Our pastor at First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa is retiring. His farewell sermon was Sunday, January 19, and the new pastor came on stage at the end of the service.

To symbolize the transition, the retiring pastor, Dr. Gil McKee, passed a shepherd’s crook (made in Israel from olive wood in the region) to the incoming pastor, Dr. Drew Chapman to conclude a phenomenal farewell sermon in which he compared the leadership responsibility to being a shepherd.

It made me think of another shepherd’s crook as well as sea shells and lives well lived.

I met British Army Major General Ian Durie in the Czech Republic during the early 90s on what ACCTS (Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching, and Service) called a Euroseminar. ACCTS put these Euroseminars together for the military personnel of Eastern European conutries armed forces. The Iron Curtain had just figuratively come down when the Berlin Wall literally came down, and the Eastern European militaries were interested in what Christian military officers and soldiers had to say about Christianity and professional military ethics.

Major General Durie stands out in my memory because of how seriously he took his responsibilities of military leadership, so much so that, during Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-1991, he carried a shepherd’s crook whenever he visited his units. It was a memorable enough sight that a newspaper described the shepherd’s crook as his trademark because “despite the heavy pressures of command, Durie was tireless in visiting his troops. He must have been a comforting sight as he went from location to location carrying his distinctive shepherd’s cromach (or crook).”

He carried that crook not only to remind himself and his soldiers about his role in serving them but also as a way to talk about God. After all, soldiers getting ready for battle will, at some point, become interested in eternal things.

After his Army career where he reached the pinnacle of his specialty, Director of Royal Artillery, he retired, studied theology, and took orders in the Anglican church and serve congregations.

In addition to pastoral duties, he continued serving military personnel through military Christian organizations and traveled throughout Europe lecturing on Christianity, faith, and military professionalism. He was on one such trip in Romania when he died in a car crash.

I originally would have called it a tragedy, but then I learned about how, in an older sermon popularly referred to as “sea shells,” Rev John Piper assessed another car crash that took the lives of two 80-year-old missionaries from his church.

For Piper, that car crash was not a tragedy. It was, instead, the transition from lives well lived to eternal lives well provisioned. Durie and those missionaries did not seek comfort in this world but, instead, put their all into serving Jesus Christ.

Which brings me back to the shepherd’s crook. Those of us who call ourselves Christian are leaders who carry our own shepherd’s crooks. The early Christians exercised leadership in changing the culture in Rome, and Christians today can exercise leadership in our own cultures to create change.

That leadership will be a natural outpouring when we have fully committed our lives as General Durie and those missionaries did. The passing of the shepherd’s crook from Dr. Gil McKee to Dr. Drew Chapman at First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa serves as a powerful symbol of leadership transition and the ongoing spiritual stewardship of the congregation. It reminds us that leadership, whether in the church or in other spheres of life, is a calling that requires dedication, service, and an eternal perspective.

Reflecting on the life of Major General Ian Durie, we see how leadership rooted in faith can have a lasting impact. His commitment to carrying a shepherd’s crook during his military service exemplified his understanding of leadership as a form of service, reminding his soldiers of his responsibility to guide and care for them. His post-military career in ministry further demonstrates a life devoted to God’s calling, proving that true leadership transcends titles and career stages.

The story of Durie’s life and service connects profoundly with the message of Rev. John Piper’s “sea shells” sermon, which challenges us to consider the true measure of a well-lived life. Piper’s reflections call attention to the contrast between a life spent in pursuit of comfort and material success versus a life devoted to serving Christ and making an eternal impact. This perspective urges us to examine our own priorities and align them with God’s calling.

Takeaways for Application

• Leadership as Service: Whether in ministry, the military, or other fields, true leadership is about serving others and guiding them with humility and care.
• Eternal Perspective: Our lives should be driven by a focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the impact we have on others for His kingdom.
• Purposeful Living: Instead of pursuing superficial goals, we should seek to be gripped by a few great things that have lasting significance and are worth dedicating our lives to.
• Prioritizing the Right Things: In a world that emphasizes comfort and success, we must remain vigilant to ensure our priorities reflect God’s will and eternal purposes.
• Legacy of Faith: The stories of those who have lived lives of faith and service, like Major General Durie and the missionaries mentioned in Piper’s sermon, inspire us to consider the legacy we are building and how it will be remembered.

Ultimately, the passing of the shepherd’s crook challenges each of us to reflect on our own leadership, priorities, and commitment to God’s calling. Let us strive to live lives that count for eternity, embracing the responsibilities God has entrusted to us with faith and dedication.

Takeaways for Young People Preparing for Adulthood

• Seek Purpose Early: Discover your calling by focusing on what truly matters and developing a vision for your future that aligns with your values and faith.
• Build a Strong Foundation: Cultivate discipline, integrity, and resilience to navigate life’s challenges and stay committed to your goals.
• Embrace Service: Look for opportunities to serve others and make a positive impact, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from giving rather than receiving.
• Develop Lifelong Learning: Stay curious and committed to personal growth, understanding that knowledge and wisdom are crucial for making informed decisions.
• Surround Yourself with Mentors: Seek guidance from experienced individuals who can provide wisdom, encouragement, and accountability in your journey toward adulthood.

Ultimately, the passing of the shepherd’s crook challenges each of us to reflect on our own leadership, priorities, and commitment to God’s calling. Let us strive to live lives that count for eternity, embracing the responsibilities God has entrusted to us with faith and dedication.

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