WisdomWalks: Live Intentionally, Maximize Relationships & Pass the TorchSample

The Watchman

Barry Spofford, our friend and spiritual mentor, passed away on April 25, 2015. Six days later, on April 30, hundreds of people attended his Celebration Service in Colorado to honor a life well lived! Throughout his journey with cancer, his focus was always on his sweet Jesus.

For 23 years, we had the joy and honor to serve with Barry in FCA. God used Barry as a Watchman in our lives to show us the importance of spiritual disciplines, especially prayer. Barry taught us how to develop a deep prayer life by showing us that prayer is not a last resort but a first response. Spending hours of prayer on our knees with Barry in the early nineties, we saw God move mountains. 

We didn’t talk about prayer, but we prayed. Barry would slip off his Timex watch and set an hour on the timer, set it on the table, then get on his knees. He modeled for us that our lives need to be built on prayer. Barry, who was 20 years older than us, was an example of a man of God who sought the Lord’s face daily…and always laying a foundation of prayer! Barry was our Watchman for many years, and he shaped us and molded us into men of God.

“Serve the Living God who wants to take your life and use it  for His honor, His glory and His praise.” — Barry Spofford

Today, we have other Watchmen who have picked up that torch and are helping us live a good and godly life. The Watchmanis a mentor—a wise teacher who has more life experience and desires to pass on in-the-trenches, real-life wisdom to us, the next generation. Life is all about surrounding yourself with the right people. Proverbs 13:20 says if you want more wisdom, then walk with someone who is wise. You have the opportunity to capitalize on what your mentor has learned, avoid similar mistakes, and implement principles and practices with a proven track record.

A Watchman guides and directs, because that person is in a different season of life that allows him or her to invest in your future. A Watchman plants greatness in others by watering the seeds of greatness with opportunities and fertilizing them with encouragement. With constant evaluation of progress, the watchman has a clear vision and can warn you of potential dangers in your life by communicating God’s Word. 

The characteristics of the Watchman:

• Pours out what God has poured in


• Shares life experiences


• Applies the Word to your circumstances


• Helps you navigate life well

A Watchman is like a veteran coach on your Dream Team. Our mentors have coached us up in many areas of our lives. And fruit is still growing on our trees. When you have a Watchman, you become their Workman. Do you have a Watchman?

Dig In:

1. Who has spiritually impacted your life? How?


2. Make a list of 3-5 people who you respect and look up to spiritually. Go have a cup of coffee with them and share with them the Watchman relationship. 


3. When you find the right person (chemistry, fit, connection), ask them to be your Watchman. Arrange a consistent time to meet so you can began this vital mentoring relationship. 

“Father, I need a Watchman who can direct and guide me. Show me who needs to be in my life who can clearly communicate Your Word and teach me to follow hard after You. I want to learn from their experience and apply the wisdom they pass on to me. In Jesus’ name, amen."