Pass the Torch
[John Dobbs had the idea of having some bloggers type a tribute about their favorite preachers. Here is my humble contribution this great effort.]
I read widely and listen to many preachers. Some who are close to me can tell some who influence me in different areas. However, no one has ever influenced me more as a preacher than my dad, Jim Faughn.
Being a “p.k.” is not always easy, but when the “p” is fantastic, it makes it easier! Dad never pressured me to be a preacher, and has always been one of my biggest cheerleaders in any endeavor I have done.
What is amazing is how little our preaching “styles” are alike. Dad is able to blend all sorts of information that, at first, seems to be going nowhere. However, after a few minutes, you are drawn in and start to see where the lesson is going. By the end, you are hooked and have a full picture of what God’s Word says on the matter. Dad’s preaching style is uniquely his; I have never heard anyone else do what he does, and he does it very well!
It’s what he does outside the pulpit, though, that makes dad a great preacher. Dad is the ultimate “people-person.” He can remember names, family connections, careers, stories, and nearly anything else about anyone he’s ever met. When he visits with people (which he often does), he knows just what to say and how to say it. People are truly moved by his compassion and his care for them.
Now dad serves as an elder, in addition to his work as a preacher. He is a model elder, because he truly understands the shepherding aspect of the work. He knows that an eldership is more than a “board of directors,” and he continues to press forward in reaching people with the Gospel.
I have often said, in all seriousness, that if I become half the preacher my dad is, I’ll be doing well. He isn’t a preacher for the number of speaking engagements he can garner, or how much money he can make, or how large the congregation is where he preaches (though everywhere he’s gone, the congregation has grown drastically). Dad is a preacher because he loves telling people about Jesus and loves seeing lives changed through the power of the Gospel.
May more of us have the same reason for presenting God’s Word to a lost world.
I have hundreds of stories I could tell, and things I could share that have motivated me, but I’ll just mention one thing. I’m just glad that my favorite preacher was “just dad” when he was with us. He could laugh, discipline, watch the ballgame, and go to our activities, without always looking for a sermon outline or illustration. We were just his kids, and I’m thankful for that.
I’m glad that I can honestly say, “I love my favorite preacher. He is my hero.”
18 Comments
john dobbs
Awesome job Adam! What a tribute to your dad! I’m so blessed to read about your dad. Thanks for that!
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Janice Garrison
What an awesome tribute to your dad. In today’s world there are so many one parent homes and very little positive influence of any kind.
Amber
How true. How well deserved. Thank you, Adam, for giving people just a glimpse of how much we were blessed to be raised by this great man (and his great wife.) Thank you, Dad, for always being you. And, as an unbiased reader and listener, I would say Dad has done a great job of sharing the torch with another great preacher I know … his son.
Suzanne
Adam, You are so right about your dad. He is a great preacher and an inspiration to those around him. Plus, he has a great sense of humor and a wonderful partner in your mom! May they have a long life serving God!
Suzy Dodd
I met your dad only once at 9th Avenue, but I can know that all you are saying is true simply because of the person you have become. You obviously had a great influence from your dad and you have become a wonderful preacher in your own rights.
Scott McCown
Adam,
I know you are blessed to have such a good role model. Thanks for sharing your Dad with us.
Scott
Greg
Adam,
We are truly blessed to have your Dad as our preacher and one of our Elders at Central. Those are to hard jobs to do especially at the same time. Your Dad & Mom are very special to us. Your Dad’s preaching style is one I enjoy very much and I always get something out of his sermons.
Jim Faughn
Like I said when I talked to you, I don’t like my iPhone any longer because it makes me cry. I just wish I deserved all those nice things you wrote. You are WAY more than half the preacher I am. I’m trying to catch up with you now and could’t be more proud of you — as a preacher, as a son, as a father, and as a man.
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Paula
Sweet tribute to your dad, Adam. Both of your parents are fine Christian examples and I’m blessed to know them and their love for others.
Trey Morgan
Wow, what a blessing. I pray I’m a great an influence on my boys as your father has been on you.
Rickey McCreless
Adam,
Great tribute to a great man whom I had the pleasure to meet and enjoy his company along with his lovely wife in your home. It was easy to see the things you said about him are true. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Mark Hodges
I wish you were one of my PK daughters! Thanks for taking the time to tell this part of your story.
Mom
Adam,
Thank you for your thoughtful tribute to your dad. What you have said is so true. He is a fine man and I am so blessed to be married to him. I know God will be glorified when others read your words and understand that this is what a Christian father is supposed to be. I love you, son, and am so proud of you as a man.
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Loyce
Adam, Your tribute to your dad is beautiful. I would like to say (since Amber spoke at our Ladies’ Retreat and I have heard you and Donna speak) that I have never known such a Christ-like family. I am proud know you and to be part of the “family.”
Tracy Thompson
Adam,
As someone who has recently been on the receiving end of your dad’s visits, I can tell you he is a people person. His love of people is evident in all he does. He can always bring a smile even in the darkest of times. He has an ability to deliver a lesson and it will be just what you needed to hear that day. I have told him he must have a hidden microphone in my house listening in because he can speak right to my heart sometimes, it is scary how right on he can be. Donna is also so devoted to our congregation and having her a bible class teacher is a blessing. They are two wonderful Christian examples of parents, friends and workers for Christ.