WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT IN LEADERSHIP
The last couple of weeks has been a hard one for me, and a number of my friends. We have lost a very special friend and colleague…Dr. Forrest Pollock. Forrest was tragically killed with his 13 year old son Preston in a plane crash in North Carolina. He leaves a wonderful wife, Dawn, and 5 great kids. In addition he leaves a wonderful church family, Bell Shoals Baptsit in Brandon, Florida–a church I had the great honor of pastoring several years ago.
I had just had the joy of being with Forrest and the church for a men’s conference and Sunday services a couple of weeks before the tragedy. It was an amazing weekend…just one week before they would move into a beautiful new worship center that would seat approximately 3400. Forrest was so excited…so supportive of the conference…so encouraging to me and Cheryl…and so in love with life!
My world shook on its axis when I got the word that he was missing. Prayers went up from so many corners of the nation that Forrest and Preston would be found safe, even if injured…but it was not to be. Our hearts fell through the floor when on that fateful Tuesday we got word they had found the plane and the bodies.
I have been in regular contact with many folks since then…and have heard many glowing tributes regarding my dear friend. But interestingly, very few of them focused on the size of the new worship center, or the growth of the church, the size of the staff, or the numbers of the budget/attendence/baptisms during his 6 years of leadership.
Instead they focused on his touch with people First, how it was always so obvious how much he loved Dawn and his kids. In fact, in his last sermon on Mother’s Day, he focused in on the impact of his mother, the incredible job Dawn did as a mother and wife, and the joy of his kids! What a great focus for a sermon he had no idea would be his last. But family was a BIG DEAL to Forrest…not just in talk, but in action and priority.
Others talk about the bright light of encouragement he was continually. To know Forrest was to know a “smile personified.” He entered the room smile first…and then sought for a way to be an encouragement to whomever he was talking with. I know, because I was on the receiving end of that effort often. During one of my toughest times in my journey he flew to Atlanta just to be and encouragement to me and to say, “I’m with you…whatever you need!”
Still others, mentioned the continual stream of notes he sent to people telling them he was praying for them, what he appreciated and valued about them, and what he wanted to encourage them in. Several have mentioned having one or more they have kept. I am among that group, as the last note I got from Forrest lays on my study desk. Now I hope more of us who are left, take up that mantle to encourage and build up other.
As I reflect on the leadership of Forrest Pollock I am reminded why John D. Rockefeller Sr. once said, “I will pay more for a leader with the ability with people than for any other skill.” I for one, want to become increasingly effective Afat positively impacting people. How about
you? After all, that’s the really important focus on true leadership.
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:49 am
Dr. R,
I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Dr. Pollock. But I was moved by his speech 2 years ago for Frank Page and I went up and introduced myself. I was captured by his contagious personality and smile. I’m sure he had a tremendous impact on the Kingdom.
BTW, I’ve missed your insight.
May 25th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Great to hear from you Kevin. Life has been extremely busy and some unexpected responsibilities have taken me away for a short while. I am delighted to be back.
Forrest reminds all of us to be sure and maximize relationships with notes, calls, e-mails, etc. Life gets so busy for so many of us, that relationships can be squeezed over into the corner. By the way, another good source for practical reminders of leadership is a fairly new little book by a friend of mine, Mark DeMoss, titled THE LITTLE RED BOOK OF WISDOM. It is something to get and keep handy.
Would love to have you encourage any others you may think of to make a comment on this key issue of leadership. Hope all is going well.
May 25th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Winsome, articulate, compelling and engaging are only a few words that describe the life and ministry of Forrest Pollock. His voice was clear, his message poignant, his ideas fresh and the kingdom focused results were evident through his family, church and our denomination.
Leaders are those rare individuals who possess the ability to clearly cast a compelling vision, effectively develop an infrastructure to under-gird their passion, seize the teachable moment and serve within the context of meaningful relationships. That was Forrest. He will be missed but his legacy will be lasting.
