Once upon a time, I was a “preacher boy!” I was seventeen when I preached my first sermon. Can it really be that forty years have passed since I stood in the pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Kettering with my knees knocking and my heart racing as I attempted to proclaim God’s truth from Romans 8?

When I accepted the call of God to preach the gospel of Christ, I was ignorant of what that would require; but, I trusted that God always equips whoever will answer His call. Mentors in ministry are one of the most blessed means that God uses to accomplish that vital goal.
Scripture speaks of a young preacher named Timothy who had the rare privilege of being mentored by the incomparable Apostle Paul. (I Timothy 1:1-2) In my life, the LORD saw fit to establish several life transforming “Paul-Timothy” relationships through the years for which I will be eternally grateful! In the 21st Century many of my “Paul’s” have “finished their course and received their crown of righteousness” in Glory. (II Timothy 4:7-8)
In 2010, my first pastor, Thomas Gordon, died after years of declining health. Brother Gordon believed in me as a young follower of Christ and on numerous occasions trusted me to occupy the sacred pulpit from which he would preach for nearly 25 years. He told me a few months before his death that of all the ‘preacher boys’ whom God had called during his ministry that I was his favorite. I was deeply honored when his children gave me the privilege of speaking at his memorial celebration.
When I went to Cumberland College in 1972 to begin my formal training for the ministry, the first professor I met was Dr. Leon Simpson. He was the Director of Ministerial Training and taught the first Monday morning class I ever took. Homiletics, Baptist History, and Church Administration were a few of the Dr. Simpson classes that I took during my four years there. But his impact on my life extended beyond the classroom. He offered employment to my new bride to become his secretary so we could afford to put food on our table and keep a roof over our heads. He trusted us to care for his young children and gave us extra spending cash for our babysitting service. In the summer of 2010, I learned that Leon has died following a stroke. When my wife and I drove to Mason, Ohio for his graveside service, his wife, Marilyn gave me the honor of praying. She told us that they had left a vacant spot on the program because she knew that God would send one Leon’s former students there that day. How glad that I could represent the scores of “Timothy’s” that our “Paul” had made such an impact upon!
People sometimes ask, “Pastor, when we have problems and pains, we can always come to you. But when you are hurting, where do you go?” Eddie Harris served the Greater Dayton Association of Baptists for many years. We became friends as well as colleagues in ministry. On more than one occasion, when I had been “wounded in battle,” Eddie was there to listen to me and pray for me. He was always a source of steadfast encouragement; a “Pastor to pastors.” But in 2010, Eddie crossed the finish line. His dear wife invited me to share a tribute during his funeral service. I hope my words conveyed the high esteem with which I held my elder brother in ministry.

Through the years, I have written personal letters of thanks to many who have been wise mentors and caring friends to me. Dr. Fred Roth and Rev. Raymond Lawrence were two college professors who left indelible impressions on my heart and mind. I deeply regret that I did get word of their deaths until after the funerals. I wish that I could have publicly honored both of these extraordinary men of God.
Another mentor of mine, Curtis Griffis received his crown of righteousness in 2007. I spoke with him just a few weeks before his passing. Afflicted with Parkinson’s disease, he haltingly whispered, “Rick…I have…always… told… folks…if I had only one…bullet…for my gun…it would be you!” I can’t possibly express what those words meant to this “Timothy!”  
During this time of year, one of the most encouraging spiritual disciplines is to express genuine gratitude toward those who have helped to guide and mentor you in your life. Thank the LORD for each person He has used to shape and mold you. Praise God for each person who has cared enough to invest his/her time and energy and expertise in you! And if those folks have not yet crossed their finish line, take some time to let them know! Don’t wait for their funeral.