Rick, I know that most of the times when someone writes a letter like this there’s a chance that it’s not a good one. Anybody who does something significant with their life is going to have their detractors, and you’ve got yours. But, in the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “It’s not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood…who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
And so for once, I thought it might be nice to have a public letter like this:
When we first met I was an outreach intern, I heard you preach for the first time and thought “This guy’s got some game.” So I asked you to hang out. You kindly said that you were busy. Something about running the largest church of Christ in the world. You may not remember this, but I told you that I’d mow your lawn or wash your car to free up some time for you. And you did. Thanks for spending time with me, without taking me up on that. My landscaping skills are pretty shaky.
But despite your busy schedule (and trust me I now understand just how busy it is) You gave me two Scriptures, John 12:1-11 and Philippians 2:1-12, and asked me to show how I’d preach them. And that’s how it all started…
The last few years have been better for me than any seminary. You’ve taught me that God isn’t just a good idea, and the local church really is worth giving your life to. And so in honor of you, I’ve got 3 points…
1. Thanks for teaching me how to be a pastor. A lot of people know how to preach, and you certainly know how to do that. You’re my favorite preacher. You know how to look at stories that we’ve heard a thousand times and bring something new out of it. But you are more than just a good speaker. You are a pastor because you care about people.
You’ve taught me how to think systematically and individually at the same time.I’ve seen how you make time for people who needed it the most. Whether it’s at the foot of a hospital bed or at your desk for counseling. When you preach you’re not just preaching to the ambiguous ”masses” you write your sermons for the people you know and love. I remember going to see Lil Pitchford in the hospital with you after her cancer had come back. You had a thousand things to do that week, but nothing was as important as seeing Lil. You’re a great pastor Rick, and that makes your preaching even better.
But you also care about being a pastor to pastors. Nobody knows about all the calls and notes you write to other preachers to just encourage them in their ministry. You do it without any agenda, just because you think the Kingdom of God needs preachers, and you know how rewarding, and tough, this job can be.
2. Thanks for teaching me how to be a husband and father. I remember before I got to know you, I thought the greatest thing about you was your teaching gift. But now I think it’s your family. So many of the successful men I know have rough home lives. But you haven’t succeeded in spite of your family, but through them. You involve them appropriately.
I remember 6 or 7 years ago, I found out that you liked Dumb and Dumber (let’s be honest…who doesn’t) and that surprised me. But your reason for why you watched it, and Nacho Libre or Napolean Dynamite, has stuck with me. You said, you watched those movies because they made your family laugh, and you liked to hear their joy.
Your kids love you Rick. My kids love you. Yesterday, Eden was on the stage when they played your blessing video, and she screamed and pointed “Rick and Jamie!” And rightfully so, you and Jamie are some of the most genuine, selfless people I know. And Morgan, Matthew and Michael really are great kids. They’ve got good hearts and you’ve let them be their own people. Y’all hang out together, you enjoy one another’s company, whether it’s eating pizza at ZuRoma’s or doing P90x together to burn it off. You know when to work and when to play. Thanks for teaching that to me.
3. This is a big one. You believe in people. It’s not that you’re naive about human nature, or haven’t seen some people act like rear ends. But you haven’t let that change the way you look at others. You assume the best about people. I’ve never once heard you say something about someone that didn’t give them the benefit of the doubt. And it affected the entire church staff. I heard Mike Washburn (the RHCC executive minister) say once that this is the reason RHCC has a culture of trusting the church staff. Because you do. This comes out in your preaching, your ministry and your friendship.
I know you’re going to say that you didn’t have a major impact on my ministry. I’ve already heard you tell people that I would have been a great preacher whether I worked with you or not. And I know you believe that.
I don’t.
You’ve invested in me, and I will never forget you’re friendship and partnership. I would have never cared so much about preaching, or thought that it could make such a difference if you wouldn’t have been there. You showed me the power of the spoken word, a love for the Scriptures, and how to communicate (to more than 10 people). And because you’ve invested so much in others, without fanfare or the need for recognition, we won’t know until God makes everything right just how big your impact has been. But I know one thing…
I’d be honored if my life and ministry was half that of yours.
You’re a good and godly man Rick Atchley.
The Storment’s love you.
