This week we begin the study “Fatal Distractions” that goes along with my sermon series, “Protecting the Life that Matters.” I have started going over the material and I am so excited about it. I am doing it with a small group and our staff is doing the study together.

One of the questions in the first session asks you to name a role model in your life. It is a good experience to think about that. It gives you a perspective of how God has used people in your life.

I couldn’t put just one. Here are several:

• * My parents – I have great parents and even in their 80’s they continue to grow in their commitment to Him.
• Chuck and Carol Epperson – They were youth leaders when I was a teenager. They cared about me and were always pointing me in the right direction. They did not do it because they had to, but because they just cared about me.
• Johnny Lenning – He served with the Billy Graham Association and was a part-time youth minister. I had my first summer church job working alongside him. He was a great Christian.
• Gene Lawrence – He was the pastor where I had my first church ministry as a student. He taught me a lot about handling people and he was a model as a pastor.
• Edwin Young – Edwin has had and continues to have a great impact on me. Most of my knowledge about preaching, leadership, administration, and working with people I got from him. He has been my mentor and friend. He is a world class leader and a great Christian.

I guess there are others that I could name. The question was, “Who was the hero or role model you most looked up to?” I could not name just one. I guess I am the type of guy that needed more than one. When I think about them, I am grateful and challenged.