Has anyone, regardless of faith, ever met a minister/preacher/priest etc... that had a positive influence?

Question

My father had a very negative impact on me throughout my life, right up until he died. I would even go so far as to say that I hated this man and his convoluted sense of spirituality. He and I argued about his "Christian" beliefs several times while he was trying to convert me, and in during these arguements tended to make himself look less well versed than he thought he was...(all Jews are Christians...) His minister Derrin, who I only met twice, once at diner and once at my sisters wedding, helped by setting him straight in his own faith. I had a great deal of resect for this man as he was genuinely interested in my world view. I was just wondering if anyone else has had a positive interaction with a spiritual leader?

Answer 1

Actually, yes. I'm not a Christian, but a Christian minister by the name of Dan Vander Lugt (or something close) treated me with a great deal of repect when I was young and antagonistic toward some literature his ministry published. Intellectually and theologically, I was right in the points I was trying to make, but I was mean-spirited and immature, presumptuously treating Dan and his folks to my egotistic condescension. I may have been right on some points in the argument, but Dan proved to be the better man. He was wise and patient, seeing that I was young and overly "subjective." It was when I realized that he met my vitriol with compassion that I had lost the debate; and I was profoundly humbled by a man I had not met in person, but who was kind and loving even though I attacked first.

He taught me that spirituality is more than being right about your beliefs. His firm resolve and gentle compassion showed me that intellect is hollow without a loving heart.

Answer 2

Phil Fishcer
Bill Hybels
Adam Hamilton
John Ortberg
Nancy Ortberg
Nancy Beach
Lucy Holmes
Joe Basil
Yolanda Villa
Jarrett Stevens
Willie George
Russell Gotchall
Carl Martin
John Eastwood
Alden Dick
David Dick
Mark Cahill
Steve Gillen
Kathleen Kegel
Rex Bonar
Jerry Johnson
Blaine Bartell
Franz Rigert
...
That ought to be enough to get you started! These people all had a very, very positive influence on my life spiritually and in person.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear about your father. I had an abusive father growing up. as far as a preacher having a positive influence on me yes. I am thirty and just got saved 3 yrs ago. the pastor of my church has a hunger for reaching out to the world. He honestly listens to the questions I have asked about my faith. He has been a good teacher.

Answer 4

Yeah. First of all, I'm someone who has a deep-seated distrust of religion -- I think it's possibly the most destructive thing on the earth. But I went to a Catholic college for one year, and had a Jesuit Priest who taught an English class. He was awsome. Very funny, smart, witty, with a twinkle in his eye. He would quote from rock songs, make jokes all the time about his being drunk, and he was an amazing teacher. I was slightly put off by his priestly garments at first, until he made his first joke about being drunk at 2:00 PM

Answer 5

Yes, I have. I also have had bad ones as well. However, the good ones I believe actually listen to your struggles and your own beliefs, and they do not try to jump on to you and try to make you convert. I respect them much more, because sometimes it happens where you grow up in an environment where you either weren't exposed, or had a bad experience. I try to do this in my own faith. I think leading by example is a great way to convert, as well as talking about it. Unfortunately a lot of people, especially in the Christian faith, are a lot of talk, but end up not walking the walk. However there are a lot of great people who actually walk the walk in their own faith and in Christianity.

Answer 6

Yes, I met open minded and tolerant ministers of differnt denominations that taught me things. I come from a mixed background and don't hold to any doctrine but I can say that I have learned from many kinds of people. Teachers come in many guises. I learned things from street people, alcoholics, ministers, teachers, a waitress, children and so forth.

I see spirtuality springing from all people. And I also know that anybody who has to deal with arrogant "know it alls" who try to cram their beliefs down a person's throat are NOT spiritual but weak and actually ill in the mind.

I think that spirituality appears in a gentle manner from many kinds of people. The pone minded ones seem to be the most spirtual in my opinion. The one who can encompass all other beliefs within their scope and see that we are all essentially the same are the ones who have led me.

Perhaps Krishnamurti, Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther, Buddha, Charles Bukowski, Herman Hesse, Eric Fromm (a book called psychoanalysis and relgion) and so many more... even Tolkein and Bob Dylan!

Answer 7

Many times. Even the Reverend I am fellowshipping now is positive. Not all Christians live as though the world hates them and they should be down trodden. Not all Christians teach fear, fire and brimstone. There are some that teach the truth of God, that God loves and in him is no darkness. That it is available to have a more abundant life with God, and that sin can be forgiven.

Answer 8

But surely. If there is a higher power, and I know there is, these human vessels, if they be true, are like signposts giving direction in our ultimate destination. Eternity.

No one converts anyone. If Divinity is involved, it is all the doing of that higher entity. Not a force. A person. It is not a religion. It is a relationship with a real and active friend. Even in this horrid time of silence.

Answer 9

The Pastor of our church has the ability to take the bible and appy it to your life. Instead of just quoting scripture at you and then telliing you to figure it out or just believe it, he explains it in a way that you can see how it applies to you. As a new Christian, I can say that if he hadn't been there the day I walked in that church a few weeks ago, I'd still have my witch gear ready for the next full moon

Answer 10

Most people of faith do have a heart to please God, but many are hopeless when it comes to expressing their love for God to others. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. It sounds as though there was a lot of legalism in your home. Not all men of faith are so confused about their relationship with God. I suggest you listen to Jack Hayford at OneTree.com. I had personal relationships with very few pastors but of men of faith I've known more. The truth about your relationship with God is that what you get through men is filtered through their prejudices and experiences. If you want the pure knowledge of God you should go to the source and strike up a relationship with Him. He sent you the Comforter, the Holy Spirit and you can read the Bible for yourself with the help of the Comforter all understanding will be opened to you. You can gain confirmation through going to a Bible believing church and sitting in fellowship with others as they study together and put into practice what they learn there. Without this confirmation you can be led astray by your own desires. The point is though, to get in there and dig for yourself. I was brought to church at a point in my life where I had no outside relationship that were open and honest. I was made to feel acceptable there when I didn't feel accepted anywhere else. Society is not conducive to openness and sharing unless you get into a safe place. Church became my avenue to the safe place. I met men who would meet and share their deepest struggles and encourage one another to live up to the expectations the Bible laid out, and found myself protected from false expectations by three different pastors at various times. Choose to get involved in a growing church, study the Word, apply it to your life and discuss in one of these safe places how you succeed and how and when you fail.