The Life of an Associate Pastor

The wisdom contained in this captivating catalog of true ministry stories could only come from a person as unique and special as Pastor Rick. When people who have a common connection with Rick Davidson get together, invariably their conversations turn to the amazing but true tales involving Pastor Rick and his willingness to serve others, his church, and ultimately, the Lord Jesus Christ. As I read through The Life of an Associate Pastor, I found myself laughing out loud and wiping away tears as I reflected on the unlimited ways God uses people who are simply willing to serve and be used. Rick Davidson might be one of the most willing people I’ve ever known, and the examples of his willing service and what he’s learned along the way will hopefully rub off on all of us.

This short book by Rick Davidson is long—it is long on practical ministry and meaningful reflection on God’s providence in preparing His ministers. I have heard him preach frequently, lead Bible studies in adult groups, moderate church family discussions (some of them fraught with potential difficulty), and engage in conversation with first-time visitors to our church. I served as his assistant in repairing a fractured curb at the bottom of my driveway. He shows a mature and friendly wisdom in each delicate part of this variegated bouquet of ministerial responsibility. Also, I have been regaled with an amazing variety of stories arising from his life experience in seemingly incongruent vocations and virtually impossible situations. His insight, however, in how God used all of this in calling and preparing him for the pastoral tasks that claim his time and energy has constituted blessed instruction. Many times, after hearing another story, or another story, I suggested that he write a book about these things so that others might celebrate the wisdom and providence of God in the divine preparation of a minister. One day Rick stopped me in the foyer and said, “I have started that book.” And here it is! Its rich narrative of life situations and pertinent remarks about the spiritual and doctrinal relevance of God’s providence of preparation will be an encouragement to every reader and a bit of godly entertainment in observing and contemplating ministry opportunities very few of us have or would even attempt to engage.

Ministry mirrors the Christian life in that there is never a moment when ministers are truly “off duty.” God is sovereign over the mundane as well as the sublime moments in life and ministry. There’s not a single molecule or atom, no circumstance, no person or personal encounter that stands outside His all-wise governance. I have counted it a privilege to call Rick Davidson a friend (and one of my pastors for a wonderful season) for many years now, and there is no man better qualified than Rick to write about the “every moment” nature of ministry. These deeply personal—and sometimes humorous—stories from Rick’s decades in local church ministry will edify, teach, challenge, convict, and encourage church leaders and laypeople alike and, like Help in The Pilgrim’s Progress, put strength in your stride as you serve God’s church enroute to the Celestial City. My dear friend Rick here shows that every moment—mundane or not—matters for God’s glory. As one who spends much of his time writing, editing, or reviewing books on ministry, I can assure you will not find another book like this one in circulation. Don’t miss it!

I have seen Rick’s life from many different angles—I have been led by him as a church member, served under him as a youth pastor, and now serve alongside him as a senior pastor. Each angle has shown the light of Christ shining through Rick’s personality and gifts. The variety of stories and truths you encounter in this book will encourage you with what God can do when the light of the gospel shines through the prism of our lives. May we each, like Rick, learn to live with an open-handedness, trusting the Lord and serving others wherever He may lead.

Rick Davidson has been a blessing to so many people. He has blessed me and my family. I was blessed again reading this book. It’s a compendium of his extensive experiences in ministry. At the same time, it’s simply a testimony of God’s love in Christ. It’s a testimony of a sinner saved by grace—of a believer loving other believers—of a minister serving as a chaplain, as an associate pastor, and as an executive pastor, trusting in God’s grace and serving where God called him. It’s a testimony also of God’s faithful care of one of His churches, LaGrange Baptist Church, and of His mercy to them and through them. It contains many lessons for serving Christ through His church, especially for those who are called to serve as ministers of the gospel. Rick’s experiences in ministry range from the grave to the utterly ridiculous. In his telling, each experience is a ground of encouragement and instruction. I have loved and respected Rick for many years. Reading this, you’ll understand why. Read it and be encouraged. And go and serve.