I am honored when I am asked to mentor someone as they consider ministry or want to plant a church. I have been so blessed by 4 mentors that I have had over the two years I have been in this denomination, they are: Robert Matthews, Bill Dickens, Rev. Alton Paris and Jerryl Payne. It is not easy planting a church and joining a new denomination at the same time. But my four earthly angels reached out and guided me, encouraged me, told me how to do things, prayed for me and watched as my wings became strong enough to fly in this denomination. I thank all of them from the bottom of my heart for they answered every question I had. I think it is so important that we mentor others. Who have been the mentors in your life that have helped you along the way. I especially want to hear about ame mentors, for too often they are our unsung heroes. I salute my mentors and pray that when they come to visit my church they will see their influence on the congregation Mentors what are your thoughts/

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2003

Answers

My pastor, Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Chip Murray - for being the template/goal for my role as a future pastor

My seminary instructors, P.E. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, Revs. Mike Barta, Johnnie Carlisle, Annie Watson, Greg Herndon, Betty Hanna- Witherspoon, Morris Buchanan and Lewis Logan III - for showing me life "behind the walls".

Rev. Joyce Randall - for helping me to cope with the principle that the more time your spend in ministry, the more you will come to loathe the ministry (you can't wade through the blood and mud without getting stained).

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2003

Rev. Harper thank you for sharing your mentors with us. I wanted to add that Presiding Elder Guidry has also been one of my mentors. She is a powerful woman. When I first started posting on this board Bill Dickens (who is now my biological brother) and his wife Jenny reached out to me and called me at home to welcome me to the denomination. Bill Dickens has a pastor's heart. I hope we will continue this discussion on mentors for as Christians we are called to help one another.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2003

I am honored by yuour kind words. Thank you.
People I consider mentors:

• Rev. A. J. Payne, 53-year pastor of Enon Baptist Church, Baltimore (and grandfather) - for living by holiness and the word, and showing me that no matter your height, you can always stand tall;
• Rev. Porter W. Phillips, 49-year pastor of Carrone Baptist Church, Pittsburgh (and grandfather) - A fine example of fatherly firmness, a powerful pulpiteer, and a paradigm of appreciating humor in the family context. Demonstrated the importance of meditation and preparation in delivering the preached word.
• Bishop John R. Bryant, Prelate, 5th Episcopal District. As pastor of St. Paul AME, Cambridge, triggered the earnest desire to be completely intimate with the word. It was during a return from one of his preaching engagements that Rev. Bryant lamented at not having a "second" to whom he could turn when engaging in Christian Apologetics. he motivated me to become that second.
• Bill Marshall, Organist Extraordinaire (St. Paul AME, Cambridge, Ward Los Angeles, other churches) - showed me that a classical organist can also be successful in the pentecostal expression, helped me understand organ voicing, pedalwork, music ministry, declamation, and is really the model that I embrace stylistically the most.
• Rev. Donald Vails, Acclaimed Gospel recording artist (Savoy, Malaco) - Showed me the power of the story, how to present in an engaging manner, and how to teach a song in five minutes; revolutionized my choir leadership technique.
• Rev. Brenda Payne, Founder, Clear Lake AME, Houston; Pastor, Reedy Chapel, Galveston (and wife) - Showed me the importance of faith, kindness, forgiveness, and commitment.
• My Mother - who set before me all the parameters from which to choose my destiny.

Thank you for the opportunity to acknowledge my mentors.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2003

Jerryl thank you for being one of my mentors. You are a powerful teacher. And thank you for sharing your mentors, what incredible mentors you have in your life. Often times it is through my mentors that I see clearly the hand of God working in my life for God puts mentors in our lives to guide us spiritually. It is from these mentors that we find our prophetic voice. God bless you and Pastor Payne for your dynamic ministry and thank you for being my mentor.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2003