On December 29, 2024, the world lost a remarkable man, Taylor Gardner, who passed away at the age of 88. Taylor was more than just a mentor; he was a spiritual guide who profoundly shaped my journey of faith.
As the Christmas season wraps up, the film It’s a Wonderful Life lingers in my mind. The film poses the question, “What if George Bailey had never been born?” This question prompts me to ask myself: What if I had never met Taylor Gardner?
During my college years, God brought Taylor into my life at a time when I needed direction. As the Dean of Students, Taylor did something no one else had done—he pursued me. He truly listened, offering encouragement and empowerment. He saw in me a potential I couldn’t yet see in myself.
Taylor went beyond words; he created opportunities. Discipleship, as Jesus demonstrated, often requires personal sacrifice. Taylor exemplified this by creating a ministry position for me after graduation, even though it meant additional work for himself. He saw past my youth and inexperience and believed in the calling God had placed on my life.
For this, I’m eternally grateful. Taylor didn’t view my singleness as a disqualifier for kingdom service. Instead, he saw me as a man of God, deserving of value and inclusion. He was my Barnabas.
Barnabas was a pivotal figure in the early church, known for his encouragement and willingness to bridge gaps. When Saul, later known as Paul, converted to Christianity, the disciples in Jerusalem struggled to trust him due to his history as a persecutor. It was Barnabas who vouched for Saul, advocating for his acceptance among the apostles.
The account in Acts 9:26–28 illustrates this:
“When [Saul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles . . . So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.”
Later, Barnabas sought Saul out once again. Hearing of the gospel’s spread to Antioch, Barnabas recognized Saul’s potential to contribute to this growing ministry. He made the long journey to Tarsus to bring Saul to Antioch, where they spent a year teaching and building up the church (Acts 11:25–26).
Barnabas’s encouragement and willingness to act as a bridge enabled Saul to step fully into his God-given role. In many ways, Taylor Gardner was a Barnabas to me. He recognized my potential, encouraged me to step forward in faith, and provided a place for me in the work of the kingdom.
I shudder to think what my life might have been without Taylor’s influence. His example challenges us to be like Barnabas—to recognize, encourage, and uplift others, creating space for them to grow and serve.
May God raise up more men and women like Barnabas and Taylor Gardner, whose legacies remind us of the power of intentional discipleship and unwavering belief in others.