October is pastor appreciation month, so we asked nine pastors to tell us about the pastors whom they most appreciate. Who has had the greatest impact on their ministries? Which leaders taught them what it means to be a preacher, a counselor, a shepherd? Their responses reveal a spectrum of pastoral influencers: childhood pastors, personal mentors, and partners in ministry.

Take some time to look through these stories of transformation and influence. You may be surprised to discover the moments that stuck in the memories of these pastors. More than a single sermon or a word of wisdom, these pastors displayed lives of committed discipleship and dedication to their calling.

E.K. Bailey: The Faithful Preacher

H. B. Charles, pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida

I was a young preacher and a rookie pastor. My guest preacher asked me to take him to hear E.K. Bailey, who was also in town. I had heard of Bailey, the founding pastor of the Concord Church in Dallas, but ...