Pastor and wife an example in ministry
Many times, I’ve written about people who have impacted me spiritually. Preachers, pastors, and others, who have given me solicited and unsolicited advice. There was a time I would take the advice without question. I figured the old-timers had it right. Often, they do. But not every time. No one does. As I’ve grown older, it has been my experience, we should all search out our own answers to our spiritual questions. The search should take place in the Bible, and on our knees.
Different names are used for a church’s spiritual leader. Some say pastor. Some say preacher. Others say moderator. This is just the Baptists. There isn’t enough room here to mention all the titles from every denomination. There are preachers which are called to pastor or moderate churches. Some have the call to preach without leading a church. There are some who do it all.
I have worshipped with some wonderful people. Forty years ago, when I started visiting churches, I became acquainted with Rev. Kent Samples and his wife Jeannette. If you were someone who visited different churches, there’s a good chance you know them too. They were always together. Rarely did I see one without the other. Most times, when their girls Jennifer and Jodie were young, they would be with them. Many times, Jeannette and the girls would be asked to sing. They did so beautifully. Whether they sing together now, I don’t know. Either way, they were a blessing to me and others.
I can’t tell you how many churches Kent has pastored. What I can tell you is this. He can preach. Along with being my definition of a pastor. His family has supported his ministry since I’ve known them. In addition, Jennette and the girls shared their gift of music whenever the opportunity arose. The Bible says in James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” If it’s a pastor’s job to visit those in need, Kent fits the description. Almost always, he does so with Jeannette by his side.
I don’t visit revivals like I once did. So, the only time I see Kent and Jeannette is at a funeral. When I see one, I still see the other. Her calling is just as real as his and she is just as obedient. Maybe some folks don’t think a pastor has any responsibility beyond the pulpit. I don’t know. It’s certainly not something I’d argue about. As for me, I believe they have much more to do than preach on Sunday morning. Some don’t. Kent does. When Daddy was in the nursing home for five years, his visitors became less frequent as time passed. That’s just life. But when it’s your loved one living in that confinement, it hurts. There were people, some preachers, who Daddy knew and loved, who would walk by without so much as waving. I can’t and won’t judge them for it. It’s just confusing. During those years, there were several times Mama would tell me that Kent and Jennette stopped by to see Daddy. That in itself is not remarkable. It’s who they are. What is remarkable is they had no deep connection to my family, which would have made it awkward had they just passed by his room without a word. But they didn’t. They stopped with a smile and a kind word. Mama still talks about it.
My columns are often about someone who has already passed. This week it’s about two people who are very much alive. I’m thankful for this opportunity to say these things. I’ve been closer to many preachers in my life than I have been with Kent and Jeannette. What they don’t know is that I’ve watched them. While many preachers visit other churches, some often do it alone. When Kent visits, Jennette is with him. When he visits shut-ins, she’s there too. Some Christians walk around with a sad countenance. Kent and Jeannette are just the opposite. Their love for life always shows in their smiles and kindness.
There is no doubt Kent and Jeanette aren’t expecting this column. It just goes to show, none of us know who is watching our lives. Watching theirs, I’ve seen how a pastor should conduct themselves. I’ve also seen the strength, a couple has, who serve God together. They have my love and respect. If you know Kent and Jeannette, and they’ve been a blessing to your life, tell them. Give them that gift. The day will come when we or they won’t be here. Then it’s too late.