Each year, TIME Magazine releases their special issue with the 100 most influential people in the world. One year they broke the list down by leaders and revolutionaries; scientists and thinkers; heroes and pioneers; builders and titans; and artists and entertainers.

In scanning the magazine, I began to think about the people who have influenced my life through the years. While I don’t know that I could name one hundred, I do know there are people who have marked me for life. Everything I am, I owe in some way to them. I realize that Jesus is first and foremost, but I’m talking specifically about the people God has used in my life.

The youth workers at my home church. I am a product of the Jesus Movement. I was a church member and “religious” growing up, but I wasn’t saved. I didn’t love Jesus. But, I had adults who loved me in spite of myself. There was Dr. Smith, my tenth grade Sunday School teacher—I can’t remember a word he said, but he was a great encourager.

There was James Toney. I have no idea where he is today or what happened to him, but he was my Sunday School director in the 12^th grade. I remember sitting on the back row with my friends the first Sunday in that department. Mr. Toney pointed straight at us and said, “I’m not impressed that you guys are seniors. I am praying for every one of you by name that before this year is over, you will get your life right with Jesus.” That thought haunted me as I tried my best to run from Jesus.

My youth minister. James Miller was youth minister at my church from the time I was a child until after I went to college. I remember thinking at first that he wasn’t a preacher because he didn’t look like one. He didn’t wear a suit every day. Some days he didn’t even wear a tie. He loved sports, young people, and those early contemporary Christian music songs. He was a friend to students.

James started a prayer meeting for students at the church. Before it was over, there were hundreds of high school and college students who would gather every Tuesday and Thursday night for hours to sing, pray, and share testimonies. God moved in those times and they marked me forever.

Vance Havner. Anyone who knows me knows the impact Vance Havner had on my life. He came to my home church in the early 1970s and blew me away. He preached like no one I had ever heard before. He was a prophet. He did spiritual surgery without anesthesia. He was small of stature but a giant for God.

For the last fifteen years of his life, he and I corresponded and I would catch up with him whenever he was in the area. My last visit with him was shortly before he went into the nursing home. That day, he laid hands on me and prayed that a portion of his mantle would fall on me. There are many days when I have failed to live up to who he was, but I am daily reminded of what he meant to me in those formative years of ministry. I am eternally indebted to him. I still read his books and listen to his messages on a continual basis.

Ron Dunn. He was the greatest Bible expositor I’ve ever known. I first heard Ron in the mid-1970s. I got to know Ron right after Vance Havner died. It was as if God knew I would need someone to fill the void. Ron Dunn was one of the dearest friends I had on the planet. I loved him as a mentor, friend, hero in the faith, role model, and confidant.

There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss Ron. I miss his voice. I miss his wisdom. I miss his humor. I miss his preaching. In the two churches I’ve pastored, I was privileged to have Ron sixteen consecutive years. I would give anything for one more Bible Conference with Ron. The hardest task I’ve ever been given in ministry was preaching his funeral.

Warren Wiersbe. I first met Warren at the Cove. Our friendship began over a breakfast by the window in the dining room there. Every year Warren was teaching at the Cove, I was there. I loved to sit under his teaching and listen to him expound the truth of God’s Word.

Over time, a friendship grew. Warren asked me to help him with 2 Prophet U. Without him, there would be no website. He is one of the greatest writers and thinkers I’ve ever known. He makes me think through not only what I’m going to say, but also the way I need to say it.

Three or four times a month, we’ll catch up on the phone. It’s always good to hear his voice. He tells me about a book I need to read or he’ll give me a sermon idea. He speaks out of the overflow. I’m grateful that I can catch a few drops in my bucket.

The Pulpit Committee at First Baptist Ada. They took a chance on me. I had been in youth ministry for fifteen years. It’s hard to get a pulpit committee to look at a youth minister. God moved on that committee individually and collectively. They were sitting in FBC one weekend when they weren’t traveling, and they heard the interim pastor speak of finding David and not settling for Saul. They threw away all the resumes and asked God to point them to His man for the church. God led them to come hear me. Three weeks later, I was in view of call.

I am grateful to Pete, Bill, John, Jerry, and Jim for taking a chance on me. It’s not many men who have a first pastorate with over 600 in Bible Study. Even though I had fifteen years of experience in ministry, it is different pastoring. These men stepped out in faith. I am grateful they gave me a chance. I pray I have made them proud.

The Pulpit Committee at Sherwood. I actually turned this committee down three times. I didn’t think God was through with me at Ada. I felt the timing wasn’t right. For some reason, they kept my name on the back burner. When God did release me from Ada, they called a few weeks later. For over twenty years, I’ve been privileged to be the pastor at Sherwood. There were many, many pastors who wanted a crack at this church, but God allowed me to be the pastor. I’m grateful the committee was willing to call me and stand by me in those early months.