If you want to run-down pastors, you need to talk to someone other than me. The world is a better place because pastors are in it.
You do not believe me? The last seven days reminded me of the impact of these Godly men in my life. I was challenged, encouraged, equipped, and became a better husband and father because of how God used pastors. It is a privilege to sit under their leadership and serve them any way I can.
The following are 9 Reasons The World Is A Better Place Because of Pastors I experienced in just the last week alone.
Monday, September 17
- Pastors Comfort Us During Times Of Loss – My week began at about 8:30 AM when Crawford Loritts, my longtime friend and the wonderful senior pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA, called me. I was excited to start my week by seeing his number on my phone but unfortunately it was not good news. He had to tell me a mutual friend of ours died unexpectedly.
- Pastors Make Us Better Business Leaders – I then attended an event at NorthStar Church entitled Lunch With A Leader. This event is the brainchild of the church’s senior pastor Mike Linch. I joined over 100 of Cobb County’s (GA) most influential business, government, educational, athletic and community service leaders to learn biblical principles on leading with our faith out in front. You can read all my leadership quotes from Mike’s message by reading Why Over 100 Of A Community’s Most Influential Leaders Came To A Church For Leadership Training.
Tuesday, September 18
- Pastors Are Often Our Dearest Friends – I had the privilege of filming an interview with the delightful Abigail Reighard. Abigail is the daughter of Ike Reighard, the beloved senior pastor of Piedmont Church. Ike has been a dear friend for over 20 years. His daughter Abigail has severe kidney and bladder disease and has experienced pain literally every day of her life for the last 12 years. She would be sharing her story for the first time five days later. You can watch the final edited video above along with an inspiring conversation which followed with her dad afterwards. This is must-watch and you should also contact Abigail about speaking at your church. On a personal note, it was an honor for me to bless Ike’s daughter as he has often blessed mine. The Dodd family flat-out loves the Reighard family.
Saturday, September 22
- Pastors Preside Over The Landmark Moments Of Our Lives – Earlier, I mentioned Crawford Loritts contacting me about the passing of a mutual friend. On Saturday, he presided over the memorial service. Think about it – whenever there is a funeral, wedding, dedication of a child, or baptism, a pastor is always there.
- Pastors Teach Us The Word Of God – What I love most about Crawford is his love of the Scriptures and ability to communicate its truths. His message, based upon the words given by the Apostle Paul about death and the reality of being with Jesus in Heaven, brought comfort to all in attendance. Crawford adores the Bible. The Scriptures have an elevated level of importance in his life and he has inspired me in this area of my life as well.
Abigail Reighard sharing her Piedmont Story with the church’s Senior Pastor Ike Reighard, who is also her dad.
Sunday, September 23
- Pastors Give Us Hope – The day began at Piedmont Church with Abigail’s story as mentioned above. Dozens of people dealing with sickness, mental health issues, infertility, loneliness, hopelessness, financial struggles and any number of other concerns walked away inspired and a sense of hope. Abigail showed incredible bravery and God used her story in a mighty way.
- Pastors Are A Picture Of The Desired Destination At Which We Should Wish To Arrive – On Sunday evening, I attended an event at First Baptist Church in Woodstock, GA called Man Church. Pastor Johnny Hunt, the church’s iconic senior pastor, was the speaker. He has faithfully served the city I live in for 30 years. One of the reasons I feel God has so blessed the city of Woodstock is because Pastor Johnny has been its most prominent pastor and prophetic voice. He also has as much integrity as any man I have ever met. Pastor Johnny is a picture of the type of man those who know him want to become through the power of the Holy Spirit. To read 49 leadership quotes from his session, click Pastor Johnny Hunt’s 10 Characteristics of Pastors And Men Who Finish Well.
Man Church at First Baptist Church Woodstock
- Pastors Point Us To A Brighter Tomorrow – Pastor Johnny is currently transitioning the leadership role of senior pastor to Jeremy Morton. After being personally discipled by Pastor Johnny for three years, the 36-year-old Morton is the perfect selection to succeed him. Pastor Jeremy and I have emailed back and forth many times at the recommendation of a mutual friend but I was privileged to meet him face-to-face for the first time last night. FBCW is lucky to have him. He is the REAL DEAL!!! The church’s future is very, very bright!
Monday, September 24
- Pastors Pray For Us – Today, I received a phone call from Dr. Derwin Gray, the incomparable pastor of Transformation Church in Charlotte, NC. Derwin is one of my heroes of the faith. Two things stand out to me about Pastor Derwin – his love of the Scriptures and how often he prays for me and my family.
If has been a memorable seven days. What is one ways pastors bless your life? And do not forget to watch Abigail Reighard’s video.
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