As I consider this Thanksgiving season, I’m so very grateful for my church led by a pastor who just went to be with the Lord. David Landrith was our pastor for almost 18 years. During that time our church grew from 250 to more 7,000 in weekly attendance. But here’s what I’m thankful for:
- He led with integrity.
- He led us to serve and look outside the walls of our church.
- He focused on God’s Word.
- He was transparent with his own struggles.
So many women’s ministry leaders lives and ministries were touched by his messages at several of our LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum events. Many have contacted me since his death to let me know the impact this had on their relationships with staff and establishing credibility for the ministry. They have expressed thankfulness for the personal encouragement he give them.
I will not tell you I understand God’s plan in taking him home, nor am I even very happy about it right now, but I do not have to understand what God is doing (since His thoughts are way above mine and I will never fully comprehend Him). However, I can — without a doubt — stand on the truth of who I know Him to be — all sovereign, all wise, and a loving Father. Yes, I can truly say I trust Him even though our hearts are breaking for our staff, his family, and our church body. We believe our greatest days as a church body are ahead.
Leaders: Do you stand on that? Do you model that when you face a devastating experience that could shake your faith? Do you stand on the Truth we see in God’s Word and encourage the women in your ministry to do the same?
David left a huge hole in our hearts, but he also left a legacy of what it means to live out our faith — no matter the circumstances — as he walked through these last 20 months of cancer. I pray I can do the same as I go deeper in my faith walk and can help other women do the same.
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.
