A Wonderful Leadership Surprise

Precept Ministries, led by Jack and Kay Arthur, has been an incredible blessing to my family and we have been privileged to financially support their efforts for many years.  Yesterday we were visiting their campus in Chattanooga, TN and we received a wonderful leadeship surprise.

My daughter and I took a walk alongside a creek on their property.  I showed her the exact spot where her mother and I sat down and asked God what level of financial support we should give to the ministry.  Then I told her that I wrote the largest check I have written to date and I couldn’t have been happier.  It was a wonderful time to make a lasting impact in her life in the area of generosity.

We then walked back into their main facility and began to wait for my wife.  It was then that a wonderful surprise took place.  Jack Arthur walked up and began talking to us!  I often start each day by asking God to “wonderfully surprise me today” but the 30 minutes with this spiritual giant was a little extra.

Jack is now in his 80s but he has made an impact in his life like few others.  He told us the stories of being a missionary in Nigeria, killing cobras, pythons, his family, and the history of Precept Ministries.

One of my favorite stories he tells is when Precept almost ceased to exist.  Their facility is actually located on a farm.  They had enough financial resources to last through the end of a month.  The leadership had asked God to intervene and if He didn’t, then they would go into the parking lot, hold hands, sing a praise song, and simply asked what He had for them to do next. 

Because they were on a farm, they owned horses.  As the end of the month was approaching, a storm came through, lightning struck and killed a horse.  The insurance money from the death of the horse allowed them to continue operations and the rest is history.  Today, they are one of the few 501C3 ministries operating in the black.

Jack and Kay are incredible people and the impact of their leadership will be felt for eternity.  The main compliment that I can give them is I think they love Jesus more than any two people I’ve ever met.  The leadership principles we all can take from them are the following:

1. They have a single focus.  The Word of God.
2. They have a HUGE vision.  Their ministry has worldwide impact.
3. They change with the times.  Precept has started easy-to-use 40 minute studies.
4. They honor those that make their operation possible.  They go out of their way to say “Thank You”.
5. They love people.  They give their time.

This was a wonderful leadership surprise for my family.  I hope my daughter will one day understand what a privilege it was for her to meet Jack Arthur.  I know her mother and I will constantly remind her.

Have you had a wonderful leadership surprise lately?

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