Are You an Influencer?

February 2, 2026

From Pastor Joseph Wamack

When I was young, growing up in Ohio, I was a precocious little boy, getting into mischief, but smarter than I realized, because no one ever had challenged me to reach for my potential. That changed when I entered 4th grade. My teacher that year was Miss Linda Lucks. Of course I called her Miss Lucks, but I thought it was cool to find out what a teacher’s first name was, like I had discovered some hidden treasure. And I was doubly fortunate that when I moved to 5^th grade, she moved up also, so I had her two years in a row. What a blessing to me-maybe not to her, but to me!

Miss Lucks was young, probably in her 20s. She meant so much to me because she encouraged me to strive for my potential and called me to do better and to be more than I was, more than I realized I could be. I was just a goofy, young guy whose favorite subjects were lunch and recess. I was a recess monkey.

Miss Lucks helped me understand I could think, create, write and accomplish goals. She helped me envision a future I had never seen or could ever imagine. She encouraged me to dream. She empowered me. She spoke with authority, not ordering me to do things but authority coming from wisdom, knowledge, experience and caring.

How fortunate I was to have her as a teacher. I had many excellent teachers, but she is the one who stands out. A good teacher sees their pupils as they are and dares them to see themselves as something more than they are, not just gaining knowledge but also realizing that to be healthy and alive means to be a lifetime learner and to keep growing and developing. A good teacher doesn’t just give you information; they teach you how to learn. They help you thirst for knowledge and learning.

We-you and I-are walking, talking examples, influencers and teachers to those around us. The Holy Spirit is like this also, leading, encouraging, correcting, guiding, reminding, and empowering. And under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you and I can help change the world, one person at a time. And God gets the glory!

We had our Elders' Retreat two weeks ago, and it caused me to reflect on the influence we have on one another. We are called to shepherd each other, to offer guidance and give safe harbor to each other. We often have the opportunity and the privilege to mentor someone, to help them reach their God-given potential. You might be a stepping stone, a building block, a catalyst for another person to reach new heights. Who will God use you to influence for growth and good today? Speak words of encouragement, nudge them forward into good habits and disciplines. Allow room for exploration and questions to be asked. And always keep them in prayer. Please share with me a memory of one of your favorite teachers who helped you reach upward.