Pastors Who Have Shaped Me
When I started living a life as a Christ-follower, things happened quick. I started teaching pretty quickly after I got involved in church, I took over a singles ministry at the church we were attending, I did the Bible college thing for a VERY short time, and I moved at 23 years old and started a church in Iowa. To say I got on the job training would be an understatement.
God was watching out for me and He must have known I needed some major help because He has placed some incredible leaders in my life that have shaped me into the pastor I am today. As I was thinking of those leaders today, started thinking of the ONE thing I learned from them the most and it has shaped me into the person/pastor/leader I am today.
Randy Rhye - With the exception of those who log into my blog from my past to find out “liberal” I’ve become and have something to preach against, no one on here has probably ever heard of this man. He was my first pastor and was all out, sold out for leading others to Christ. He is as old school as they come, but I am who I am today because of him. One Thing That Shaped Me: I learned to be consumed with lost people.
Brian Bloye - In many ways, I consider Brian my pastor now. I served for a year under his leadership at West Ridge Church. One Thing That Shaped Me: Family before Ministry. He is as dogmatic about this balance as anyone I have ever seen. He lives it out every day.
Shawn Lovejoy - One of the people who pours into my life on a regular basis. One Thing That Shaped Me: Be Mean About The Vision. That one sentence changed everything in me. I heard it before we launched Revolution and I have ate, slept, and drank it.
Perry Noble - I consider Perry THE mentor in my life in regards to ministry. One Thing That Shaped Me: DREAM BIG. Perry is the biggest visionary I have ever been around. He literally thinks he is going to reach 100% of Anderson, S.C.
Steven Furtick - I feel blessed to be connected with Steven. I think he is one of the great leaders/visionaries in the church today. One Thing That Shaped Me: The Office Of Pastor IS A Big Deal. I fought this for a long time. I wanted to be everyone’s friend. While I still want to be friends with the people of Revolution, I am their pastor first.
Greg Rohlinger - I have been friends with Greg since I was in Iowa. I often state he is the most underrated church planter in America. He has built a great church and is a great leader. About two years ago, DeAnna and I flew out and stayed in his house for a week. It changed my ministry. One Thing That Shaped Me: It Is About People. Greg is a pastor. He loves the people he pastors. He has the heart of a pastor and that was a big deal to me when I saw it.