From following a legend to sitting down with one, it was an absolute honor to have Dr. LeRoy Lawson on the podcast. He is revered as one of the godfathers of ministry and known for his wisdom and integrity. I appreciated his honesty, and I guarantee that there are lessons in his story for everyone, no matter what stage of life you may be in.
Maybe you’re facing your first foray into a leadership position. Or you’re making a transition from one industry to another, looking to reinvent yourself. Perhaps you are even navigating a significant loss. No matter what stage of life you are in, take a listen to hear some of Dr. Lawson’s incredible insights in this episode.
Highlights
About Dr. LeRoy Lawson – 2:44
- Dr. Lawson’s background and finding his home in the church.
- Lessons learned during his early days in ministry.
- Transitioning from overwork to a more balanced life.
Stepping into Academia – 15:53
- How he got connected with Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University).
- How he navigated 9 years as President of Pacific Christian College and Senior Pastor at Central Christian Church in Arizona.
- Leading his church well through that time.
Life, Family, and Loss – 36:57
- Managing caring for his family life with his professional responsibilities.
- Navigating the loss of his child.
- The wisdom gained through suffering.
Resources
- Hope International University – The university Dr. Lawson was president of.
- Velcro Families: They Stick! – Dr. Lawson shares about his velcro family.
- SOS – Survivors of Suicide Loss sponsored by AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). Local chapters are everywhere.
- The Compassionate Friends – Support groups for parents/sibling for loss of a child to any cause. Local chapters are everywhere.
About Our Guest
Dr. LeRoy Lawson is a pastor and author originally from Tillamook, Oregon. He has served as President of Hope International University in Fullerton, California, as senior minister of Central Christian Church in Mesa, Arizona, and as Professor of Christian Ministries at Emmanuel Christian Seminary in Johnson City, Tennessee. He and his wife Joy have been traveling the past three years.
On Facebook this morning, I came across a question that asked who is your most memorable pastor. Without hesitation I wrote, Dr. LeRoy Lawson. Which got me to thinking and then googling his name and that is what lead me to this podcast. Listening to him speak again was like going home. There is a comfort in hearing Dr. Lawson words, his voice and laughter. I was a member of Central Christian Church in Mesa, Az when he was the pastor. Joined the church when it was off University Dr., when I walked forward to answer the altar call in 1982 from him. Later following to Mountain View School as we waited to grow the church into a new building on Lindsay. I was baptized and renewed my wedding vows there. It was the big church that felt like a small family even though thousands attended. Every Sunday as I listened to his message, I felt like he actually was speaking to me directly and addressing an issue I had been experiencing in my life. So did everyone else! As I continued to listen to this podcast several moments came to mind. Western Days and seeing him at the pulpit in an authentic wool pastors’ suit in 100+ degree weather!! The day he shared his frustration with all of us that seniors were not getting to church because they didn’t have a ride. (quickly resolved) When the roof fell in as the new church was being built. The Harley the congregation gifted him when he left. But the one that is most poignant is when he gave the eulogy at my mother’s memorial service. She tragically ended her own life on July 5, 1991. Little did we know at that time that just 3 years later in 1994, that eulogy would come back to him full circle when he and this family when their precious son Lane chose the same ending. His words sharing the life experience since that day are spot on and I look forward to the book he is working on in his son’s memory. Just as I did 31 years ago I found strength in his words and his message. There is a reason he is referenced as the Godfather of Ministry, he is real. A special thank you to his beautiful wife Joy, his children Kimberly, Candace and Lane for sharing him with all of us.