God’s Plan for a Redneck Pentecostal Preacher

By Dr. Tim Orr

Life has a way of surprising us with twists and turns, often when we least expect it. My own journey, from the depths of addiction to becoming an educated minister who uses his gifts for the glory of God, is a testament to this. Looking back, I see God’s hand guiding every step, particularly through the people He placed in my life. One of those people was Tony Hayes, a man I met in 1997 who had a profound impact on me and helped change the course of my life.

Let’s start from the beginning. There was a time when my life was completely off track. I was weighed down by alcohol and drugs, tipping the scales at just 145 pounds and facing my third arrest. It was a dark period, but it also marked the start of a significant change. As part of my court order, I was required to see a drug and alcohol counselor. At the time, it felt like just another hurdle to jump over. Little did I know, this was the first of many stepping stones God would use to lead me toward a different life.

That counselor led me to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, which eventually led me to watch the 700 Club. It was there, amidst the testimonies of others who had found hope in Christ, that I encountered Jesus for myself. I didn’t realize it then, but God was beginning to reveal His plan for me—a plan that would utilize the gifts He had given me in ways I never imagined.

Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This verse is incredibly meaningful to me. It reminds me that God has a purpose for each of us, even when we can’t see it ourselves. He had a purpose for me long before I even knew Him.

In 1997, while pastoring in East Chicago, Indiana, I met Tony Hayes. At that time, I was still a redneck Pentecostal preacher—passionate about sharing the Gospel but unaware of the intellectual gifts God had given me. Tony was a kind man with a heart full of wisdom and a passion for learning. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. He encouraged me to explore my intellectual curiosity, which had been buried for years.

Tony wasn’t alone in influencing my journey. Others, like Ravi Zacharias and Tim Keller, along with my grandfather, who I connected with deeply in my late 20s, also played significant roles in my growth. Ravi Zacharias was known for his apologetics, providing reasoned defenses of the Christian faith that engaged both the heart and mind. His teachings opened my eyes to the power of using logic and reason to communicate the Gospel effectively. Ravi’s ability to answer tough questions and address skeptics with grace and intelligence inspired me to pursue a more thoughtful and intellectual approach in my own ministry. He showed me that faith and intellect are not mutually exclusive but rather can work beautifully together to draw people closer to Christ.

Tim Keller was another figure who left a significant mark on my theological journey. His gospel-centered theology emphasized the importance of preaching the core message of Christianity in every sermon and conversation. Keller's approach taught me to root everything in the Gospel, ensuring that the transformative message of Christ was always at the forefront. He demonstrated how to connect deep theological truths with everyday life, making the Gospel accessible and relevant to all.

Though I never had the chance to meet Ravi or Keller, their writings, sermons, and teachings have been instrumental in shaping my approach to ministry. They helped me see the value in combining intellectual rigor with deep, gospel-centered theology, using both to reach others effectively for Christ. Their influence is a testament to the power of learning from others, even from afar, and integrating those lessons into one’s own life and ministry.

Looking back now, I can see how God has orchestrated every step of my journey perfectly. My meeting with Tony in 1997 wasn’t just a coincidence; it was a part of God’s plan to shape me into the person I am today. He used Tony to help me see beyond the life I knew as a redneck Pentecostal preacher, showing me the value of education and intellectual engagement in ministry. Through Tony’s influence, I began to see that my calling was not just about preaching but also about learning, growing, and using all of my gifts for God’s glory.

As I continued on this path, I encountered more people who further ignited my passion for knowledge. My grandfather played a significant role during this time. I got to know him better in my late 20s and early 30s, and he shared his own love for deep, intellectual conversations. These discussions fueled my curiosity and desire to learn more, showing me another aspect of ministry that I had not considered before.

Then there was Art Farnsley, who introduced me to the world of academia and university life. Through Art, I learned so much about navigating the academic environment and had endless conversations on all aspects of university pursuits. These experiences broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of how to use my gifts to serve God in different contexts. Art's guidance helped me appreciate the value of intellectual engagement and how it could be used to further the Gospel.

Today, I am that educated minister Tony and others saw in me long before I recognized it in myself. I love reading, studying, and engaging in deep conversations about theology and philosophy. It’s incredible to think that this journey began with a young, rough-around-the-edges preacher who had no idea of the intellectual gifts God had placed within him.

Reflecting on my journey, I can’t help but marvel at how God has used every person and every situation to mold me into who I am today. Ephesians 2:10 isn’t just a verse I hold dear; it’s a reflection of my life. I am truly God’s handiwork, created for good works that He planned long before I ever came to be.

As I look back, I realize that God’s plan for me was never about where I started but about where He wanted me to go. Every step, every person, and every moment has been a part of His divine tapestry, guiding me toward the purpose He set out for me long ago.

I am forever grateful for Tony Hayes, my grandfather, Art Farnsley, and the many others who have been part of this journey. Their influence, encouragement, and belief in me helped me to see myself as God sees me—an educated minister who uses his gifts for the glory of God. Today, I am committed to continuing this journey, knowing that God’s plan for me is far from over. Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and serve, using all the gifts God has given me to further His kingdom. And for that, I am truly thankful.