The passing of Walter Knight has led me to reconsider some pre-conceived notions I have had in the ministry. I have always heard that it was inadvisable to accept a pastorate where your predecessor was still a member of the church. This was esecially dangerous if that predecessor had been there 10 or more years. When I began talking seriously with FBC Rockport, I learned that not only was the former pastor still a member of the church (Walter Knight - about a 10 year tenure), but his predecessor was there as well (Charles Fake - over 30 years as pastor!). The Pastor Search Committee spoke like this was a positive thing, a selling point for the church, while my wife and I were cautious.
I'll never forget the first time I met them both. It was at a place in Rockport where we had decided to meet for lunch - Gaines, Allen Ray, Charles, Walter and me. My first impression of Charles Fake was that he is full of grace. He was humble, when he didn't have to be. He spoke softly with that deep voice, and laughed easily and often. He listened to my questions, he spoke the truth sincerely. I recall thinking how much I wanted to get to know Charles Fake better, and I began to think that the Pastor Search Committee was right.
Walter Knight was late to lunch. Allen Ray explained to me that Walter didn't wear a watch , so we were on his time, but he would be there shortly. Sure enough, before too long the door opened and in walked one of the biggest men I have ever seen. As he made his way to our table he had to stop and speak to many people who called out to him. I was struck by the force of Walter's physical presence, and startled by how gentle he was. Over the course of the meal Walter was encouraging, honest, and gracious. He pledged his support and promised to be my friend. I knew that he understood how to do that because he had been in a similar situation when he followed Charles. After this, I knew the Pastor Search Committee was right. One of the things I looked forward to about moving to Rockport was being able to have a friendship with Walter and Charles.
My last conversation with Walter Knight was on the day after the church voted to call me as pastor. Walter was excited for me and the church. We spoke about the question and answer time at the church and he was proud of the way I had handled myself. Then he said, "After you are settled I will come and sit down with you and talk about how I can serve in the church. I believe God wants me to teach a Jr. High boys Sunday School class." He was serious. I told him I was looking forward to that. He told me he loved me and he was praying for me, he shook my hand and that was that.
God's ways are mysterious, which means they can not only be confusing but also painful. He called Charles Fake back to Houston and called Walter home to glory. I will miss them both. I feel like I have missed out on something very special.
It was an honor for me to moderate the meeting where the church proclaimed Charles Fake to be Pastor Emeritus.
It is a privilege for me to have a part in Walter Knight's memorial service today. I am praying for Walter's family and for all of you who knew and loved Walter.
I'll never forget the first time I met them both. It was at a place in Rockport where we had decided to meet for lunch - Gaines, Allen Ray, Charles, Walter and me. My first impression of Charles Fake was that he is full of grace. He was humble, when he didn't have to be. He spoke softly with that deep voice, and laughed easily and often. He listened to my questions, he spoke the truth sincerely. I recall thinking how much I wanted to get to know Charles Fake better, and I began to think that the Pastor Search Committee was right.
Walter Knight was late to lunch. Allen Ray explained to me that Walter didn't wear a watch , so we were on his time, but he would be there shortly. Sure enough, before too long the door opened and in walked one of the biggest men I have ever seen. As he made his way to our table he had to stop and speak to many people who called out to him. I was struck by the force of Walter's physical presence, and startled by how gentle he was. Over the course of the meal Walter was encouraging, honest, and gracious. He pledged his support and promised to be my friend. I knew that he understood how to do that because he had been in a similar situation when he followed Charles. After this, I knew the Pastor Search Committee was right. One of the things I looked forward to about moving to Rockport was being able to have a friendship with Walter and Charles.
My last conversation with Walter Knight was on the day after the church voted to call me as pastor. Walter was excited for me and the church. We spoke about the question and answer time at the church and he was proud of the way I had handled myself. Then he said, "After you are settled I will come and sit down with you and talk about how I can serve in the church. I believe God wants me to teach a Jr. High boys Sunday School class." He was serious. I told him I was looking forward to that. He told me he loved me and he was praying for me, he shook my hand and that was that.
God's ways are mysterious, which means they can not only be confusing but also painful. He called Charles Fake back to Houston and called Walter home to glory. I will miss them both. I feel like I have missed out on something very special.
It was an honor for me to moderate the meeting where the church proclaimed Charles Fake to be Pastor Emeritus.
It is a privilege for me to have a part in Walter Knight's memorial service today. I am praying for Walter's family and for all of you who knew and loved Walter.
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