I read today of the passing of Dr. James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family. He was 89. Dobson was a leader in the evangelical church for many years. As I thought about his life and the legacy that he left I began to think of others that have passed in the last decade or so. Chuck Colson (2012), Dallas Willard (2013), RC Sproul (2017), Rev. Billy Graham (2018), Tony Campolo (2024), Henry Blackaby (2024), John MacArthur (2025), and Dr. Dobson (2025). When I think back on my own spiritual formation as a new believer in my teens and young pastor in my twenties, and even today, it was these men, and others like them, that in some way helped shape my theology, my worldview, my pastoral leadership. I didn’t agree with every thing they said. In fact some of them disagreed with each other. But, you will find their books on my book shelves in my office. And now they are experiencing the glory that they passionately taught about and lived for. There are others, lesser known to the world, like Dr. Wes Gerig (2019) and Dr. David Bieberstein (2024). College professors who personally walked beside me and played a part in who I am today. And others who are still living and still influencing my spiritual journey.

Sari said a few years ago, “it is going to be hard when this generation starts entering heaven.” She was right! 

But it also got me thinking about this Sunday, Summer Bash and the 26 people that are going to be entering the waters of baptism. 21 who are middle school and high school students! God has always built his church through the gospel being passed from one generation to the next. The old Apostle Paul instructed the young Timothy, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable me who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:1-2

God’s plan all along was to make disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples. I have always said the key to that system is the third generation of disciple makers. The spiritual “grandkids”! When I can look back and see that the person I discipled has in turn discipled one behind them, and so on. The chain must not break!

Yes, it is always sad when I hear that one of these leaders has passed from this life into the presence of Jesus (sad for me, happy for them). But it is exciting to turn and look at what is coming behind me. This is what has spurred me on to become a volunteer in Eagle Students. Freshman Boys Life Group leader! For the Generations!

Who has been the great influencers in your spiritual journey?
And more importantly…Who are you ‘entrusting the things you have heard’ to in the generations behind you?

We have a call, a commission, to make disciples. God is building his church. This Sunday, are we baptizing the next generation of pastors, missionaries, apologists, evangelists, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, welders, business owners who will commit their life to making disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples! The occupation doesn’t matter.

We are all called to go!