.
Reverend McCulloch Doesn’t Like to Be Called "Reverend McCulloch"
by Mel Hansen
on the occasion of Larry’s Retirement
Dinner, April 18, 1998
Reverend McCulloch doesn’t like to be called "Reverend McCulloch." He is very quick to tell you, "Just call me Larry." He says that he doesn’t want to be put on a pedestal, because he is just another sinner saved by grace.
I have always had fun with that preference, particularly at Sunday School Board meetings. When it came time for the closing prayer, I would call for a motion to adjourn "after a closing prayer by (something like) the Most Honorable and Highly Esteemed Right Reverend Larry McCulloch." Larry would sort of blush, utter a muttered disclaimer under his breath, and then close us with a prayer from his heart that you just knew touched the heart of our Savior and God.
I wasn’t just having fun and teasing Larry, I was also trying to make a point. Larry, you are on a pedestal, and you and Shirley have lived your lives amongst us on a very high pedestal, indeed. When something is on a pedestal, it is held higher than the things around it, for others to see and emulate. It is up there to be an example. That is exactly what you two have been, and that, my dear friend, is very, very biblical.
In John 13:15, during the Last Supper, after he had washed the feet of his disciples, Jesus told them, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (NIV) By caring for others, they, too, were to consciously be examples.
Paul knew he was to be an example, and said so often:
-
He told the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (NIV)
-
To the Philippines he said "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you." in Phil. 3:17 (NIV)
-
At II Thes. 3:7 Paul told them, "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example." (NIV)
-
He told new pastors that they, in particular, were to be examples:
-
He urged Timothy, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Tim 4:12 (NIV)
-
He instructed Titus with, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness." Titus 2:7 (NIV)
-
Peter, of course, also gets into the act, at 1 Pet 2:21, after 20 verses of urging people to live honorable lives, even in the face of rejection, he says: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (NIV)
Larry and Shirley have both followed in Christ’s footsteps. By their integrity and gentleness, through their commitment and conscientiousness, in their friendship, wise counsel, and love -- love for others as well as their obvious love for our Savior --, by Larry’s amazing capacity to thank everybody for everything they have ever done, and his wonderful first person sermon series, by Shirley’s leadership in Presbyterian Women. and the Upper Room Fellowship, they both have set us a mighty example.
Those who are positive examples are worthy of being held in esteem. To be esteemed is to be revered. For others to show such respect and "revering," if you will, by the use of accolades in a title of address demonstrates the regard with which the honoree is held. Therefore, Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask that you join me in a toast, in the style of a formal military Dining Out, to both Larry and Shirley. Please rise, hold a glass with an extended arm raised slightly above eye level, and respond with, "Here, here!"
To Larry and Shirley,
The Most Honorable and Highly Esteemed Right Reverend McCullochs