This past Monday afternoon, I received the tragic news that a close friend suddenly died of a heart attack. I am still in shock. Pastor Ken Pierpont was my long-time mentor, confidant, and pastor-colleague. 20 years ago, I served under him in an inner-city ministry team in Flint, MI. In 2006, he enthusiastically wrote a reference letter for me to attend Dallas Theological Seminary. That same year, he was also instrumental in my wife and I first meeting. He always joked with me about earning an “assist” on our matrimony.
Baby Everlynn held by Pastor Ken Pierpont and his daughter Holly
From 2010-2013, I worked as a youth pastor where he served as a senior pastor in metro Detroit. He also encouraged me by graciously recommending me for numerous lead pastor positions as he observed that calling on my life. He was our first hospital visitor upon the birth of our now 12-year-old daughter. Most recently, he traveled northward to speak at my send-off service into active-duty Air Force chaplaincy.
Ken was a vibrant, active 65-year-old. He could easily pass for being in his mid-50s. He preached with his characteristic zest, joy, and creativity at his wonderful church just the morning before. He was a larger-than-life encourager, a sought-after conference speaker, and an engaging author. He adored his wife, eight children, and grandchildren. He was deeply devoted to Christ and pastored with a loving tear in his eye for the flock of God. My heart hurts with the reality that he is gone.
Every conversation and sermon with Ken was sprinkled with witty quips and well-mined truths like these:
“Remember who you are. But most importantly remember whose you are: a beloved member of God’s family.”
“Know God’s love? Show God’s love.”
“No sermon is ready to be preached until you’ve summarized it down to that ‘one big hairy idea’.”
“If you want a joy that cannot be shaken, you must find a joy that cannot be taken.”
“Don’t forget the romance of ministry.”
“Always mark down and practice a Family Red Dot Day.” (a full day reserved for uninterrupted family time)
“Savor every moment with your children.”
“Pastors don’t occupy offices. They pray, counsel, and prepare in ‘a pastor’s study’.”
“Write a thousand words a day”. (He did)
“The little things are the big things.”
“Shepherd the people who want you to shepherd them.”
“It would be better to walk with a limp with God in your life than to run like the wind without God in your life.”
Among many talents, Ken was an astounding storyteller. He called himself, “a keeper of The Story,” an expert at sharing the themes of God’s redemptive love in Jesus. I can’t count how many times I heard him begin with, “I’ve got a story for you…” or “Let me tell you a story.” He wove captivating narratives into the tapestry of everyday life.
Tonight, I’m holding onto the One who tells us that death is not the end of the story. His Word reminds us that we live on a beautiful yet broken planet. Disease, illness, and tragedy are par for the course. Yet He also said, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life,” therefore, we know we will again embrace our loved ones in Christ.
Tomorrow morning, I’ll gather with his family and many other Christ-followers to remember the life, legacy, and love of Ken Pierpont. We’ll point our hearts toward the hope of glory: the resurrected Lord and His coming glorious kingdom, in which all our tears will be wiped away.
Remember whose you are. The last chapter is yet to come.
Maranatha. Come soon, Lord Jesus.
