn to thinking about the 4 children that God has blessed our family with. God continues to use each of them to teach me about my relationship with God. Let me tell you about them...

"Peanut" - "Peanut" was our first child. We were looking to start a family and Peanut came along. When we went to hear the heartbeat, that's when we realized that we had lost Peanut. This little one has taught me that God truly is sovereign. Also, Peanut has taught me to not be afraid of being real with God about my feelings (even when I'm angry with Him).

Andrew - Andrew is our 4-year-old. He is one of the most compassionate people that I know. He has such a tender heart and cannot stand to see people hurt. He is also very loving and affectionate. My wife started a notebook to write down some of what we call "Drewisms". These are some of the sayings that Drew comes up with that are just priceless. We gave our first born the name Andrew Thomas after the two apostles of Jesus. It is our prayer that our Drew would be one who brings people to Jesus (Andrew - John 1:40-42) and one that would not just take people's word for it, but look for evidence (Thomas - John 20:24-25)

Samuel - Samuel is our year and a half old. He is also going to be our strong-willed child. He is so mischievous. He is also a "Daddy's boy". Sure, he wants his mommy when he's sick, but if he doesn't get some time with Daddy on a consistent basis, he gets all out of whack. Sam has taught me dependence upon God. Sometimes it's depending on God for patience to deal with him. Sometimes it's a reminder that if I don't spend time with my Heavenly Father regularly then I won't be right.

Nicolas - Nicolas (Cole) is our baby boy. At the time of this post, he is almost 4 months old. He was our "surprise baby." God showed us that His plans are sometimes not ours with Cole. Though Cole was not "planned" by us, he is such a blessing. He teaches me about how a child's laughter/smiles can warm a father's heart. There have been many times when God has spoken to my heart as I look at Cole smiling at me. God has told me that His heart warms in that way when His children find their joy in Him.

You can see that I'm very blessed with the children God's graciously granted to us.

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I'm Thankful: Day 2

Day 2: A Wonderful, Godly Wife

As I continue this journey of putting into words things that I am thankful for, I cannot go very far without mentioning my thankfulness for the wonderful gift that God blessed me with in my wife, Naomi.  She is truly a Godsend into my life.  Her passion for Jesus Christ is probably the one thing that stands out most to me.  She seeks to put Jesus first in her life.  I never imagined that Genesis 2:18-24 would be so clearly lived out, but it has been through Naomi.

Another reason that I am so thankful for Naomi is that she is a godly mother to our boys.  This is one of the foremost reasons that I knew that she was for me.  I have told her many times that I saw in her the mother that I wanted for my children.  She loves them more than any other person on the face of the earth.  She lives out the life of what a Christ-follower is supposed to look like to our boys in a way that they catch it easily.  There have been many times when our 4-year-old makes statements of biblical truths that Naomi has shared with him.

A final reason that I would give here for being thankful for my bride is that she is a wonderful pastor's wife.  I know that if you asked her, she would probably tell you that she doesn't quite know what that role is supposed to be, but she really does a wonderful job at it.  She is my main encourager, accountability partner, critiquer, prayer partner, and more.  It was told to me by more than one minister that a wife can either make you or break you in ministry.  I am so thankful that God has given me what I believe is the best there ever has been (or will be).

I would encourage you to check out Naomi's blog and see some of the wisdom that she shares.  You can go to her blog by clicking here.

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