Meet Taylor Hale
I come from a family in which two parents provided a loving household with a focus on good morals, principles, and discipline, but not necessarily Jesus or church. Whether it was academics or sports or following rules, things generally came easy for me, and I did not feel the need for any sort of God that may be out there.
But at age 18, after getting hit with a burden I could not resolve myself, I met up with a local youth pastor named Scot Pollok. He introduced me to Jesus for the first time in my life and later that night I read the book of John and accepted Christ. This decision for me was serious and I was eager to learn as much as I could about Jesus and what it meant to follow him in this world.
During college, I had the opportunity to get involved with a ministry serving local high school students, working closely with the overall area director. He became a mentor to me the rest of my college years and through this relationship, I realized how important it was to have another man discipling me as I learned more about how to pursue Jesus.
After transitioning to Houston via a job offer, I met another man at a church who was just starting a men’s discipling ministry. I asked him if he would be open to discipling me and he accepted, forming a discipleship relationship that has lasted over 15 years!
From these three men to many others along the way, the discipleship and mentorship provided to me has been an incredible blessing. The relationships have been instrumental in helping me strive toward holiness and sanctification - and realizing the many ways in which I fall short.
These men encouraged me to know God (John 17:3) and make Him known (Acts 20:24). They helped me understand how to fulfill the commands provided in scripture: to love God and love my neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40) and to go out and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20). That I should speak in truth and love (Eph. 4:15), be teachable and open to correction, and submit to His will over my own.
While I have room for constant growth and improvement in so many areas, they have helped me become a better son of God, husband, father, and friend. I do not think of discipleship as a program or system, but instead as a way of life to which Jesus has called me. It is a way to build community with fellow brothers, to teach and be taught, and to ensure I do not go through this life alone.
Currently, God has provided opportunities to pursue many forms of discipleship and community both in and out of the church. I meet every two weeks via breakfast or a phone call with my current mentor. Other opportunities include participating in Christian communities at work, one-on-one mentoring of colleagues, helping facilitate and lead discipleship groups, and serving various needs in the men’s ministry. I am thankful that God extended His grace to me through the gift of salvation in Jesus. And what a privilege it is to take part in the Great Commission with other brothers at my side!
But at age 18, after getting hit with a burden I could not resolve myself, I met up with a local youth pastor named Scot Pollok. He introduced me to Jesus for the first time in my life and later that night I read the book of John and accepted Christ. This decision for me was serious and I was eager to learn as much as I could about Jesus and what it meant to follow him in this world.
During college, I had the opportunity to get involved with a ministry serving local high school students, working closely with the overall area director. He became a mentor to me the rest of my college years and through this relationship, I realized how important it was to have another man discipling me as I learned more about how to pursue Jesus.
After transitioning to Houston via a job offer, I met another man at a church who was just starting a men’s discipling ministry. I asked him if he would be open to discipling me and he accepted, forming a discipleship relationship that has lasted over 15 years!
From these three men to many others along the way, the discipleship and mentorship provided to me has been an incredible blessing. The relationships have been instrumental in helping me strive toward holiness and sanctification - and realizing the many ways in which I fall short.
These men encouraged me to know God (John 17:3) and make Him known (Acts 20:24). They helped me understand how to fulfill the commands provided in scripture: to love God and love my neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40) and to go out and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20). That I should speak in truth and love (Eph. 4:15), be teachable and open to correction, and submit to His will over my own.
While I have room for constant growth and improvement in so many areas, they have helped me become a better son of God, husband, father, and friend. I do not think of discipleship as a program or system, but instead as a way of life to which Jesus has called me. It is a way to build community with fellow brothers, to teach and be taught, and to ensure I do not go through this life alone.
Currently, God has provided opportunities to pursue many forms of discipleship and community both in and out of the church. I meet every two weeks via breakfast or a phone call with my current mentor. Other opportunities include participating in Christian communities at work, one-on-one mentoring of colleagues, helping facilitate and lead discipleship groups, and serving various needs in the men’s ministry. I am thankful that God extended His grace to me through the gift of salvation in Jesus. And what a privilege it is to take part in the Great Commission with other brothers at my side!
Posted in Faces of Faith