This week is Thanksgiving and I have been thinking about the men and women in my life that God has used to shape me into the Christian man that I am. So for several posts, I am going to share with you who I am thankful for. I encourage you to practice this same exercise as we enter into the season of Thanksgiving.
I have worked at Faith Church for 5 years. One of the greatest gifts I have gotten from being on staff has been working with and being mentored by Bob Bouwer. Bob is a gracious man who God has used to do extraordinary things in and through the ministries of Faith Church.
Bob has taught me a lot. He has taught me through life example and his leadership a great love for Scripture. He places a high value on the written Word of God and he has instilled this amazing value in me. He has taught me a love and passion for all things Reformed. When I was younger in my faith, I had a deep respect for men like Jonathan Edwards (the theologian) and John Piper. Bob has rekindled my passion and love for these great reformed preachers. I am thankful. Bob also has pushed me to preach to the best of my ability. I can’t tell you how many times he has challenged, encouraged and corrected me as a preacher. I am a better preacher for it. If that wasn’t enough, Bob has cultivated in me and released my gifting as a visionary leader. Much of what God has done through me as a leader over these last five years was birthed out of Bob’s mentoring and friendship of me.
Perhaps the most compelling thing about Bob is his humility. He is okay with being wrong, he is comfortable with hearing from the other side even if he doesn’t agree, and he really desires to see those under him succeed and flourish.
Bob is a serious follower of Christ and a great leader. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for him.
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