Another mentor of mine left this world today.

Dr. John Bonds was 87 years old. Retired the last 20 years, he planted 3 churches in his ministry years, and invested in the lives of countless thousands. He invested in my life as well. Patty and I met Dr. Bonds and his wife Georgetta at Camp Wabanna in Annapolis, MD. We were attending an annual Pastor’s and Wives conference and Doc was one of the scheduled speakers. He took an immediate interest in us as church planting was his hearts desire. Through the Bond’s Foundation he helped plant churches and build church buildings. Doc came to our church plant, Lighthouse Baptist, in 2003 and preached, while his wife held a ladies conference. Doc also served as a consultant to us, at my insistence he critiqued our work and helped us strengthen and expand the ministry.

In November of 2003 Dr. Bond’s was called to be the interim Pastor at Harford Furnace Baptist Church. He was charged with helping the church find a new pastor. He brought me there, I was called and the members of Lighthouse joined. For four wonderful months Dr. John was my co-pastor, and helped me through the process of rebooting the ministry to become First Baptist Church of Harford County, where I pastored for another 12 years.

Doc and Mrs. Bonds were always helpful, always insightful and always just a phone call away when I had a problem or question. Doc was a pastoral mentor supreme.

It was his sense of humor that I appreciated so much. He had a way of telling a truth about ministry while making you laugh, even when it hurt. Phrases like “It’s always darkest just before it gets pitch black,” “Why pray about it when you can worry?” and my favorite, “Brother Dave, there are some folks you chase as they go out the church door, and there are some you chase out the door!” He let me know that my insecurities, fears and failures were natural. Everybody in the ministry felt that way at times, and it was ok, as long as you didn’t let it define you.

I have been blessed to have many mentors in the ministry, all much older than me, and much wiser. I’ve lost the fellowship of several these last years. And now Doc is a resident citizen of that far country. I can’t wait to see him again.