As I read those wonderful comments about Terry yesterday, it reminded me of other encouraging ministers in my life.
Every time I’ve come across Lynn Anderson, I’ve walked away a stronger person. Seriously.
Years ago when I’d come speak at the ACU lectureship, Lynn and Carolyn would keep me at their house. Around midnight, Lynn would just be coming alive with a room full of young guys he was encouraging. I’d sneak off to bed as he kept challenging. Then he’d be up early the next morning to go find some other guys to be with.
Lynn was Highland’s preacher for 19 years before I came. A beloved, gifted minister. That’s not always a good situation to walk into. But Lynn told me from the day he resigned that I needed to be the next guy. And on my first day in the pulpit he came back to tell the church that. I have walked in his blessing for 15 years here. He’s the same age as my dad, so it’s been like having a fatherly blessing as well as the blessing of a predecessor.
For the last several years through Hope Network, Lynn has traveled around the country building teams of men in ministry, encouraging them to encourage each other. That may prove to be the most lasting impact of his ministry. How many guys out there have been loved, affirmed, taught, and challenged by him?
I once heard one of his sons say this at a dinner in his honor: “A large part of my dad’s brain is complete mush. But there’s about 20% that is more brilliant than anyone you’ll ever meet.” What a tribute!
Lynn’s renowned for being unable to locate his keys . . . or his notes . . . or his notes about where his keys are.
But he knows the good news. And lives it out as such a blessing to others.
My life is much richer because of it.
Mike, before you rush off to discuss Lynn Anderson, are you sure we had enough discussion about me? I don’t think Walling, Harris, and my mom got their turns, yet.
Just wondering.
OK. That’s vintage Rush.
Thanks for checking in, Terry. I hope it didn’t sound like we were speaking over your body at a funeral yesterday.
I’m teaching with Harris this afternoon. I’ll tell him we still need him to weigh in on T. Rush later. (Warning: Randy’s a bit computer-challenged, so don’t hold your breath.)
Lynn has already left quite a legacy of faith. My prayer is that God will find us all faithful, just as he has with Lynn and Carolyn.
Many members in our church have participated in a shepherding/equipping class based on Lynn’s “They Smell Like Sheep”. He is an incredible teacher who obviously practices what he preaches! I have not met Lynn but greatly respect his legacy.
When I was a student at ACU, Lynn Anderson was Highland’s minister. My favorite worship times with Lynn were Sunday nights. Sunday night was relaxed and so many times he would say, I’m tossing my notes and I am just going to share what’s on my heart right now. His heart was always in a place where we were all living at the moment. Thank you, Lynn, for moving us and challenging us and taking us deeper into a life with Jesus.
As a college student at ACU in the late 80’s, I “grew up” under two amazing preachers: Lynn and Rick. Lynn could tell a story better than anyone. Seriously, Lynn could tell a story that would make Dr. Suess and Grishom envious. Rick could exegete and illiterate a box score. No wonder I’m so confused every Monday as I debate weather to walk down a narrative path or chart a three point course with the text. Both were amazing blessings in my faith development.
My favorite thing about Lynn was his ability to make each one of us feel valued. Something about his eyes…it was as if you could see how much you mattered to God in Lynn’s eyes.
Of course, I continued to “grow up” under a third preacher. This guy impacted me more than Lynn, Rick or every other preacher combined. He is a brilliant combination of both Lynn and Rick. He lives the Story better than anyone I know. His life is an exegetical work in it of itself. He knows where his keys and notes are but doesn’t pretend to fully know how the Spirit uses his notes to unlock the mystery for so many each Sunday. Like both Lynn and Rick, this man has moved me and challenged me and taken me deeper into a life with Jesus.
Thanks Mike for being that man.
Back when I was a student at ACU so long ago, I remember having that same feeling of being valued when listening to Lynn. I went rock climbing once with him and in the midst of our adventure he blurted to a friend of mine, “so, as an outsider, what do you think of the human race?” No one was offended because he said in such a caring way, and with a twinkle in his eyes.
Lynn Anderson is preaching at our church until we hire a new preacher and he has been such a blessing in my family’s lives. I hang on every word of his sermons. My growth has been abundant and for that I am grateful. His current lessons are on “Financial Freedom” and it is such a wake up call for my husband and I. May God continue to bless him as he touches continues to touch our lives.
