Sunday, October 10, 2010

What About YOU? Most Influential Clergy

Since today is Clergy Appreciation Day, I’m asking my What About You question a day early.


What pastor, preacher, or priest has made the biggest difference in your life?

Of course, my husband Kevin has affected me the most, and I don’t say that because I’m married to him. He reminds me of Jesus more than any man I’ve ever known. He listens patiently, shares wise advice, loves the Word of God, and genuinely cares for each of his sheep. He is committed not only to our marriage, but to me as a person. He wants me to succeed, and has greatly encouraged me in my writing journey. No wonder I’m crazy about him.

Your turn…

17 comments:

  1. Happy Clergy Day! Like you, my husband has had the most influence on my life. He is so godly in his attitude and service. He walks the talk and has a servant heart. I admire him most in this world.

    Does your church celebrate the day? I don't think ours is even aware of it. ;)

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  2. Jen, I LOVE this fall background. So pretty!

    To answer your question... Can he be fictional? Because it's Father Tim Kavanaugh (an episcopalian priest) from Jan Karon's Mitford books. He's in his sixties, is sincerely involved in the lives of those in his congregation and community, and he's totally normal with troubles and worries and behavior. (Plus, his wife writes and illustrates children's books. How fun is that?) Love that guy, fiction or not.

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  3. Jeanette, probably my father. He was a doctor turned missionary, and now is holding services in the trailer park where he lives.

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  4. Sherrinda: I love it that your husband walks his talk. No, our church doesn't know it exists, either. I've sent cards around for people to sign at various times, but it seems a little odd, when I'm his wife drumming up compliments for him! I gave him a card, and told him how proud I was of him.

    Janna: Yes! I love Fr. Tim, too. He's one of my literary heros. So real, warm, and lovable.

    Karen: That is so cool about your dad. Does he live near you?

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  5. Our current set of Grace pastors, who live their calling as shepherds. I really appreciate their rolling up shirtsleeves and working alongside us sheep.

    Thanks for a great post.

    Patti

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  6. His name is Pastor Nevin. He was our first pastor as a family when my daughter was only five. He flew down here to FL a few years ago to officiate over her wedding:)

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  7. My uncle. He's my pastor. He's amazing to me because I know his devotion to God. He has a relationship with Jesus that amazes me.

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  8. There are a lot of pastors that have come in and out of our lives through the years but, like you, I would say the one that has influenced me the most is my husband. It was through him that I first came to know the Lord, and he has been a strong, loving and godly example to me every step of our 50+ years of marriage and ministry.

    I've never heard of Clergy Appreciation Day but I think it's a wonderful idea to express our appreciation once in a while. :)

    Carol

    Carol

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  9. Oh, that is so cool, Jen, that he's your favorite clergy!! Sounds like a wonderful man! But then again, you're a wonderful woman! My dad was my favorite clergy. He was a pastor for my whole life until he passed away, and I still admire him, his dedication, and his passion.

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  10. Eeek! Not sure I have a favorite clergy. I can't think of any that personally influenced me (that is, more than other people).
    Hmmm...food to think on.

    Happy Clergy Day! And congrats on having such an awesome husband. :-)

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  11. Yes to what Janna said! I, too, am a Father Tim fan.

    My current flesh-and-blood favorite must be our pastor, Pastor Dave, who teaches well and communicates skillfully. He is a faithful leader of the flock.

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  12. Hi Jen -

    What a sweet honor for your husband!

    I've had several pastors over the years, but I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite. Each one has contributed to my spiritual growth in their own way.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  13. My youth pastor in high school. He is an incredible man of God and has an amazing ministry. So thankful for him!

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  14. Jen:
    Can I have two? The first one was our pastor at our former church. He was there seven years-a long time for pastors in the assigned system. After he moved to a larger church, he developed a rather rare form of Cancer. Our church family prayed for him at every service for several years. He encouraged us to get closer to the Lord. He preached the Word.
    Our present pastor exercises understanding, caring, and preaches the word. He helped me codirect two of my plays I have written. He isn't afraid to display his human side.

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  15. My husband/pastor, who is always ready with a word from heaven when I need it, who gently brings correction when my flesh wants a pity-party, and who is always ready to celebrate! (He's a great balance for me, the pessimist!)

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  16. Mike Breaux. I might have killed the spelling of his last name, but we loved him while in Lexington, KY. God has blessed us with anointed pastors in all the lands we've traveled.
    ~ Wendy

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  17. Hello Jeanette,
    Your Husband is blessed to have a wife like you!
    I was not aware that Clergy Appreciation Day existed. How did it come about?

    I am happy that you asked this question, because I would like to show my appreciation for Dr. Charles F. Stanley, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries.
    I'm new to blogging as of this month, & would be happy to welcome you to visit me at my blog anytime.
    God bless you & your family,
    Michele Katherine

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Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.