Our prayers and love are with Dawn and the children.
May 26th, 2008 at 7:20 am
Bob, as you know I was on the search committee which brought Forrest to Bell Shoals over 5 1/2 years ago. The entire committee was instantly impressed with not only Forrest but his wonderful wife, Dawn. What impressed me upon meeting the Pollocks was their radiance which could only come from a close walk with our Savior. Their genuism of who they are in Christ. The smiles were real and sets one at ease. Their love for our Lord and people was evident to me. There are too many adjectives to describe how God ministered through Forrest and Dawn His love for the world. All the accolades which have been attributed to Forrrest are real. God had gifted him with tremendous talents and spiritual gifts but I wish to comment on a couple. His great love for God and the Great Commission, his love for Dawn and their six children, his mother and not only to the flock which God entrusted him, but his love for people. He had the ability to set all people at ease when he conversed with them and made one feel important. His love of life was evident to all. He delighted in Dawn and his children constantly. Forrest deflected all the accolades bestowed upon him by others and pointed to God as the source of his ministry. As he stepped from time into eternity, his influence will be ever-lasting to those left behind. Bonnie and I have were privileged to be called friends of he and his family. In my mind, I picture him beaming with a smile, arms outstrectched and love emulating from him as he ministered to all.
He is enjoying the fruits of his labor and our prayers are for the Pollock family left behind until they are reunited with him in heaven. Preston, his son, was surrounded by his friends who said well, “See you later.” He inherited some traits from his Dad and Mom. He will be missed by all who knew him but NOT forgotten. A dear friend.
May 26th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Thanks Bob, for sharing your thoughts regarding Forrest Pollock. Having known Forrest, Dawn and the family for many years, my heart certainly resonates with your thoughts. Many men think they influence more people than they actually do. Others influence more men than they think they do. As I said at his funeral, Forrest stands in the second category. It now becomes important for us all to pray for Dawn and the family.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:42 am
When I think of Forrest, I see a smile. His infectious grin always seemed to be ready for laughter. As I reflect on my brief times with him and our conversations, I remember his focused attention on the person talking. His very contenance was one that said to the other person, “I can learn something from you that is valuable”. What an encourager! What an example! What a bright light of hope he gave to so many that flowed from who he was!
May 28th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Forrest was without doubt one of the leading young lights in our denomination and destined for great things in the SBC. Teresa and I send our very best wishes, prayers, and love to Dawn and the family during these difficult days. Forrest will be sorely missed as a friend, fellow pastor, and brother in the faith.
May 28th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Bob,
Thanks for the words about Forrest. What a great guy with the ministry of encouragement like few I’ve known. He and I did a Bible Conference together last year and it was a blast to be with him, Dawn and Courtney. Our convention has lost a great leader, an incredible influencer and a dynamic speaker. We have lost a friend and fellow laborer in the cause of Christ. I for one will cherish the calls, notes, few meals we were able to share together. Forrest was one of those rare individuals who always made you feel like you were the most important person on the planet. He knew how to touch people where they lived and minister to people in ways few of us do.
Michael Catt
May 29th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Eloise Barnes Says:
May 28th, 2008 at 6:52 pm e
When Pastor came to Bell Shoals in view of a call, one of the questions was, “what would you want to be called: Dr., Rev. or Pastor”. He answered “You may call me either one, but I studied to be a Pastor”. I thought to myself “YES, I GOT A PASTOR”! That is what I have called him, when I seen him in the hall, at the coffee pot or where ever. PASTOR, yes he was My Pastor.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
From the moment I met Pastor Pollock, with his radiant smile and his out- stretched hand, I knew that we had truly found a shepherd to lead us. I loved his heart and the fact that he preached the truth from God’s word; no matter how difficult the subject matter. His children attend our school and it was a joy to see Pastor walking through our halls from time to time. Although he was our Senior Pastor, he was always open and friendly. We were truly like a part of his family. His encouragement, friendship, inspirtation, and sweet spirit are greatly missed around here. We have suffered a great loss but we are rejoicing in the hope that we have of sharing eternity with he and Preston. ‘Til then, we will carry on and try to live up to the great example that he set for all of us. I am so thankful that he was a part of my life. I will forever miss him.
