Last Sunday was Dave McMahon’s last Sunday as Sr. Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Cadillac, MI. “Mac” has played such a significant role in who I have become as a person and as a pastor.  Here are just a few things I appreciate about Pastor Dave:

1. He took me under his wing when I was just starting in ministry.  I remember one of the first things he did was to take me to O’Neil’s to buy a desk and set-up an office.   I felt validated from day one.
2. He gave me lots of room to grow.  Whether I was painting the Underground black (sorry about that…) or launching the Renaissance, he patiently and humbly let me spread my wings.  I was given permission to try, fail, learn, and grow.
3. He modeled for me how to lead a church through times of crises.  I watched intently on multiple occasions when he entered into difficult situations with just the right words at just the right time.  He is a man of great courage and fortitude.  I want to be like that.
4. He taught me by example that we are called not just to pastor a local church but to pastor a community.   Not only did First Baptist lose a pastor on Sunday, but so did all of Cadillac.

I look forward to his continued influence in my life and pray that God will give me the ability to continue the faithful work that he has begun.