Remembering Pastor Reeder
“Remember your leaders…”
Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)
It was standing room only in Briarwood Presbyterian’s Worship Center last Wednesday as over 3200 people gathered to celebrate the life and ministry of Dr. Harry L. Reeder, III. People of all ages, stages, and walks of life crowded into our sanctuary to participate in Pastor Reeder’s memorial service. Thousands of others from around the world watched the livestream event.
The orchestra, choral, and congregational music was glorious as we sang some of Pastor Reeder’s favorite great hymns of the faith: Amazing Grace, For All the Saints, A Mighty Fortress, and Hail, Thou Long Despised Jesus. The hymns’ ancient words- timeless, true, and trustworthy- brought much needed comfort to our grieving hearts.
We also had some lighthearted laughter as several Reeder family members shared their favorite remembrances. Pastor Reeder’s youngest sister Beth said, “Only a brother would be late for his sister’s wedding and marry her while dressed in a black Geneva robe over a sweaty church softball uniform!”
Harry’s three children also shared some final thoughts about their father’s life and ministry. Highlights included:
“Daddy was defined by his love for Christ. It was the singular priority that shaped his preaching, relationships, and priorities. He had three great loves: his wife Cindy, his children, and Christ’s Church.”
“Our parents were committed first to raising children who were believers; then leaders and critical thinkers.”
“Love one another well..Love Christ’s Church and make Briarwood a safe haven for sinners, but never a safe place for sinning.
“Lead like men. Lead with character, competence, and conviction.”
“Stay on mission, on message, and in ministry.”
Ironically and perhaps somewhat prophetically, the last passage of scripture that Pastor Reeder spoke on prior to his death was Hebrews 13:7-8. Speaking to government leaders at the Alabama state capitol on the morning of his death, Pastor Reeder challenged them with these words on leadership written over 2000 years ago:
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:7-8)
Read those words carefully and you’ll see that the anonymous writer of Hebrews encourages us to remember, consider, and imitate our leaders. Each one of those words is an action word designed to encourage and strengthen us to follow those who follow Christ.
Briarwood is not the first congregation to face the sudden loss of a great leader. But we have been an unusually blessed congregation to have only known the ministries of two Senior Pastors. Dr. Frank Barker, our founding pastor, served 40 years while Dr. Reeder served faithfully for 24. Pastor Reeder’s death leaves a gaping leadership role in both the life of our church and within the PCA denomination.
Last week as I helped with the flowers for Pastor Reeder’s celebration service, I wondered what emotions the Israelites must have felt when Moses died. What emotions did the early Church experience when the Apostles Paul or Peter died? Charles Wesley once said, “God buries his workmen, but carries on his work.” No matter the loss, it’s important to remember that we follow our leaders, but we worship Jesus Christ who is always and forever the same. (Hebrew 13:8)
Pastor Reeder’s favorite summertime snack food for church fellowships!
In February 2017, Dr. Reeder was facing open heart surgery and preached a sermon entitled “A Pastor’s Word from God’s Word” prior to his surgery:
“One of the reasons I know I can go meet the Lord is because of the maturity of this congregation…You are in the Lord’s hands, but He has given you some good hands to serve you with these men of God… Finally, it is simple for me. My sins are forgiven. I have a new record. I have a new heart. I don’t know what He is going to find in my physical heart, but I’ve already told Him I have a new one. I have a new home. I’ll have a new body. That new home is astounding. Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has prepared for those who love Him. So whether it is here or it’s there I’ll see you, for Christ has promised and we often sing “In Christ Alone.”
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand. Amen.”
“By faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” Hebrews 11:4 (NIV)
And all God’s people said, “Amen!”