October is Clergy Appreciation month. For me to mention this seems as if I am asking for a pat on the back. Not really – though I did have a deacon take me to lunch on Thursday, and mention this month’s pastor appreciation emphasis as he picked up the bill and paid for my meal. What I wanted to do today was say thanks to the men of God who in the past have blessed my life and shaped my ministry.  

 1. Hubert Keefer was the first pastor I ever remember. He pastored the St. Claire Shores Baptist Church in Detroit when I was a small boy. My dad was saved and baptized under his ministry. Bro. Keefer was a great man of missions and a soul winner. I can still remember his fire in the pulpit and his gusto in singing “Since Jesus Came into My Heart.”

 2. Nolan Ford was the pastor that led me to Jesus and baptized me. He was a man of conviction. He also liked to have fun. Bro. Ford always had a funny story to tell. Once as a young preacher I preached at his church and afterwards he offered me a check. At first I refused to accept it, but he sat me down and taught me to be grateful and to receive the blessing God was trying to bring my way. Then he told me not worry I would not get rich preaching the Gospel. 

3. Lionel Patton was my pastor when I was called to preach. He said a thousand times “a call to preach is a call to prepare.” He encouraged me to go to college and seminary. He led the Pisgah church to license and ordain me. When I was 18, his sixteen-year-old daughter was killed in a car accident. He taught me about funerals and modeled how to grieve. 

4. Charles Carter pastored Shades Mountain Baptist in Birmingham during the time I attended Samford University. Even though I was never officially a member, in many ways he was my pastor. He sat and counseled Liz and me before we were married. He still tells me to this day that the best day’s work I ever did was marrying Liz. He wasn’t wrong. I still quote him in my own premarital counseling sessions. Now, 30 years later I still remember his advice.  As pastors these four men touched and influenced my life.  I am thankful to God for placing them in my life. Who deserves your appreciation today?   

Ted Traylor  

Posted on Friday, October 6th, 2006 at 9:34 am.
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