I first met Lynn Anderson many, many years ago in a small town in Kentucky when he came to speak for a “gospel meeting.” Lynn explained God’s grace in a way I had never heard before and made me fully understand how the cleansing blood of Jesus works to keep us in His care long after we have risen from the grave of baptism. It was a marker point for change in my life. Several years later, in a time of crisis in my life, I was blessed to be able to spend time visiting in the Anderson home, where Lynn once again spoke to my soul in a time of darkness and deep need. I owe my life to him - literally. He was our minister during the time we first lived in Abilene from 1973-76. When we returned in 1988, he was our minister once again. He was Victoria’s minister, also. On Sunday evenings, he would call the children of the church to join him around the pulpit for a story and song. He called them the “Little Singers.” When he announced he was leaving, Victoria’s immediate concern was, “What will happen to the Little Singers?” I know him to be a man of much compassion and kindness even when he has been under personal attack. Thank God for Lynn and also for the minister who followed him to Highland.
Hello Mike,
I was a college student at ACU in the 70’s and Lynn was ministering the Word of God at Highland. At his feet I learned the amazing power of simply opening the Bible, talking about what it says, what it means and then the powerful, life-changing, “So what?” He has blessed me in ways beyond description. The words he spoke take me back to the Word as God spoke it. Thank you for your tribute to his loving reflection of the Lord.
Mike,
Thanks for your tribute to Lynn. You nailed that one. An honor roll of spiritual giants, from the first generation to the last, would have Lynn in the top tier, in my opinion. I suppose he has faults … but if he does I’ve never seen them.
Grace has always been easy for Lynn to comprehend because he has always had a personal abundance of it. Always kind. Always considerate. Always unselfish. Always humble. Always loving. A wonderful role model for us all.
Blessings,
Joe
Mike- When I think about the first time I heard God calling me to preach it was sitting in one of those infamous squeeky Highland flip-dog seats in the mid 1970’s. I was around 9 years old and we were in town for Sing Song. HIs preaching brought me as a young boy into God’s presence and my heart burned with the calling to preach the gospel. When I heard Lynn preach..I knew that is what God had created me to do. I can also remember soul searching talks with Lynn at Harold’s B-B-Q ( now there is a place I miss!!) were God used Lynn to mold my character… with phrases like, “God uses brokeness”… “God will use you if you will humble yourself..” It also gave me hope that God could use so powerfully a man who related to the ADD tendencies of David. I love Lynn Anderson. Praise God for men like him and you who take seriously not only the proclaiming of the word, but the call to father future generations of proclaimers.
My mother gave me his Navigating the winds of change book right after I left Searcy. Man, did it ever have an impact on my way of thinking. I remember reading that book and finally understanding that questioning our church’s culture is in no way an insult to the church of our past, but is necessary in securing our place as the church of the future. Thank God for men like Lynn, Terry, Mike, and many more that dedicate their life to the gospel in this way.
Lynn has been a father figure to b\me for many years. I love that he still calls me “son”! You’re right on target. He’s an incredible man of God and a great role model!
‘…loved, affirmed, taught, and challenged…’
Please don’t forget all the women both Lynn and Carolyn have encouraged in our call to ministry.
They have been a precious part of my complex, gruelling, surprising, and deepening journey, rarely balking at the twists and turns when I’ve questioned and struggled with the orthodox. They have known how to balance the tasks of chastening and guiding at the same time, and are magnificent models of discipleship. Through nearly every decade of my life, Lynn and Carolyn have remained a steadying and vital presence and influence, although it may be a while before I get to see them. Thanks, Mike, for allowing this format for us to openly pay tribute to them.
I heard the truth from Lynn…he was real….all us college students would flock to hear what in the world this guy would say next..it was a special time…he called me “little red” and had the most all encompassing hug…
Lynn..props to you my brother..and Mike I am not surprised that he said that you needed to be the next guy…your styles are different but your message rings the same…
In the year 2000 I was in a mentoring group with Lynn. I was the youngest minister in the bunch. I was with seasoned veterans and well-educated ministers. Still, if I made a comment, Lynn would hang on my every word and made me feel as though I had so much to offer. He is such a greate listener and encourager. His ability to make me feel valuable will never be forgotten. It’s been a few years since I’ve talked to him, and I feel a void. Lynn’s genuine heart and amazing energy inspire me. I still want to be like that man when I grow up.