May 31st, 2008 at 7:02 am
Forrest always seemed to enter the room smile first! And, it was a joy to watch him respond to Dawn and his kids. Forrest mentioned to us often his love for both his immediate family and his church family. His graciousness was a gift he gave freely. I will miss him greatly!
June 2nd, 2008 at 6:59 am
Forrest was a friend to me. On a regular basis I received an e-mail asking how he could pray for me and the work at Olive as well as my family. Liz and I send our best and prayerful support to Dawn and the children. The kingdom work on earth has lost a leader.
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Tom Elliff said it well, Forrest Pollock was one of those who influenced more people than he ever thought he did. What a marvel that is. It takes a lot of humility to be that way. Far too many feel they influence more people than they actually do! As a friend of Forrest’s said to me today, “While, like all of us he knew what ego was, he had learned to manage it through the power of Christ so that discussions were never about him…he always focused on the other person.”
Tom, thanks on behalf of so many for leading the memorial service in such a way that was so honoring to Christ, the husbaand/father/leader Forrest was, and for being such a good mentor in his life!
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Jim Huntington, Thanks for being a part of the Search Committee that called Forrest, Dawn and the kids to Bell Shoals Baptist. As a previous pastor who planted a key part of my life (and my family’s) there, I would say you made a GREAT choice. One of the blessings I had was to be at Bell Shoals just a couple of weeks prior to Forrest’s tragic death, and had the fun of calling he and Dawn to the platform, and with my arms around them, telling the people of Bell Shoals they were fortunate to have them as their first family! They gave Forrest and Dawn a standing ovation…a well deserved one. I was honored to have preceeded him at that great church by a few years and watched him do a great job in being an excellent leader! What an honor it was to return and have the joy of honoring him…as he so often honored me and Cheryl
Bell Shoals chose wisely when they called Forrest Pollock to be their undershepherd!
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Michael and Curt
We indeed lost a wonderful, energized communicator of the Gospel in Forrest. He was as animated as anyone I know when he communicated the truths of Christ and the answers he had discovered in his own life to all those who came to worship. Though his life was snuffed out in tragedy, his light is still shining brightly.
And he did, indeed, always feel like he could learn something from everyone he met. And we should all be reminded, when we are not learning and growing…we are dying! In that reality, Forrest was as alive as a person could be!!!!
June 2nd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Bob,
You were so gracious in your comments about Forrest. Like Jim, I too served on his search committee for Bell Shoals and was struck by his and Dawn’s incredible openness about who they were. They talked to us about their strengths and their frailties. In every conversation their love for our Lord and Savior was clearly artciulated.
Frankly, I had trouble at first even beleiving thier genuiness. By own sketicism initially kept my doubts strong. I was thinking: no one can be this real, this in love with the Lord. Fortunately, I listened to the counsel of the multitude on our great committee and soon realized that he, Dawn and kids were just as real, open and genuine as anyone could be.
All the things that have been written about Forrest are true and not just sentimental rememberances. Forrest was the type of person that you could talk to for 5 minutes and you instantly felt he was your friend. The conversation always was focused on you and how you were doing. He was ALWAYS upbeat. In over 5 years I neve saw him down. he had a tremendous sense of humor - sometimes very dry.
He was a tremendouse master of the pulpit. While he could tell a story or a joke and always bring smiles to the congregation, more importantly, he took the Word and made it applicable to our lives. No matter our circumstance he explained the hope that is only found in Jesus. From our spontaneous baptisms a couple of years ago that saw over 150 baptized in one day (services ran a bit long-no one was bothered), to the incredible facility that we worship in today. If Forrest had a dream, he believed that God could make it come true. He believed that because he also believed it was God’s will for these things to happen. Why wouldn’t God want this to happen?
