By Layne Rogerson, Hospice Chaplain, McLeod Hospice,South Carolina

In the early 1980s, when I was about 16-years-old, I was at my home church, First Baptist Church, Cheraw, S.C., for revival. The only thing I remember about the preacher was that he was a missionary on stateside assignment, and he had a shiny bald head. But what I do remember clearly is hearing God speak to me, calling me to ministry. As a 16-year-old I had no idea what that meant. The only way I knew women could serve in ministry was to go to a faraway country, to a culture where I did not understand and a language I could not speak. Every Wednesday night at church, we faithfully read about and prayed for missionaries who served around the world.

A decade later, I returned to my home church because the pastor I loved was retiring and I wanted to worship with him one more time. The pastor preached on second chances. During that service it was as if I were transported back to that revival service. In my mind and heart, I promised God I would be faithful to God’s call to ministry this time!

At that time, my family were members of Oakmont Baptist Church in Greenville, N.C. The church had recently called Beth MacLeod Thompson to serve as minister of Christian education. Never had I seen, heard of, or known a woman who served as a minister in a local congregation. Beth was a pioneer in Baptist women in ministry and her faithfulness to her call to ministry made it possible to for me to envision myself serving in ministry.

Beth was a gracious mentor, an excellent minister and a trusted friend. We ended up serving together on staff at Oakmont Baptist Church for seven years until I felt called to transition to serve as a hospice chaplain. I remained a member of Oakmont until I moved to South Carolina in 2015 and Beth continued to serve at Oakmont as associate pastor until her retirement shortly thereafter.

Beth taught me so much: the professionalism of being a minister; the passion to read, study and continually grow in my faith; how to integrate the challenges and pain of life, so that I could be a better minister. One particular sermon that Beth preached has guided my work as a hospice chaplain daily. The essence of the sermon is that when you are faced with questions and doubts, cling to what you know to be true: God loves you. Now, with every visit, I remind our patients, “God loves you, and cares about every single detail of your life.” I experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit every time I speak these words.

So, to each of those I have mentioned above: the missionary with the shiny bald head, Rev. Dr. Archie Neal and Rev. Beth MacLeod Thompson, know that your presence mattered!

PRAY, PRACTICE, PONDER

Who has shaped your image of what a leader looks like? Today, ponder which mentors and ministers had the most significant impact on your vision of leadership. What thrust or quality did they embody? Have you taken the time to thank them? Turn your list into a prayer of gratitude, or a spiritual practice of letter writing to give thanks for those who shaped the leader you are today.