Stan Toler: Pastor, leader, friend

Any tribute to Stan Toler would do well to begin with a quote from one of his many books that have challenged, inspired, and encouraged thousands. Here is one of my favorites, from God's Never Failed Me Yet:

'When you are sure of God's calling and you are obedient, it's reassuring. My value, my self-esteem, and my happiness are all found with my being in God's place.' (152)

This retiring general superintendent has lived by that sentiment, and I have witnessed it. He has been my pastor, boss, mentor, and, most importantly, my friend. In each role he has been diligent to seek and then follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, even if that meant not always conforming to conventional thinking.

A Pastor's Heart

Stan Toler has the heart of a pastor. Thousands of people who have worshiped and served in his congregations in Ohio, Florida, Oklahoma, and Tennessee would gladly bear witness to this truth.

Over 20 years ago my wife, Julie, and I paced anxiously in the hallway of Vanderbilt Hospital waiting on news from the doctor. Our daughter had a quarter lodged in her two-year old throat. Pastor Stan stayed with us, prayed, and reassured us of God's love and care for Jana. The doctor's report affirmed evidence of divine intervention. Both of my daughters still think of him as 'Pastor Stan,' and well they should, because that's who he is.

This heart of a pastor has also been a heart for pastors. The list of pastors who have shared as much encouragement, motivation, and practical wisdom with other pastors as he - and remembered those pastors by name - is a very short one.

Over the years I have traveled with Stan Toler to numerous conferences and seen him engage pastors from diverse situations. He treated each with respect and dignity regardless of the size of their congregations or their denominational status. We should all be thankful that he will continue to be an encourager and equipper of pastors in the days and years ahead.

Champion and Defender

As a boss, Stan Toler was my champion and defender. I'm sure many others who have had the opportunity to serve with him would say the same. Truly, he wanted me to succeed. He cared about my calling and my ministry, guided and coached, encouraged and cheered for me to succeed. He pushed me to push myself and to trust in God's great help and direction.

Once or twice, I did have to go into his office to get what he affectionately called, 'a kick in the setter.' However, when I left, it wasn't with my head down and my confidence shattered. Instead, I walked out with new ideas and the assurance that he was on my side, something which he demonstrated even at his own risk. For me and others, he would put his reputation on the line for us. It may sound cliché, but I knew he had my back.

Did I mention ideas? Who could possibly have more ideas than Stan Toler? As his brother, Mark, might say, 'Stan has almost as many ideas as he does book titles, and that's a lot!'

It is life-changing to be mentored by someone who loves creativity, someone who listens to your thoughts, stories, and ideas, and then says 'Let's go for it!'

Stan Toler has mentored many in the ministry besides me, and I expect his ideas have helped them reach, connect, disciple, and bless thousands, if not millions, for Jesus Christ. Mentoring is a part of his DNA, and once again we should be grateful that he will continue mentoring and training pastors and church leaders for many years to come.

I have no doubt that countless others consider Stan Toler their friend. Well, almost countless. I wouldn't want to pull rank here, but I have been among the few who have been deemed an honorary 'Toler Brother.' I have sung or 'worked the platform' with Mark, Terry (also known as 'the Talent'), and Stan. Maybe one day I can join several others for the Toler Brothers and Friends Reunion Tour.

When Stan Toler is your friend, you are blessed. He is one of the most generous servants God has ever given to his people. The longer I have known him, the more his friendship has become a treasure to me. We've shared laughter, tears, joys, sorrows, songs, and stories and the presence of Jesus as friends. His generous friendship has become a model to me for what a friend should truly be.

A Friend to All

Before I count myself as part of some exclusive clique, however, I am reminded that our beloved general superintendent, pastor, author, mentor, and teacher is a friend to all Nazarenes and so many more of Christ's followers around the world. His care and concern for others is boundless!

During his travels as general superintendent, he has had opportunity to see, and to be a part of, the church in action around the world. From speaking at local churches, ordaining pastors at district assemblies, and training leaders, this man of God has ignited sparks in the hearts of many who seek a deeper walk with Christ.

Thank you, Stan Toler, for following God's calling in your life and ministry. We know you will continue to be a friend and helper as you find yourself in 'God's Place.'

Jeffrey Johnson is superintendent of the South Texas District of the Church of the Nazarene.

Holiness Today, May/June 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.