As I reflect back on my own pastoral ministry, I can identify several individuals who were crucially important mentors for me. H. M. S. Richards Sr., founder and speaker of the Voice of Prophecy radio ministry, had already played a significant role in my family’s spiritual journey more than 20 years earlier. My parents became Seventh-day Adventist Christians through his ministry. So when I completed my undergraduate studies, I was delighted to receive a recording by H. M. S. Richards Sr. titled “If I Were a Young Minister Again.” I listened to that recording numerous times. The message contained much wise counsel from a great spiritual teacher. I determined by the power of the Holy Spirit to live what I had learned.
Another mentor during my internship year of pastoral ministry was my senior pastor, Robert Clarke. Bob was completing his doctoral studies at Lancaster Theological Seminary, and he was particularly interested in shepherding pastoral interns. The timing was perfect—I was an integral part of his research. It was hard work, but I considered myself blessed. Bob was used by God to shape my life and ministry. I came to love him as my spiritual father, and I cherished him as a colleague in ministry.
Long before I became a pastor, my second-grade teacher, Christine Emmerson, guided me. She gave me the opportunity to realize some of my untapped potential as a public speaker. I was attending a small Christian primary school in Binfield, England. It was time for our class play, and Ms. Emmerson asked me to serve as the narrator. To be honest with you, I don’t even remember the theme of that play, but the impact of that experience has stayed with me through the years. More than 40 years later, Mrs. Christine Emmerson Wood showed me a picture of a seven-year-old schoolboy standing on a chair. “I knew that you would become a preacher,” she told me. She did so much more than give me opportunities to realize my public speaking potential—she loved me with an unconditional love. She gave me a visible manifestation of the unfathomable love of God. Who could ask for more? I will always be grateful for her godly example.
Having had such wonderful mentors has inspired me to look for young men and women who need guidance. I met one such individual several years ago in Orlando, Florida. I immediately recognized him as a young leader with great potential. Through the years I have been blessed to encourage and support him on his ministry journey. In giving, I have found joy. Surely, the words of Jesus are true: “ ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” (Acts 20:35, NKJV). Today he is a highly effective Bible teacher with a global ministry. In fact, the tables have turned, and he has taught me things.
Whom has God used as significant mentors in your life? Perhaps it was a parent, a teacher, a pastor, a Christian author. Take a few moments to connect with those special people. Send an email or a text. Make a phone call. Say “Thank you.” Your words of affirmation will undoubtedly mean a great deal.
After you have written your Thank-you notes, visit our Web site at www.ministrymagazine.org and share your story, both as a mentee and a mentor. Perhaps we can post some words of affirmation as an encouragement to others.
I also want to challenge you to prayerfully consider your ministry as a mentor. It’s work. Advising others requires sacrifice. But there is joy in giving. There is satisfaction in seeing the wisdom gained from your years of ministry blessing the lives of others. Even if you’re just getting started in ministry, you can find a colleague and enter into a peer mentoring relationship. Share lessons learned on your ministry journey and encourage one another.
The author of our lead article has mentored many pastors and church leaders. Jan Paulsen’s Spirit-filled ministry has shaped many lives, including mine. So I’m going to follow my own advice right now—I’m going to write a brief note of thanks.