Shortly after my pastorate in the new church began, I began listening to a radio ministry called The Alternative View that was produced out of a ministry called The Urban Alternative. I began listening to Dr. Tony Evans and soon learned that he was a tremendous communicator of the Scriptures. Little did Dr. Evans know how much a part of that new church start he was.

Several years later, as I was preaching through a series called "The Perfect Counselor: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit," I came across a book called The Promise. It was on the Holy Spirit, and written by Dr. Tony Evans. I read through the book the entire time I preached that series. Once again, Dr. Evans helped that young pastor as he learned to shepherd a flock.

Later in the 1990s, Dr. Tony Evans was invited to preach in Macon at the Centreplex on a Sunday evening. The next day, at a local Macon church, he had a pastor's workshop. There were about 75 pastors there, and Dr. Evans preached and taught for over an hour. It was far too short, and I would have listened to him exegete and apply the Scriptures all afternoon.

As can be seen by this testimony, Dr. Tony Evans and his ministry have had a definite influence on the way I pastor, shepherd, and lead God's flock. One can imagine, then, how much I looked forward to seeing and hearing Dr. Evans challenge Middle Georgia with the Gospel of Christ. My anticipation grew as I accepted an invitation to introduce him on Tuesday of the crusade.

On Tuesday evening of the MGCC, I arrived thirty minutes early and went back into the area behind the platform. There was a large room where the team gathered to pray just before each service. I met Dr. Evans and had a chance to speak with him briefly. There is a genuine humility about him that seemed striking when one considers his status. But, as a friend of mine once said about humility, "The great ones always are."

Just a few minutes before the service began, as the band began playing, we gathered in a circle to pray. Myself, along with several pastors, Rev. Tim Millwood, an elder from Dr. Evans' church, and Dr. Tony Evans prayed around the circle. I actually stood beside this man, who God has used to be so influential in my life and ministry, to call on God for that night. Magnificent…!

As I walked out on to the stage, and looked out over the 2000-2500 people seated, I could not help but think of a quote that Dr. Evans has used multiple times through the years. I have heard him say, "The most segregated hour in America is 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings." And, as that quote rang in my ears, I looked out over the crowd and saw different races, different ethnicities, and a variety of backgrounds. My mind raced with spiritual enthusiasm over the gathered group. We were gathered together around one common theme: The People of Middle Georgia Desperately Need Christ and the Churches of Middle Georgia Desperately Need to Carry Him to Them!