10 of those

This book tells the story of a man, Rick Davidson, who gained skills in a variety of heavy trades, any of which could have been a life-time occupation; his call to ministry required that he pursue competencies in several areas related to his position as teacher, preacher, chaplain, counselor, and encourager and shows the amazing providences as to how all of his past skills aided him in pastoral ministry as an effective servant of the congregation and chief aid and encourager to the church’s teaching pastor.

Commendations:

"The wisdom contained in this captivating catalogue of true ministry stories could only come from a person as unique and special as Pastor Rick. When people who have a common connection with Rick Davidson get together, invariably their conversations turn to the amazing but true tales involving Pastor Rick and his willingness to serve others, his church, and ultimately, the Lord Jesus Christ. As I read through The Life of an Associate Pastor, I found myself laughing out loud and wiping away tears as I reflected on the unlimited ways God uses people who are simply willing to serve and be used. Rick Davidson might be one of the most willing people I’ve ever known, and the examples of his willing service and what he’s learned along the way will hopefully rub off on all of us."

— Joseph R. Crider, Dean and Professor of the Church Music and Worship School of Church Music and Worship, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Fort Worth, TX

"I have seen Rick’s life from many different angles—I have been led by him as a church member, served under him as a youth pastor, and now serve alongside him as a senior pastor. Each angle has shown the light of Christ shining through Rick’s personality and gifts. The variety of stories and truths you encounter in this book will encourage you with what God can do when the light of the gospel shines through the prism of our lives. May we each, like Rick, learn to live with an open-handedness, trusting the Lord and serving others wherever He may lead."

— Cam Potts, Senior Pastor LaGrange Baptist Church

"Rick Davidson has been a blessing to so many people. He has blessed me and my family. I was blessed again reading this book. It’s a compendium of his extensive experiences in ministry. At the same time, it’s simply a testimony of God’s love in Christ. It’s a testimony of a sinner saved by grace—of a believer loving other believers—of a minister serving as a chaplain, as an associate pastor, and as an executive pastor, trusting in God’s grace and serving where God called him. It’s a testimony also of God’s faithful care of one of His churches, LaGrange Baptist Church, and of His mercy to them and through them. It contains many lessons for serving Christ through His church, especially for those who are called to serve as ministers of the gospel. Rick’s experiences in ministry range from the grave to the utterly ridiculous. In his telling, each experience is a ground of encouragement and instruction. I have loved and respected Rick for many years. Reading this, you’ll understand why. Read it and be encouraged. And go and serve."

— Dr. Greg Wills, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary