I’m currently flying home from Seattle after having the privilege of participating in the memorial service of a dear friend. Russ Clark was one of my associate pastors during my years of ministry in Gig Harbor, Washington. Russ died at 90 years of age. While his body finally wore out, his mind was still lucid and active right up until his final departure to glory.
What set Russ apart from so many was that he lived solely for God and His people. This is what I shared at his memorial service: Russ was intelligent but humble, knowledgeable but teachable, spiritual yet practical, principled but merciful, strong yet gentle, serious yet fun to be with. Russ was a father not only to his own family but to so
many more.
While titles these days have become a fad, with Apostle being the most coveted of the bunch, few achieve the rare status of Father. Fathers focus on nurturing rather than numbers. They would rather see their children succeed than make a name for themselves. They prefer pouring into the lives of their pupils more than preaching from the pulpit. They measure success in terms of character development rather than mere results. Russ was that type of man. A valuable asset to our team, and especially to the Church Body.
Speaking of spiritual Fathers, why are they so few and far between? Fathers are not produced in some seminary or Bible School. They can’t be appointed by a board of elders or voted on by the congregation. No, true Fathers share a common bond, a true love for God and for people with a desire to get involved in their lives. They take the time to seek out the lonely, needy and broken, and invest the time necessary to bring them to healing and wholeness. They are prepared to ‘get down and dirty’ until the job is done. They instill in them a sense of value and purpose, encouraging them until they achieve their goal; to help others do the same.
Fathers have a tendency to beget Fathers. A Father’s impact is so profound that those who have been raised by one often follow in their steps. Like I said, Fathers are not churned out in seminaries by listening to lectures but they learn by seeing love in action. It’s not hearing what comes from the head but from the heart. As the old Southern preacher said, "It’s better felt than telt". Yes, Fathering takes time, patience, sweat and tears. Little wonder then that Paul wrote, "You have ten thousand instructors in Christ but not many Fathers"
I’ll miss Russ now that he has gone, but I won’t ever forget him. You see he was more than just a friend, he was another Father that God placed in my life.