As you saw in Mike’s latest post, pastoral ministry can be rewarding, tasking, and even can be misunderstood to the congregation at times. Therefore, we want our ministry here to be one that cheers local church pastors on to be faithful in the ministry to which they have been called.
Because the month of October is Pastor Appreciation month, we want to spend some time writing about the pastors who have impacted our lives, and in written form, thank God for them. Over the next few weeks (and in groups of two contributors per post), we will take a moment to appreciate some of the people of God who have been used to mold us into the men we are today.
Ben | Rev. Timothy Campbell
I have had a few different pastors during my lifetime, and they have all made their mark on me in different ways. However, the best pastor I had was in my home, my dad. Growing up, my dad was never actually my pastor, but he was a pastor to many. He was always in ministry, but held many different non-pastoral roles during my childhood. He worked for Welch College in different capacities, then became the Executive Director for Arkansas Free Will Baptists in 2002.
Even though my dad was not formally my pastor, I got to see him pastor many different people over the course of my lifetime. I’ve seen him stand up for what he believed was right in a room full of disagreers. I’ve seen him fight for fidelity and integrity in the pulpit of Arkansas Free Will Baptist churches. I’ve seen him stand up for those who may be overlooked. I’ve seen him strive to do right in every situation.
My dad taught me a lot by what he did, and also plenty with what he said! But the character this man had to stand up for what he believed in, while facing adversity, was immensely integral for my life – he never missed a nap before dinner when he got home from work. But I also saw him show up to ball games, plays (yes, I was Mr. Smee in Peter Pan one year), and support me.
He taught me to be a man of integrity. He taught me to love Scripture. He taught me what it means to be a man of God. He taught me how to love the Bible. He taught me to depend on the Lord, even when life wasn’t fair. He’s my hero, and I will be forever grateful to be the son of Rev. Timothy Campbell.
Matt | Dr. Paul Harrison
For the entirety of my childhood, Paul Harrison was my pastor at Cross Timbers Free Will Baptist Church. Unfortunately, I did not have the appreciation of his preaching ministry that I believe I would at this point in life. His exposition is robust. He leaned heavily on scholars and minds of the bibles from centuries gone by. He introduced me to the Apostles’ Creed, lengthy congregational scripture readings, and blended music selection.
But more than that, I learned that a pastor should exhibit strong character seven days a week rather than just on Sunday. Whether it was at the church, attending a hockey game, or at a men’s camping trip, Brother Paul put consistent character on display!
While Dr. Harrison was my pastor as a boy, he has continued to be a source of encouragement for me in the ministry. I am grateful for a man who served well as a pastor and has continued to be a friend in the years that followed!
