REMEMBERING LEADERSHIP

Often, when writing on leadership, we speak in hypothetical terms and principles that could be applied to ministry.  This week, we look at the reality of people whose lives have modeled well the value of solid leadership and strong character.

This last Tuesday, Rev. Glen Cole, Pastor of Trinity Life Center, and former District Superintendent went to be with Christ.  He had suffered a heart attack shortly after arriving to the church that morning.  His was a life marked by great passion for ministry, people and leadership. 

We also mourn the loss of Rev. Carolyn Sheley who went to be with the Lord last Friday. Carolyn served the Northern California and Nevada District Office for 23 years as a secretary and administrator, even serving while she quietly battled cancer for 8 years. 

Pastor Cole leaves a legacy of building great churches and even greater leaders.  His legacy can be found in his 2 sons serving in ministry and in the profound  impact he made on a multitude of pastors, leaders, missionaries and churches throughout our district, nation, and the world. 

Pastor Cole’s life taught us much.  There is much to be learned from a life well lived:

1.       He had unending passion for ministry. He served in ministry till the end.  Pastor Cole was serving as a senior pastor, and was at the church when he passed.  While most would head in to retirement, Pastor Cole took on the leadership of pastoring Trinity Life Center well after retirement years, growing it to over 1100 in attendance on a weekly basis.

2.       He understood that ministry was about people.  Pastor Cole has served as a mentor to a countless number of pastors and leaders throughout our movement.  He often would encourage others in his congregation to help plant other churches in the local community, and many of these churches are healthy and strong, because of his passion for people and evangelism.

3.       He left a lasting legacy.  Both Pastor Cole and Carolyn each have children that serve in ministry who are carrying the legacy of ministry that was passed on to them.  Carolyn’s daughter, Leanna, serves at the District Resource Center.  Her son, Wes, serves as a Youth Alive Missionary in the Oregon Ministry Network.    Both of Pastor Cole’s sons, Rick and Randy, serve as pastors at Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, with Pastor Rick serving as the lead pastor.   

It is any easy thing to talk leadership.  It is a much greater task to model it.  Leadership is never easy, but it is greatly rewarded with a life that perseveres and remains faithful to what God has called us to do.

2 Timothy 4:7-8a states “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;  in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.” Today we honor those who have passed in to eternity, having fought this fight of faith, and we use their legacy as a reminder that we must strive to do all that God has called us to do and end this life well.

Abe Daniel - District Student Ministries Director

Northern California and Nevada Assemblies of God Student Ministries