Who are the mentors in your life? How have they hosted you, guided you, loved you, and remained humble, generous? The Reverend David Rich was all this and more to many. Earlier this month (November 11) the Church and the world lost this gift and friend of God, pastors, and prophets. A memorial service is planned for Old Pine Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA at 2:00 PM on December 10^th.

After retiring from serving full time with the Board of Pensions, David served part-time as a Synod Regional Representative and Area Facilitator for the Theological Education Fund for about the first decade of its existence, he inspired and empowered everyone in the network as they engaged in their work encouraging congregational participation in the 1% plan to support Theological Education.

The Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley, who now serves as a Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation was a Presbytery Leader for the Theological Education Fund Network mentored by David. She remembers him as “the consummate leader that encouraged and lifted others in order that they shine.”

David made room for others, a fundamental Christian practice of hospitality. As Ellie points out, “David was intent on listening for best practices among the network and providing space for individuals to share such themselves. In so doing, he not only helped disseminate tools but affirmed us in our work.” Another former colleague who served on the Theological Education Advancement Team with David and ruling elder from Chicago and now living in Colorado, Diane Stephens Hogue, put it this way, “David was passionate about vocation, call, and the development of human potential.”  She goes on to say, “David was an attentive listener and process-oriented strategist, with just the right question at the right time.”

So, it is not surprising Ellie Johns-Kelley would say, “David played a huge role in my development of a language and grounding in stewardship which proved to be an essential building block in my vocation today. He was a model leader, mentor, and friend in ministry.”  Another ruling elder and former Presbytery and regional leader in the TEF Network, Elizabeth V. McDowell called David, “a friend and mentor. … an unusually kind man.”

Thank you, David Rich, for being a part of the lives of so many, for me, and especially the current generation of Presbyterian ministers.

Kind, that is how David’s obituary begins and where I would like to end this tribute. Whether you knew David or not, or know someone with similar qualities or not, may we all honor his life by being kind.

May it be.

Lee