True Servant of Jesus Christ, Prentice Meador

Today, is a day of grief, because of the loss of Prentice Meador who went to be with his Lord and Savior early this morning. Prentice taught me about the Providence of God when he spoke of it being the reason he had come go be the pulpit minister a Prestoncrest Church of Christ 20 years ago. Prentice sought the will of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of the way he lived his life. I was shocked that Prentice was taken so early….but God’s timing was for him to come home now. Prentice is with God…and I know he does not want to come back here. God’s Providence has led him to the ultimate destination.

Prentice was a friend and mentor to me beginning in my late thirties. He was an outstanding preacher of The Word. I mean the best. I had the privilege of being with him in all kinds of situations and places from Russia, to colleges, to men’s groups, classes, churches, lectureships, searchers, funerals, …you name it….and he was always 150% prepared. He was a preacher from the Batsell Barrett Baxter, David Lipscomb branch out of Tennessee and he understood and taught us about grace. With that foundation he was able to boldly and directly challenge us to live different…to live like Christ. He was intense and in your face about it when that was called for…and I loved it. He was always “fired-up” and he worked hard. It was no game, no “profession” to Prentice…it was the “real deal”.

Prentice was visible in the community… he was “missional” before it was cool to be missional. He traveled the world, he was on TV, in Congress, knew senators and other politicians, was known outside his own Christian fellowship….what an example. We need to take up the example he put before us.

I will miss many things like:

• That ski-jumper like lean in the pulpit
• He was a “close-talker”, but in a good way…it made you feel like you were important
• Praying with him…hearing him pray….knowing he called people on the phone to pray at the right times
• Fun on the golf course
• Discussing deep theological questions with him…that most people would not take the time to do or even find them semi-interesting
• Knowing I could call him for advice or a recommendation
• Traveling in the Holy Land with the group he and Barbara led
• The chance (Providential) meeting and dinner Susan and I had with he and Barbara in Colorado Springs earlier this year
• Poking fun at him and hearing him laugh
• Teaching a 45 year old novice (me) the basics about being an elder in the church
• Listening to one of the most skilled communicators I’ve ever heard
• There’s more…but I’ll miss his example on how you live an abundant life in Christ

Pray for Barbara and the entire Meador family.

What a great loss to the Kingdom.