Peace,
Jonathan
Deuteronomy 34:9-10
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Jonathan, you’ve got game. And you’re right, Rick has influenced many. Your thoughtfulness is just one of the reasons why we’re so excited to have you coming to Highland—just get ready for all who are going to offer to do your yard work just to be around you! Thanks for sharing this letter.
Thanks for making this an open letter, Jonathan. I think Rick was also blessed by his relationship with you.
Well said, Jonathan. Blessings on your transition. Much love, the Bellers
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by RHCC, Jonathan Storment. Jonathan Storment said: Just posted an Open Letter to @RickAtchley Don't worry Rick, this is a nice one. http://stormented.com/?p=1343 [...]
I’m glad you have a better relationship than the two parties involved in the last open letter I read (LeBron and Gilbert). Ha.
Thanks for writing this Jonathan. Thanks for living this letter, Rick.
Both of you have blessed the Graves family in profound ways. JG
Jonathan, this is such a loving and private letter, I was reluctant to intrude on your space with Rick. Absolutely! I love this letter. Would love to spend some time with the recipient, but doesn’t look too promising. However, there’s a definite chance to do so with the author.
Finally, next week is August! My prayers are for a smooth and peaceful transition for you and family.
I know there are hearts in tears at your departure from RHCC. Hopefully, the loving reception to Highland will help ease that pain. May you feel like you’ve arrived home here. We are so excited waiting for your arrival with that gorgeous family of yours.
Our prayer ministry sent out this request to us today:
“Please make a conscious note–write on your calendar if that will help– to pray daily for Jonathan Storment and Leslie, with little Eden and Samuel, as they join us at Highland very soon. Pray for GOD’s highest purposes for Jonathan while serving in our midst. Pray for protection and favor for the Storment family as they begin their lives and work in Abilene. Pray for each member at Highland to prayerfully join this fresh new season with open hearts and minds, seeking always GOD’s presence with us and His purposes for us in His kingdom. May He find us faithful!”
Thanks Scott, He’s a great friend and I will miss working right next door to him. But we are very excited to be with y’all, especially with that yard work offer
Bro. Danny, thanks I hope so.
Thanks Amanda, We love y’all too!
Josh, Ha! No it wasn’t that kind of letter. But to be fair, LeBron James is probably a slightly greater loss.
Kathy, that is very comforting to know. Leslie and I are in Abilene today and tomorrow working on house and banking stuff. It’s becoming more and more a reality. Thanks for always being so encouraging!
I love you Jonathan!!!
I love you Jonathan!!!
Jonathan, What an awesome letter! Glad you made it open as it is truly inspiring. We hear so much about church politics so your letter to your friend and mentor is inspiring. I’m glad that you allowed God to use Rick to help shape you into the awesome man, teacher, friend, and pastor that you are. I continue to wish you and your family the best. Y’all mean a lot to a whole lot of people (not just Texans- ha). God bless you during this transition.
I am one of many at RHCC who will miss you. I am glad that I can still follow your blog and it would be very helpful if Highland would post your messages each week so I can view them. What a great blessing to hear you and Rick preach each week.
Thanks for all the times you have made me laugh and the even more times you have made me think. I am a better Christian because of your teaching (and I am old enough to be your grandmother and have heard a lot of preaching!).
Morgan! Love you too!
Maynard, thanks man, Those are really kind words, and by the way, you’d love the Atchley’s!
Linda, thanks so much. We will miss y’all too! Thanks for the encouragement we’ve loved being there the past few years, and we will definitely come back to visit!
Jonathan, what a gracious letter! Your words say so much about Rick. They also say much about you. Your gratitude and humility really come through. So glad you wrote this and allowed us the opportunity to read it.
[...] a very nice tribute to Rick, who mentored Jonathan for a number of years. You can find his letter here. Related Posts:What Story Do You Tell Yourself?The One Quality that Makes Some People so [...]
What a beautiful letter! I know you have both touched and blessed many lives, and all those who have encountered know what great tools you are in His Kingdom.
I think God for preachers like you and Rick who intentionally desire to share the love & grace of God with others, and will proclaim it loudly.
I know Rick gets his share of critics and I imagine you will as well…but you guys know what God has called you to and are faithful to that. I know you will be a great asset to Highland and pray you are blessed with your time there. That is probably one of the most amazing group of shepherds (who epitomize that title) I have ever had the privilege to know and worship with!