|
An Interview with Terry Q: Why did you enter into ministry? A: First, my godly mother prayed for a son that she could train and give back to the ministry of the Lord. She specifically was inspired by the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In my mother’s case, it took some time for her son’s heart to be ready to serve, even though the knowledge and gifts were in evidence at a young age. Second, my life was aimless and my spirit unfulfilled until I left my beloved Oregon to go into formal training in Dallas to be a preacher. Within just a few weeks I knew I had found my heart’s desire. Q: What motivates you to work each day in God’s house? |
|
|
A: If this is God’s calling for me, as I believe it is, it is a sacred trust to serve him in whatever role he selects. In addition, time is short, laborers are few, and the harvest of souls for God is not yet complete. I love the nuts and bolts of ministry, the challenge as well as the routine. Also, if I don’t show up to work, I don’t get paid! Q: Name some people (past or present) that have inspired or shaped your life. A: Obviously, my mother had a profound influence on me. I’ve never had a teacher that was more committed to the truth or that loved me more. Others may have been more educated, more theologically astute, or more widely read, but none who were so passionate about passing on the faith to me. My wife Gay, of almost 39 years, whose faith, integrity and work ethic I admire more than any person on the planet. Tom Gaumer, a teacher and friend mostly unknown outside the religious tradition I grew up in, taught me by word and example about the honor and integrity it takes to be a biblical scholar. Several of my graduate professors made an indelible impact on my theology and my perspective on ministry, including Dr. Tony Ash, Dr. Leonard Allen and Dr. Jack Reese. My dear friend and brother, Robert L. Moore, with whom I have explored the most amazing frontiers of scripture, theology, and truth, all in the spirit of love, acceptance, and honest inquiry. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Grace Awakening by Charles Swindoll. Q: What dream(s) do you have for the church? A: I just pray that we will be more and more a people who are committed to knowing the word of God and doing the will of God. I pray that we may look and act like Jesus Christ in our world, unfettered by the traditions of men and uncorrupted by the values of this present world. I pray that as a unified body we may live and serve in the freedom of the Spirit and the power of the risen Lord. Q: What do you do to relax? A: I like to watch (selected) sports on TV, or a movie we own on DVD or a good one on TV that we want to watch. I may read a magazine or a book at home, but not very often. Walking with my wife or working in the yard are not really relaxing, but they are often a nice diversion and provide a sense of well-being. Q: What is your favorite ice cream? A: I really like Blue Bell’s Centennial Sundae, but Bruce Roberson’s home-churned banana ice cream is quite amazing! Q: What web sites, magazines or blogs do you visit most often? A: I check out current events on Yahoo! often, and I follow breaking political stories on Newsmax. I keep up with current and forecasted weather nationally on weather.com and locally on one of the Amarillo TV station websites. I’m not much interested in blogs generally, and I prefer magazines and newspapers I can hold in my hand! Q: What do you hate most about church life? A: I hate it when people get power-hungry or hyper-critical and steal the joy from so many others by stirring up strife in the name of the Prince of Peace. I find that unconscionable, and I’ve lost a ministry job before because I wouldn’t just let it slide. Q: What do your kids teach you about God? |