Les Ferguson is one of the friendliest guys you’ll ever meet. He is a dedicated family man who cares about all people and has a heart for those with broken lives. I met Les via a Facebook group and have cherished knowing him electronically and I definitely hope to one day meet Les in person and hear him preach, preferably at his congregation in Mississippi. I love Mississippi. When you’re done reading this interview with Les Ferguson, go check out his blog, it’s filled with inspiration, great stories and thoughts.
Les, did you always want to be a minister or did you have other pursuits as a you were growing up, like fireman, sheriff, baseball player,etc?
I knew at a fairly young age. Actually started preaching every Sunday at the age of 15.
Where do you currently preach and how long have you been ministering at your present congregation?
Lake Harbour Drive Church of Christ in Ridgeland, MS. Almost three years
After your years of preaching at Lake Harbour Drive C of C, what would members say they love best about your ministerial style?
I am very real about my own flaws and brokeness
What are the most difficult and gratifying parts of a life in ministry?
Unhappy people
Helping unhappy people find real joy
How do you stay refreshed as a minister when the burnout rate for those in full-time ministry is extremely high?
I struggle with being refreshed. I find myself weary on a fairly regular basis—maintaining a high creativity level is hard. Mentally and physically, running, working out helps me tremendously. Spiritually speaking, time away—with friends—turning it all off and reading.
Can you provide some book titles you’ve enjoyed reading, maybe some books about spiritually growing or just books that help you relax?
Of late, I read for sheer pleasure and relaxation. I love guys like Clancy and Grisham. I read lots of science fiction. I am reading a new book by Caleb Kaltenbach called Messy Grace.
What about members? Have you ever seen members get burned out and what would you suggest are some steps to take to prevent member burnout? And is burnout the correct word I should be using in this question?
Yes. When our “religion” seems to be more about busyness, burnout is surely coming. Setting realistic goals—finding a spiritual priority in all we do is needed and helpful.
In trying to alternate deep, religious and ministerial thoughts with some lighter topics, what is the most embarrasing thing you’ve ever done or said while preaching?
How about a wedding? I tried to defuse an uptight couple who couldn’t get a ring on a finger… I said, “There comes a time in every marriage where you have to apply some lubrication.” You can imagine how everybody took it…
Back to something more serious, one of the problems churches often face is evangelism in the community. Is this a struggle you’ve personally witnessed? In those congregations where it is a problem, how can it be remedied?
Yes. We have let the church service become our highest focus. It changes when we start taking Jesus into the market place.
I’ve heard you’re writing a book. Congrats on getting that started. To slightly re-phrase a Tom Petty song, “The starting is the hardest part.” Can you tell our readers a bit about your book?
It’s called The Weakness of God. It is partly my story but more how my story caused me to re-evaluate Bible characters—to see them differently—maybe even more realistically.
Do you think you have more than one book in you?
Yes I do!!!
Finally, a couple music questions. What are your favorite album cuts from any Journey albums, not singles, but album cuts?
Patiently, Wheel in the Sky, Stone in Love, Anytime, Lights, Feeling that Way, The Party’s Over.
Also, what are your favorite Cheap Trick songs and have you listened to any new music released by Cheap Trick and Journey since the turn of the century?
Cheap Trick? I Want You To Want Me, Surrender. I’d rather talk about Boston. Now that’s my band!
Okay, let’s talk about Boston… How many concerts have you gone to? What was the best opening act you’ve seen with Boston? What are your favorite songs and why? What memories come flashing back when you hear More Than a Feeling and Rock n Roll Band? And final Boston question, describe here, their music, to a teenager who has never heard anything but Taylor Swift or Lady Gaga songs their entire life.
I have only seen Boston once—about two years ago. I can die a happy man!! As for memories, those are hard to describe. I remember the parking space at my High School where I first heard a Boston tune. Really, those songs have never left the playlist of my life. I ran to them this morning. I’ll run to them again tomorrow. I am a fan of Boston stuff that never really made the spotlight. I love an album by original Boston band member Barry Goudreau from 1980. His songs are Boston in most respects. Then there is a little known Boston record called Corporate America. The tunes on that are out of this world. I could go on all day about how Boston songs are woven into the soundtrack of my life. So, I’ll Cool the Engines and move on to the next question…
For teenagers who don’t know Boston. You are missing out on soaring melodies, rocking harmonies, and symphony like no other. Who else goes to a cathedral and uses the pipe organ in their music? Boston. They are not dippy, hippy, pert, or cute—they rock and move you in the process. It is definitely more than a feeling!
And “double” finally, what was the best year for music ever?
1978-1979
Thanks Les for taking time to provide your answers. I love them and I know our readers will too.
Les’s Blog – > Desperately Wanting to Believe Again
