And so it was for me when I first met Jack Hayford . I was a Southern California kid , and In the mid-70 ’ s , Jack taught a study on a littleknown UHF channel called , TBN . The show , Teach Us To Pray , was mesmerizing and inspirational for me . So , the chance to hop in the car and travel up to Pastor Jack ’ s church , The Church on the Way , was exciting for me .
The 50-mile drive with accompanying Los Angeles traffic caused me to arrive late , and I was not allowed to enter the main sanctuary . Rather , I was directed to an overflow TV room . I took a front row seat so that I could be near the television monitor . I wasn ’ t happy about this after my long drive and expectations , but I thought , “ Well , I ’ m here .”
Watching the monitor , Pastor Jack directed the congregation to break up into small groups and pray for each other . He then left the pulpit . The small group in the TV overflow room did not break up into groups , so I simply bowed my head . A minute later I felt someone ’ s hand on my shoulder , and a voice praying for me . It was Jack Hayford and I ’ ll never forget it .
I remember thinking , “ What a class act !” He could have simply retreated to the green room for some coffee and cookies or hung out backstage with the worship team . But he didn ’ t . He left the building , crossed the walkway , and came to pray for me , a nobody .
Hollywood Producer Reveals Pastor Jack Hayford ’ s Powerful Prayer Habit , Impact Over His Life
And his impact on the subjects of prayer and worship are extremely significant .
An academic charismatic , he was one of the few men that garnered respect from literally all streams of Christianity . He was respected and like Billy Graham , scandal-free . He was also
a humble man . Despite his wide appeal and success , he offered the following : “ Even though I have practiced , led , studied and preached about worshipping God for over five decades as a Christian leader , I still refuse to suggest I have any expertise on the subject . A lifetime of entering and experiencing His presence has a way of keeping me mindful of how little I know , and how dependent I am on Him for guidance in leadership — not my personal experience .”
Several years ago , Pastor Jack outlined a 4 point “ theology of worship ”. It ’ s outline points included :
• Worship That Treasures His Presence
• Worship That Humbles The Heart
• Worship That Sacrifices and Expects Something From God
These are exceptional and critical truths for worship leaders and worship teams . We should all embrace them . Jack was a worship leader ’ s worship leader and a pastor ’ s pastor . In fact , in a conference years ago , he presented the concept that the senior pastor is the head worship leader of the church .
Jack Hayford passed into Eternal Glory at the age of 88 . The impression he left us is lasting , significant , and legendary . We would all be wise to listen to and study what he has left us . YouTube is brimming with Jack ’ s teaching .
Well done , Jack Hayford ! My first impression of you is my lasting impression of you . What an honor for me to write this tribute to you .
Ron Kenoly - Majesty ( Live )
Publisher ’ s note : When I lived in Southern California , I would listen to Pastor Hayford on the radio in my car often in my drive back and forth to work in the 1980 ’ s . He was a wonderful Bible teacher . His study on Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall is a great place to start if you are not familiar with his teachings . Later around 2003 or so Judy and I had a chance to meet Pastor Jack in person at a church event in the Seattle area . He was simply sitting in a chair in the lobby by himself and we walked up and shook his hand . It was an honor …