Pastor Ted Holley is a faithful servant of God.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know Ted in the early 90′s, soon after I had become a Christian.  My first impression of Ted was one of pleasant surprise that a pastor could actually be entertaining, even funny.  That was new to me and very appealing, especially as a new Christian.  As I matured in Christ, interestingly, what had first drawn me to the man was overshadowed by being drawn to God.  This is a testament to Ted’s God given ability to reach people where they are and guide them to became ever closer to God through a love for Jesus Christ.

I recall, as a new Christian who just graduated from business school, sitting in the pew now ready to learn everything there was to know about the Bible.  It didn’t turn out quite that way.  Through Ted’s preaching, I quickly learned what is most important, how we can be a part of people coming to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior.  Since that time, I often find myself reminding myself of the lessons I learned back then about being prepared to share our faith with others and being able to clearly articulate the gospel and the hope we have  in Jesus Christ.  The lessons learned during that time have provided the appropriate perspective about “learning everything there is to know about the Bible” and living the example of Jesus Christ as presented in many sermons.

The biggest thing I have to thank Ted Holley for is getting me in the game.  At a men’s retreat several years ago, we were exhorted to “get into the game” if we had not already – that “game” being the Lord’s work.  Around the camp fire that evening, we were asked to share about someone who impacted our lives in our walk with Jesus.  It occurred to me then that I had Ted Holley to thank for “getting me in the game”.  I shared that evening that I owed a thank you phone call to the man who got me in the game.  Not sure why I never made the call, but maybe this will help make up for lost time.  Thinking back, I see how the combination of confidence and encouragement that Ted demonstrated in me resulted in me gettng off the bench.  As a new Christian, I felt ill prepared to serve God, especially compared to so many others who had known Christ for many years.  But Ted asked time and again for me to take on an increasing role in ministry.  While his confidence in me and personal encouragement is what initiated much of my response to serving God, Ted taught me that it was not me, but God, who accomplishes ministry.

There are many other positive qualities that could be shared about Ted, many of which others who know him better and for longer would be more qualified to share.  His journey from radio to the pulpit.  His perserverence in a church that was in transition when he arrived.  Raising a family of believers.  Loving a wife for many years, who has served faithfully beside him in ministry while having her own unique impact working in the public school system full time.  But for me, it is the impact that the man had on me in four short years.  An impact that helped God work in my life to form a pattern that has helped keep me from messing up all the good that God has poured out in blessings.  And for that, Ted Holley, you are deserving of being recognized as a man of honor.  Thank you for service to the Lord and your impact on many individual lives – especially mine.