Lynn Anderson is a national treasure. All these good things being said about him need to be said NOW and not later. Sometimes I wonder why we wait so long to say affirming things about people. It reminds me of one of my favorite old-fashioned poems.
If with pleasure you are viewing any work a man is doing,
If you like him, or you love him, tell him now.
Don’t withhold your approbation ’til the Parson makes oration
And he lies with snowy lilies o’er his brow.
For no matter how you shout it, he won’t really care about it;
He won’t know how many teardrops you have shed.
If you think some praise is due him, now’s the time to slip it to him,
For he cannot read his tombstone when he’s dead!
More than fame and more than money, is the comment kind & sunny,
And the hearty, warm approval of a friend,
For it gives to life a savor, and it makes you stronger, braver,
And it gives you heart and spirit to the end.
If he earns your praise - bestow it! If you like him, let him know it!
Let the words of true encouragement be said.
Do not wait ’til life is over, and he’s underneath the clover,
For he cannot read his tombstone when he’s dead!
Yeah, Lynn he’s not a bad fill in preacher. Wonder why it’s taken over two years to replace the last one…. Yeah, fill in preacher.
Lynn is another one those rare people that everyone seems to have good things to say about. I still remember how encouraging his message was on the morning of the Highland 75th anniversary service at Moody. It was obvious that the man could preach. Add in a dose of being a great encourager and lover of people and you get one Godly man. Thanks for the tribute Mike.
It is amazing how Lynn can turn a duck hunting trip with the guys into a perfect uplifting life lesson. For those of you who don’t know, he is also a great shot with a 12 gauge. If I remember correctly, his last duck taken off my farm was a banded greenhead, right Lynn?
Not about Lynn, but . . . I feel greatly honored that you stopped by and left a comment on my humble blog. We will both have a lot of catching up to do with our little ones someday, won’t we?
I have a little boy with autism and I mentioned that if his speech doesn’t improve on earth, one thing I had to look forward to in heaven was long conversations with him.
From an early age, my dad made me aware of an old classmate of his that I needed to get to know and love. What a blessing to my life!
DU
I grew up in a church in Memphis that launched on all out frontal assualt against Lynn and the Herald of Truth back in the early seventies. It seems so strange, but the preacher for that church was none other than Rubel Shelly. Years later after I too had discovered grace I had the honor of being in I think Lynn’s second mentoring group. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything. Out of curiosity a few years ago I got a copy of the transcript of that meeting in Memphis and I was saddened to see how mean we could be to each other, but I was also so moved by the grace that Lynn showed even in that situation. I am so thankful that Rubel was freed from the bonds of legalism and he and Lynn have now been close friends for many years. I envy those of you who were able to grow up under his preaching and more importantly, his life. I think his work on elders/shepherds has done more to help us as a fellowship than we will ever know. Grace is a wonderful thing to discover. Thanks for the great post.
Mike,
Is there a country singer named Lynn Anderson? Is “Rose Garden” on your iPod?
Lynn’s book, “Longing for a Homeland,” is a beautiiful insight into his heart. However, the book has yet to be written about how a young Canadian, sometimes perceived as brash, could have had such an impact on the direction of the Church of Christ, beginning in the early 70s. I venture to say that many of the preachers we know now as “cutting edge,” would no longer be associated with Restoration Movement churches if it were not for the trail blazed by him.
Lynn is not just a pretty face. He did not wake up one morning as the preacher of a mega church. Lynn knows the pain and toil of the mission field, as well as being hit by “friendly” fire in the local church and fellowship.
Carolyn is a huge reason why Lynn has been able to stay in the saddle all these years. One of their legacies is building a precious family. Lynn loves his family! Many have heard him talk about “Camp Cousins,” when the grandkids would come over for a week in the summer. He beams when he talks about his family. He is always so proud of each of their accomplishments.
Of all the men I have ever know, if I could have chosen a father, it would be Lynn.
Lynn has left a tremendous legacy and has many more years to go. He would be the first to say, “To God be the Glory!”
