“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1

As Father’s Day approaches this coming Sunday, I find myself thinking about the “Life Lessons” I have learned from my Dad. I became a follower of Jesus in 1972 at the age of 6. My dad, Jimmie Rogers, surrendered to preach not long after that in 1973. So, for the majority of my life, I have either been the “PK” (pastor’s kid) or the pastor. As I reflect on my life, I am humbled and honored for the calling that God has placed on my family. It was a privilege to be raised in a pastor’s home and it is a privilege to now serve as a pastor.  I decided to share with you the top 10 “Life Lessons” I learned from my dad.

#10-Money is Overrated.

We grew up as most of you did, not having much.  Dad quit his job at the JC Press when he was called to preach.  Most of the churches he served were rural churches that weren’t able to pay the pastor much, so dad worked a second and third job.  He drove a bus, worked a farm, did remodeling, and etc.  He and mom taught me that money is not required to have a home filled with joy.  I remember watching my dad sign the back of his paycheck and place it in the offering plate because the church needed it more.

#9-Everyone is Important

I have learned more from watching my dad be a pastor then I ever did in seminary.  Dad always attempted to treat people the same no matter who they were or what they had. Dad learned from his Master, Jesus, to love the unlovable and touch the untouchable.  The churches he pastored always grew and always seem to draw the people who were hurting in the community.

#8-Stay Humble

Dad modeled humility to his family.  It was never about him, it is always about Jesus and others.  He taught me humility when he would come pick me up at the high school in his truck that wouldn’t run half the time.  Oftentimes I would have to push him off to get it started, then run and get in while the whole school was watching.  “Life Lessons” are not forgotten.

#7-Laugh Often

Dad taught me to laugh often and learn to laugh at myself.  He taught me not to take myself too serious.  Laughter is the best medicine.

#6-Rest

Dad taught me the importance of coming apart before you come apart.  Early in my ministry, he took me aside and told me to take time off.  Again, he learned from his Master, Jesus, who spent time away from the disciples and the crowds.  Life is a marathon not a sprint, pace yourself so you can finish strong.

#5-Consistency and Integrity

Dad taught me that there should not be a difference in who I am whether in the pulpit or at the house.  My family should see the same person in private as they see in public.  My dad was consistent.  He was the same at home as he was at the church.  Dad taught me the importance of always being truthful.  He taught me that I should always do the right thing whether anyone is looking or not.  He taught me that we do the right thing to honor Jesus not because people are watching.

#4-To be a Shepherd

Dad taught me to be a pastor.  He loved each flock he was called to serve.  He respected them and cared for them.  He fed them and led them.  He is what a pastor is to be.

#3-Preach the Word

Dad taught me the importance of preaching the Word of God.  Dad’s familiar words when he is preaching is “the Bible says.”  He always speaks the truth in love.

#2-Family is Priority

Early in my ministry, my dad took me to the side and corrected me on not spending enough time at home.  I was falling into the trap of growing a church and neglecting my family.  Dad taught me that my first and most important ministry is my family.

#1-Love

The most important “Life Lesson” I learned from my dad is to love.  My dad is a man’s man who taught me to love–how to love God’s people, friends, family, my children, my wife and most of all how to love Jesus!

I am thankful for the dad that the Lord has given me.  I am thankful that I can pick up the phone even now and seek his counsel on life.  I am thankful for the “Life Lessons” that he has taught me and that I am still learning.  I hope I can teach these “Life Lessons” to my sons and future grandchildren. Take time this weekend to reflect on the “Life Lessons” your dad or mom has taught you.

Life is a journey, learn on the way! Till next time, stay in the Scripture!

Pastor Jon