Big Shoes to Fill
One of my fondest memories of our son, Brent's, early childhood began when he was no more than three years old. Brent delighted in putting his little feet into my big shoes and walking around the house in them. Of course, my shoes swallowed his little feet. However, he loved playing with my big shoes.
The first afternoon I sat in the editor in chief's chair at Holiness Today, a wave of emotion which took my breath rolled over me. You see, the mail delivery person has left a copy of either the Herald of Holiness or Holiness Today at my address since I was a small child. That is a tall stack of magazines!
In those first moments of sitting in the editor's chair, I thought of the many editorial columns and articles I have read down across the years: first as a young person growing up in the church, then as a new pastor trying to figure out what I was doing, and later as a university professor. In those first moments, I felt like little Brent walking around the house in my big shoes.
David Felter guided the magazine with strong leadership. We owe a debt of gratitude to him for the positive direction he gave Holiness Today as he led toward a preferred future. I am thankful for all of his tireless efforts. He did such a great job that I would have been content with him staying at the task another decade. However, I know that's not a realistic expectation.
As a young pastor, I grew deeply under the strong influence of William McCumber as he edited the Herald of Holiness. He also wrote many excellent books on Christian living and spoke frequently at pastors' meetings that Sue and I attended. He was one of the smartest and funniest men I ever met. He could have a crowd roaring with laughter one minute and pondering deep truths the next.
When he retired, I asked him if he had another book rolling around in his head. He replied, "No, I have 24 more books I hope to write now that I have more time." What a keen mind.
I enjoyed the privilege of poring through our Nazarene history during my graduate work at Vanderbilt University. One of the greatest influences on my life from our earlier tradition came from J. B. Chapman, another editor of the Herald of Holiness. In my estimation, he is a theological giant of our great heritage. I learned much from his writings. These three editors and a host of others have guided a people called Nazarenes steadily for more than 100 years.
The Church of the Nazarene's mission statement reads: To make Christlike disciples in the nations. This is our mandate, purpose, and goal as a denomination.
We cannot leave this responsibility to others. Each of us, wherever we are in the world, can do our part to be disciple makers. In doing so, we reflect the nature of Christ—Christlikeness—with people desperately in need of his love. Holiness Today has a role in this, too. We deliver stories and beliefs that connect and inspire us.
From generation to generation, Nazarenes have turned to this publication for answers and information. I pledge to you in this first piece that I pen for this great magazine that I plan to continue the tradition. I will always strive to address three major overall themes:
- This is who we are as Nazarenes.
- This is what we believe as Nazarenes.
- This is how we go into the world and make Christlike disciples as Nazarenes.
I trust you will check in with us every issue on this journey. Help us get our message to everyone around the world.
Jesus is Lord!
Frank M. Moore is editor in chief of Holiness Today.
Holiness Today, November/December 2013
Please note: This article was originally published in 2013. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.
