THE 180° Turning Points of Life

September 3, 2026

A DISCIPLE THEIR MENTORS AND FRIENDS

I recently visited Dallas, Texas, the city where my spiritual journey began. I thoroughly enjoy my time here. Dallas is a city of grandeur and vibrancy. It’s the birthplace of the iconic TV show “Dallas” and the home of the beloved Dallas Cowboys. Their unwavering support is a testament to their enduring legacy. The most enjoyable part of my visit was reconnecting with several old friends whom I’ve known for over four decades. They played a crucial role in many of my significant 180-degree life changes.

Linda Miller, Teresa Rather, and I co-worked at a restaurant called Gallagher’s. We were the only spirit led individuals among the wait staff. We affectionately referred to ourselves as the “Hash Slingers” and would regularly gather over the years, organizing what we called a Hash Slingers Convention. These two women have remained in touch with me because of the profound spiritual growth we experienced together during those early days of my Christian journey. Linda was the one that invited me to join “Church On The Rock” (COTR)” when we were still Hash Slingers at Gallagher’s.

I was living with Linda and her husband, Howard, after I was let go from my job as a restaurant manager at J. T. McCord’s. Despite my mother’s wishes, I felt in my spirit to remain in Dallas, Texas and I decided not to return to Charlotte, North Carolina. She had assured me that I could find a good job back home and that it would be close to my family. Howard and Linda were incredibly supportive during that time, offering to invite me into their home for a while until I could get back on my feet.

Teresa and Linda have been close friends of mine and my wife, Addie, for many years. Linda and Howard, in particular, have been like spiritual parents to us, guiding us through our wedding plans and preparations. They hosted our home cell group meetings and catered many fellowship meals. Before I became a staff pastor at COTR, they were already devoted members of the church. Like a family, they attended my graduation when I received my Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Oral Roberts University (ORU) in 1997.

During my time as an assistant manager at J. T. McCord’s, a pub restaurant where I was later let go, I developed a close friendship with one of the hostesses, Miriam. We eventually became involved and discussed our future together, including the possibility of marriage. However, since Miriam was going through a divorce, our relationship was put on hold. She expressed her concern that my spiritual growth was lacking in various areas and even suggested that I might be missing out on salvation altogether. To address this, she recommended that I deepen my understanding of the Word of God and attend church with her to gain insights into the significance of being in a charismatic environment. I eagerly agreed to join her on that remarkable Sunday, October 17, 1982.

Miriam emphasized that understanding the biblical text was key to a relationship with Jesus and baptism in the spirit. Despite growing up in a Presbyterian church where I rarely heard about salvation, heaven, hell, or reading the Bible, I could recite the books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. However, I hadn’t truly read the Bible. On that particular Sunday in October, the minister was reading from the Gospel of Matthew.

Again, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about any-

thing they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in

heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name,

there am I among them

The words prompted me to believe that I could ask God for anything I desired, and He would grant it. I thought this would mean resolving the situation so that Miriam and I could be together and eventually marry. Suddenly, for the first time in my life, I heard an internal yet very audible voice in my right ear. “James, you need to agree and follow me.” This was an experience unlike any other, as I had never encountered a voice that literally invaded my soul.

The minister, as if addressing me directly, exclaimed, “If you hear God speaking to you right now, you must come forward!” I was taken aback. I had heard ministers say similar things before, but this time, I felt a tangible presence from God. In response to the altar call, I decided what I can only describe as the first of many significant life changes which I call 180° Turning Points.

As I reflect on all the Turning Points in my life, I’ve come to realize how intricately God orchestrates and works within our lives. He sends people to us, He introduces us to circumstances, and places us in situations that play a crucial role in the process of initiating the discipleship journey within us. He guides us to exclusive yet inclusive environments of encounters, enabling us to acquire the spiritual gifts we need from God’s Holy Spirit.

That first 180-degree turning point  would eventually lead to a second 180-degree turning point with John and Marcia Kendall. John was the director of the 700 Club Dallas, Texas office. While we were in Dallas last week, we had lunch with Marcia Kendall, widow of John Kendall who passed away over 10 years ago. They both functioned as my first dedicated discipleship mentors. They gave me so much advice and direction that I truly value them to this day. Right before John Kendall passed away, Marcia called me and said that John would love to meet me before he passed into his heavely abode. I thought that was so indicative of the relationship that we had developed.

At that meeting, John & Marcia shared how proud they were of me and what I had become from the days after being at the “700 Club” in Dallas. They were so proud of how I had become a minister of the gospel, a professor and the Director at Oral Roberts University (ORU) which is today one of the major Theological Schools in the country.

After over three decades of ministry and teaching, I can never underestimate the profound impact of John’s daily teaching sessions before the 700 Club show aired each day while I worked there. His gradual and incremental contributions significantly contributed to my personal growth and development. Upon completing my seminary education, I came to a profound realization about the immense influence of God’s guidance and those transformative 180-degree turning points in shaping and fulfilling His will in my life.

The third significant turning point in my life occurred during my attendance at COTR with Dr. Larry Lea. Through his teachings and his book, “Could You Not Tarry One Hour,” I gained a profound understanding of the transformative power of prayer. Dr. Lea initiated what I still fondly recall as a prayer revival that had a profound impact on me. It eventually spread worldwide, influencing pastors, churches, and biblical institutions like ORU. His teachings and book helped me perceive and receive answers to my prayers and conversations with Father God.

These at the beginnings of the 180-degree turning points marking the beginning of my genuine fellowship with small groups education and church ministry. My ORU studies focused on the biblical, theological, and practical applications of the Word of God, which led me to embrace my role as a witness traveling to places where people desperately need Jesus Christ. These turning points were merely the beginning of my life’s journey, and they serve as a reminder that your own journey may have or should begin in a similar manner.

REFLECTION:

When you truly consider it, if you are a child of God, moved by his spirit, there are numerous 180-degree turning points that you cannot ignore. These turning points have occurred today and throughout your past. Reading this blog is merely the beginning of what I refer to as the rest of your journey. Reflect on the following evaluative experiences related to your life. You will discover that there are common philosophies and practices in spiritual learning. The three essential areas: the Biblical, the Theological, and the Practical resources that you obtain, are necessary for achieving one’s full purpose in Jesus Christ.

PERSONAL EVALUATION:

The golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” directly applies to building strong relationships. To find a place of worship for discipleship and maintain friendships, you must be a loyal follower of Jesus Christ. Remember the reason behind Jesus’s words, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31). To be a friend of Jesus, you must first identify the types of relationships you have had and may still have in your life.

Identify follow-ship types in your life? (1 or 2 people can fulfill all 3 roles)

A Paul ________________________ An older person building into your life.

A Barnabas ____________________ A soul brother/sister to keep you accountable.

A Timothy _____________________ A newbie into whose life you build.

Identify disciple-ship types in your life? (1 or 2 people can fulfill all 3 roles)

A Peter _______________________ Directs You.

A James ______________________ Leads You.

A John _______________________ Loves You.

Start with these ideas about yourself as they relate to yourself and others: Identify people who are inside and outside your comfort zone and begin to look for opportunities to meet them, either to learn from or teach them.