Forrest also set forth a vision for our Church. Looking back, it was a bit much at first. After a while we realized that not only was this vision possible, but we actually believed we could exceed the vision. We also believed that God was in it.
There is so much to write about Forrest, it could fill a book. We also need to mention his precious son Preston. A 13 year old full of life and full of promise. To say he was going to be like his Dad might be selling Preston short. He was developing all of the tools to exceed his Dad. He was a gifted and creative young man who loved Jesus. He was well loved by his classmates and by any adult that took a few minutes to get to know him. He was becoming a true leader. He was a special gift to Forrest and Dawn. Preston was sick as a baby and was almost lost. As Dawn told my wife and I a few days ago, God gave him back to her for 13 more years of joy. This is a reminder that children are a gift, not a possession. Enjoy them, love them, treasure them, but know they are God’s and He has a plan for them too.
I could go on about this because my heart is full. Know that Bell Shoals is a better place because of Forrest and Preston and the entire Pollock clan. Because of Forrest’s leadership he left a Church set on “Go.” Our greatest legacy to these two great saints is to carry on the work and vision that was set before us.
Bob, thanks for being a good friend and a good listener. I can always count on you and Cheryl to be there. It was a God thing that you both were there when the old worship center had its last sermon preached on April 20. It was a symbol of Forrest’s unselfishness to allow you to preach that last sermon. There are not many preachers that would allow that. Forrest had a real sense of history and destiny.
Blessings,
Ed
June 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Dr Bob,
It was great to see you on Sunday, Jennifer and I enjoyed talking to you and also enjoyed the years that you served as our Pastor here at Bell Shoals. We appreciate the kind words you have had for Pastor Forrest and for giving us all this venue to share our thoughts. All the comments I have read here on your blog are so true about what kind of person Pastor Forrest was and since I am writing this and not my wife (who as Pastor Forrest,Pastor Bob Anderson and Evangelist Kelly Green would tell you is a great writer, since she works for all three at once) I will try and tell you what he and Preston meant to our family to the best of my ability.
Of all the traits I have heard or read about Pastor Forrest in the past several weeks the one that I think most describes him is HUMILITY. People would often ask Jennifer if Pastor Forrest was always happy and joyfull as he seemed to be on Sunday, Wednesday or anywhere you happened to see him and her answer was always yes, what you see is what you get. He most definitely was the real deal at Church or anywhere you saw him.He always asked how we where doing as a family,and always let us know how much he appreciate us for what we where involved in at the church and for what Jennifer did for him at work. We enjoyed his sermons, his jokes,and his conversations with us, but most of all we enjoyed he and his familiy’s friendships, and the relationships our children have developed over the years.It has always been a privelage to have all the pastors children stay with us from time to time but most of all Preston and Brooke because they are best friends with my Caleb and my Carley. We always enjoyed having Preston stay with us at our house or during RA campouts, and of course “Band Practice” and we truly miss him immensely.
I could not write this without saying how proud I am of my son Caleb and the other band members of “SOS” Caleb Moore and AJ Wellman and the great tribute they gave for there friend and band leader Preston. Although I was not quite able to keep back the tears during their tribute, I am sure nobody else was either, and to be honest with you I don’t think I could have done what three 12 year olds did in front of over 4000 people and under such tough circumstance. We always tell our children at home and in the youth group that we where created to bring glory to God and the members of “SOS” did just that. Pastor Forrest and Preston would have been pleased.
We miss both Pastor Forrest and Preston and will never forget the impact they had on our family, but we know that they are at the throne of God worshiping Him and that we will “See them later” as the band says, as well as what the word of God says for those in the family of Christ. We also will continue to love on Dawn, Courntey, Brooke, Hope, Blake and Kirk and serve them in any way that they need, and know that God will continue to bless His church.