I don’t really remember meeting Richard Blaisdell. After all, we met almost 70 years ago in the nursery at the old Trinity Heights Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas. Grew up as best friends. Went to Abilene Christian as college roommates. Were officers together in the same fraternity. Even have a picture in our senior ACU yearbook with the two of us and Larry Henderson. Who’s Who. Though we all thought it should be Who’s He.

Richard just retired after over 40 years with the Buckingham Road Church of Christ in Garland, Texas. He has been a missionary, youth minister, preacher, and preaching elder. And we need more preachers like Richard. Here are four things preachers need to learn from his life and ministry.

Be humble. Richard never thought he was much of a preacher and never thought he should be in demand as a speaker at Lectureships or other congregations. He just got up and talked about what the Bible said about Jesus and life.

Live your sermons. He really is one of the best men I know. When Richard talks about following Jesus, he is standing before you as a living blueprint.

Love your family more. He is still completely in love with his wife, Teresa, and they’re very much a team ministry. They raised four kids who are doing lots of strong, second-generation ministry along with their spouses.

Don’t quit ministry. Retirement is not the right word for what Richard is doing. He will still work part-time as an evangelist and community liaison. He’s doing what he loves, growing the kingdom.

So, well done to my ACU roommate and friend. We need more like him.

Be like Richard. Because he is being like Jesus. And he would be the first to tell you, that is what really matters: following Jesus.