A friend wrote a post several months ago on his blog with a question he posed, "Who has influenced your life ?" So after some thinking and deliberating I can't point to one specific person, but several people who had an influence on me. During my process of thinking through this, I did not specifically focus on people who influenced me in ministry, but in my life. I am not sure how other ministry leaders answered Tim's question, but I would assume that many people listed someone who is well known because of a book they read or a conference they attended. Some of the people I am going to list are popular and some are unknown to the world, but still influential in my life nonetheless. Who have been the influencers in your life? This list is not in any order of importance.
1. Ying Kai and Steve Smith
These two men co-authored T4T: A Discipleship Re-Revolution. This book has probably been, outside the Bible, the most influential book in my spiritual walk and development. It has caused me to re-examine the way I look at doing ministry in North America and has taught me the real meaning of discipleship based on 2 Timothy 2:2. It shook my thoughts on how spiritual movements happen. These guys have reawakened in me the passion for evangelism and discipleship.
2. Michael Hyatt
Mike is best known for leadership and marketing. Mike had the privilege of serving as CEO with Thomas-Nelson Publishers, but more recently has been gaining popularity for coaching others on how to build a platform with his best selling book, Platform and his Platform University. Brilliant mind when it comes to networking, connecting, leadership, and writing. You can find out more about Mike by visiting MichaelHyatt.com. Michael has taught me focus on leadership and being an influencer and am honored to be part of Platform University.
3. Jeff Goins
Jeff is best know for his website and course on writing called TribeWriters. Jeff is the author of two books, Wrecked and The In-Between and is also an avid Twitter aficionado. A humble guy who is accessible and willing to answer questions on crafting your writing, he loves to give stuff away for Free. Connect with Jeff on Twitter and his website http://goinswriter.com. Jeff has taught me to be better writer. Knowing the need to be a better writer I am part of Jeff's TribeWriters.
4. Jeff Bodziony
A Cleveland native who has not written any books, but is making a huge impact on the Slavik Village community in Cleveland. Jeff, a former drug dealer that built a dealing empire which spanned the Midwest before he was arrested and convicted. While in jail, Jeff came to know Christ and began to be discipled after he was released. Drawn back to Slavik Village, Jeff has planted a church there that reaches the same people he used to deal drugs to in his hood. Hundreds have been impacted by his ministry. To find out more, go to www.forwardcleveland.com. Jeff has taught me that we are to minster to the least of these.
5. My Father
How could I leave out James Calloway on list like this? Not an author. Not famous, to the world anyway. A simple man who raised nine kids with our Mom and made sure we had food on our table, clothes on our back and Jesus in our lives. My dad only had an eighth grade education, but was one of the smartest men I have ever had the chance to know. There has never been anyone like him and there never will be another. Humble, but strong, standing at 6'2" and a good 230 pounds, my Dad taught me to to treat people right, to love Jesus, and to love my family.
6. T.D. Hooker
Another one the men that have been a huge influence in my life that you probably have never heard of. Actually his real name is Taylor Divine Hooker and he taught me the importance of getting an education. T.D. served faithfully for many years as a pastor and Community Missions Director in rural Appalachia. While he was getting a Doctorate I was getting my Masters and we would drive to Trinity Seminary to take J term classes and seminars. He is the one who encouraged me to go further in my education and love people in rural areas.
It is my hope that I have influenced many people in my fifty-two years and that those I have influenced will influence others in the ways these five men have influence me.
