A Prophetic Voice 25 Years Ago

        A little over 25 years ago I made a visit to Lexington to meet with a man whom I had admired from a distance.  Dr. Hoke Coon served as Senior Minister of First Baptist Church of Lexington for 27 years. He had a remarkable ministry both in the church and the community.  Following his retirement the church formed a Search Committee and they were trying to convince me to become Dr. Coon’s successor.  Before I agreed to say yes, I wanted to talk to Dr. Coon, face to face. 

        Most ministers who follow a beloved, respected, long-tenured pastor like Dr. Coon don’t stay very long.  The same principle is true in coaching and business.  The legendary predecessor casts a shadow too great to overcome. But I immediately sensed it would be different with Dr. Coon. 

        We met over coffee and after a few pleasantries he looked at me and said, “I was exactly the age you are now when I came to Lexington.”  (I was 36)  “I didn’t think I would stay until retirement,” he went on to say as he stirred his coffee.  Then he looked at me and with a twinkle in his eye he added, “And you don’t either.”

        The truth is, it never entered my mind that I would stay in Lexington until I retired.  I preached my first sermon in Lexington 25 years ago next Wednesday on April Fool’s Day.  And if the good Lord is willing, the creek doesn’t rise and the faithful flock at First Baptist can put up with me, Dr. Coon was most prophetic. 

        Lexington has become our home and we feel blessed to be a part of a caring church and community.  Each Sunday I have the awesome and joyful privilege of sharing the good news of the Gospel to my church and over the radio. I’ve had the joy of watching children grow up in the church and become mature adults.  I have witnessed many life milestones and have had the sacred responsibility of walking with families through times of illness, heartache, and death.  I’ve had the great joy of presiding at many weddings and the solemn task of conducting way too many funerals. I get to go to youth camps and go on mission trips with our young people.  And traveling with Senior Adults is always rewarding. 

        Every week I have the joy of leading community Bible studies at the church and the YMCA.  For well over 20 years I have been blessed to share with you, the readers of the Dispatch through this Religion Column—a task I inherited from my friend, Lee Jessup.  I’ve helped write a book on Davidson County History.  I had great fun working with my good friend, Harold Bowen, broadcasting Lexington football games and American Legion Baseball games.  I’ve been able to help with campaigns to build the Davidson Medical Ministry Clinic, the Hospice House, and the Chapel at the Prison.  I’ve served on the Boards at both Lexington and Baptist Hospitals.  I’m proud to be a part of the Kiwanis Club and every summer have the great joy of working with children at Kamp Kiwanis.  I even get to give the blessing at the BBQ Festival every year!  Wow!  I think I just heard the angel Clarence say, “You’ve had a wonderful life.”

        It would not have been possible without Dr. Coon.  That day we met over coffee he offered to leave the church.  I told him that I wanted just the opposite.  “I need you to help me,” I said.  “I want you to be as involved as you can be.  There is enough love in a church for more than one minister.”

        Help me, he did.  He became my mentor, my confidant, and my friend.  But he always stayed in the background.  He was a humble servant to the end. 

        If the Lord is willing, I’m looking forward to several more years of service in our church and community.  This is what God has called me to do and l love what I am doing.  My wife, Joyce, and I are blessed in so many ways.  We have a wonderful family, five precious grandchildren, and we love our favorite town—Lexington.  

        Twenty-five years ago Dr. Coon knew something I did not.  I’m thankful for his prophetic voice.