Jack Hernandez’s retirement hasn’t meant a slowdown in his life of faith and service. As a retired pastor, his days are filled with impactful activities, from having coffee with pastors and young leaders to guest speaking at local churches and leading at leadership conferences. His dedication to nurturing the Church is evident in every action he takes, from thoughtful planning and acting to praying fervently. With over five decades of ministry experience, Jack’s insights come from a deep well of knowledge and understanding.
Raised in Southern California as a pastor’s son, Jack’s journey took an interesting turn when he met Linda, a pastor’s daughter, in junior high. Despite both deciding early on that they did not want to pursue pastoral lives, their paths led them back to faith in a profound way. Married young and initially working in a grocery store, Jack experienced a pivotal moment of conviction, which propelled him to pursue theological studies. This journey brought them to Houston in 1971, where Jack’s studies in the Gospel of John opened his heart to a profound spiritual awakening, deeply impacting both his and Linda’s lives.
The years that followed saw Jack and Linda raising a family and serving in five different churches, spending the last 41 years in Lincoln. After 29 years at Gods Bible Church, they are transitioning into a new chapter of their lives. Reflecting on God’s work in their journey, Jack is now driven to share the wisdom and principles he has gleaned with current church leaders. Here are four key lessons Jack emphasizes:
Don’t Forget Word and Spirit: Jack expresses concern about churches prioritizing corporate models over theological ones. He emphasizes the importance of grounding church activities in Scripture and prayer, ensuring that the Holy Spirit is actively involved in church life.
Communicate Clearly Your Non-Negotiables: Understanding and holding firm to one’s core values is crucial, Jack advises. He stresses the importance of not yielding to pressures that may tempt one to abandon these values, drawing parallels to the business world to illustrate this point.
Know When to Say When: Jack shares the lesson of knowing when to redirect efforts from unresponsive individuals to those eager to grow in faith. This involves setting clear expectations and listening to the insights of one’s spouse, whom Jack credits for helping him avoid numerous pitfalls.
Live Radically By Faith: Finally, Jack encourages living a life of faith and wonder, responsive and obedient to the Holy Spirit. He advocates for a radical commitment to faith, even when misunderstood by others, and stresses the value of seeking counsel from trusted leaders.
Jack and Linda’s story is a testament to living obediently to the Spirit’s guidance, equipping God’s people with His Word to fulfill His work in the world. Their journey underscores the powerful combination of practicality and faith-driven action in serving God’s purpose.