Tom Rowe – Surrounding yourself with “been there” people

We have just finished a couple of days with one of my favourite people in the world: Pastor Tom Rowe.

He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers – Malachi 4:6

When a person like Tom Rowe visits….. you sit down…and listen…. and take notes. That’s what 56 years in ministry gives you I guess….. the “gravity” to speak…. the “voice” that causes young hatchlings in ministry like myself, to take notes.

We tend to place a lot of currency on the polished dynamic young preachers and speakers. That is good, and they certainly have their place, but it is also high time for the Church to recognize spiritual fathers in addition to the vibrant and dynamic speakers. There is an anointing that wows you, and that is awesome….. and then there is also the quality that says “I’ve been there.” I have purposed in my life to pursue the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit in my life…… I want to pursue it with passion, intensity, focus and persistence – what is the point of it all if I don’t? I also recognize the need to surround myself with “been there” people – “fathers”, like Tom Rowe.

During Tom’s visits I LOVE the word He brings. I usually say that his ministry is a deep well that I turn to often. However I also find myself wondering whether I end up gleaning MORE from our conversations during the margins of his visit – conversations over a cup of coffee, whilst driving, whilst taking a walk – than I do during his sermons and teachings, deep and rich though they always are.

There comes a point when a pastor becomes a pastor’s pastor – Tom is, for many, a pastor’s pastor.

Some time ago I wrote about the gray-hair test. These thoughts are resonating in me again. I proposed the following ministry timeline:

• Childhood to 30 years: These are the formative years where you get rooted and grounded in the motivations behind your mission, and also get competent enough to fulfill it in an excellent way.
• 30 to 50 years: These are the performing years, where the actual job is done and the mission is advanced during your tenure.
• 50 to 70 years: These are the mentoring years (Reference the gray-hair test), where you take young aspiring leaders under your wing and nurture and mentor them in order to reproduce yourself in them.
• 70 years and over : These are the legacy years. During this season in your life you’d better get real busy and write as many books as you can, recording your legacy for as many generations to come as possible. During these years you are a mentor to mentors, a pastor to pastors, and a much needed source of wisdom, guidance and inspiration.

Thoughts?

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