I just heard word of a dear brother in Christ that has made way to that better promise of a better rest in Christ. Earl Lowen was a faithful pastor/preacher, and long time mentor of mine.
Earl Lowen was kind enough to invest time into my life while early in my pastoring days. Where many would put emphasis upon the trendy, or upon methodology, pastor Earl Lowen put emphasis upon the sufficiency of Scripture and he modeled it before me in word and deed. He was a faithful expositor of Scripture and stood against the grain in the unquenchable appetite to appease men.
A small thing that this intentional mentor did for me in my early days and years was that he let me ask him questions. I knew when I would ask him a question he would answer it, not according to how I wanted him to answer it. Actually, that is a rare kind of person.
For example: I had traveled to a far away land to pray for a gospel planting movement to take place among a people who do not have access to the Bible, preaching of the sinful nature of humanity, or the public heralding of the great news of the redemptive work of Christ, the only begotten son of God. While there we had many occasions to discus how the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is carried around the world.
One day, while visiting a camel souk (ranch), I ask my mentor brother: “Why do you wear a tie most of the time? and do you always wear a tie when you preach?” His answer persuaded me and has influenced me to this day. He told me that he wears a tie as a reminder of the authority he is under when he speaks of God.
It was not an answer I expected at all. I thought maybe it was a generational thing. I thought it was a seminary thing. I thought it was a traditional thing. But, no; It was a respect of God thing, it was an intentional act to remind him that he was under authority.
I may not ever wear a tie to a camel souk, but I rarely preach without a tie anymore. I bless the Lord for Earl Lowen.