I love Lynn and Carolyn! When Grant and I had been married for only 8 months, we moved to Dallas and began going to Preston Rd. We were hooked! Lynn’s preaching fits my style of connecting with God in worship almost as well as yours does, Mike!
Our first baby shower was at their house! Great memories!
I wonder why the guys who got mentored so well by guys like Lynn Anderson have been so slow in returning the favor to the next generation? What will we write years from now about them?
I’ve known Lynn my entire life. He and my dad grew up together in Canada (yes Victor, he is a national treasure) and I’m proud to say that Lynn gives my grandfather JC Bailey credit for inspiring him as a young lad. In turn, Lynn has inspired, encouraged and challenged me over the years. I love his hugs, his high fives and even the part of his brain that is mush.
About 8 years ago I was visiting in Singapore and Lynn happened to be there at the same time. I was blessed enough to be included in some meetings that he was having to encourage young ministers there. After the meeting the inevitable question arose — “Where shall we go for lunch?” I jokingly suggested that we go for “fish head curry,” never expecting our hosts to take me seriously. They did.
Off we headed to a nearby Indian restuarant and the fish head arrived soon afterwards. To Lynn’s credit and my surprise, he dug right in. I was impressed by this starch-shirted North American’s willingness to be all things to all people.
It is rare for a phrase to capture the imagination of an entire generation in church culture. Dare we say that “They Smell Like Sheep” has captured the imagination of a generation of leaders and has offered a vision for spiritual leadership in Churches of Christ for this time and place.
I feel like I must comment, even thought the Bailey and the Canadian connection was already commented on. I remember many stories by my dad that included a young Lynn Anderson. I also actually knew his father, who came to visit me in the hospital one time.
One of the great stories (besides the family story I make him tell on my brother) is the one of meeting Billy “Crash” Craddock on an airplane. Reading his book (Longing for a Homeland) was moving experience for me (now living so far from the prairies Lynn talks about in his book).
How do you know he doesn’t sing country? Have you ever asked him?
David,
As God is my witness, “Rose Garden” IS on MY iPod! I shudder to think what that says about me…
Wait a second — that’s not the same Lynn Anderson? That’s why he looks at me funny every time I mention his lovely singing voice!
Lynn Anderson is…there was a time when…if it hadn’t been for him…wow…there isn’t enough space here to do it justice. Lynn is one of my favorite people on the planet.
“Remember who you are…”
My favorite phrase and often used reminder for my boys, from long ago ACU/Highland days.
It was the Fall of ‘71 and Lynn traveled from Canada to Salisbury, MD to hold a gospel meeting. I was in high school at the time and a group of teens and adults from Falls Church droved 130 miles to spend the weekend canvassing neighborhoods, passing out invitations and singing at the local mall. I met Lynn briefly that weekend and, of course, heard him speak. Some of the things he said have stuck with me to this day.
Two years later, after Lynn had started preaching at Highland, I was a freshman at what was then ACC and and had a job working at the ACC Malt Bar. One Saturday morning, Lynn Anderson and Ed Templeton came in for coffee. I went up and started to introduce myself to Lynn, saying, “I am sure you don’t remember me, but……” when he interrupted me and said, “Salisbury, Maryland — 1971!” I was absolutely amazed that he had that kind of recollecting and remembered me.
I was attending Hillcrest at the time, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but did manage to get over to Highland several times while in college. I was richly blessed by Lynn then and have been since then.
Interesting how I have also been blessed and still recall sermon topics and phrases from a certain someone with the initials of M. C.,who currently fills that Highland pulpit. : )
Did I say droved??????
I too was at ACU in the ’70s and blessed to hear many a serman by Lynn. I am so thankful for the way he always challenged, inspired, and loved us. He certainly takes a good deal of credit for the way my faith has grown. Lynn took the time to see me when I was passing through later, looking for a ministry job and wondering whether to get out of it altogether. his smile and words of encouragement were greatly appreciated. When I moved back to Abilene a short time later I tried Southern Hills for a few months because it was just a couple of blocks from my home. But I just had to come home, back to Highland.
I was concerned upon Lynn’s leaving about who would follow. But was very thankful for his replacement. And that isn’t just because we are related, Mike. I am thankful for both of you. May God bless you, Kent
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