Two Revs Productions

A Note to the Reader

This post is extraordinarily difficult for me to write. Jeff passed away in July 2014. Reflecting on the life and impact of Jeff Taguchi, even after 10 years, evokes a wave of emotions that I must admit I prefer not to confront. Jeff was my mentor, friend, and a father figure; he believed in me when I couldn’t see any worth in myself. His belief in me shaped my life in profound ways, and sharing this story is both a tribute to him and a testimony to the power of genuine mentorship and the love he showed me in his life. 

Jeff’s life exemplifies the power of seeing and uplifting others; he influenced not just me but countless individuals who miss his presence. 

Believing in Me: The Mentorship of Jeff Taguchi

Well, I’m a first-hand witness of the Trinity

I’ve seen a dead man rise and a blind man see

Yeah, but that ain’t the reason I’m a devotee

No, I believe in Him cause He believes in me

— The 13th Apostle (Song by Sean McConnel)

I chose this quote because Jeff embodied Jesus’s love in my life in so many ways. He believed in me and saw my goodness, even when I struggled to see it myself. He also recognized my potential for ministry and offered me encouragement and guidance. This quote captures Jeff’s profound impact on my life and reminds me that he viewed me through Christ’s grace, wrapping me in love and acceptance. 

Throughout my life, I’ve grappled with the feeling of being loved, a challenge compounded by my struggles with obesity and poverty. While I don’t wish to delve deeply into my formative years, my family faced circumstances beyond my parents’ control that led us into significant financial hardship. Growing up in such an environment became a constant reality, contributing to my obesity and gaps in education. As a result, I battled feelings of shame and inadequacy, which I likely still contend with today.

This is where Jeff comes in. 

I wasn’t particularly impressed when I first encountered Jeff. He served as a county commissioner for Nye County in Nevada, where I grew up, and I found him indecisive and overly political. I could have these opinions at a young age because I was homeschooled, and sometimes, my parents would take me to county commission meetings. What a captivating introduction to civics… he says sarcastically!  

Come See 

I met Jeff there and had no clue he was a pastor. I can’t remember exactly how we first met, but I remember telling him he was wrong about everything! Somehow, faith came up, and we shared a bit about our love of Christ. As a recent convert to Christianity with limited support for my faith at home, I genuinely valued our conversation. However, I had a knack for ruining discussions. So, when Jeff mentioned missions—especially the importance of foreign missions—I couldn’t help but voice my disagreement. He listened graciously and then, in only the way Jeff could, invited me to participate. 

It reminds me of the disciples asking where Jesus was staying, and Jesus told them to come and see. 

(Jesus said) “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. – John 1:39 NIV

During our first interactions, Jeff embodied the teachings and mannerisms of Jesus, encouraging closeness and engagement rather than providing a manual or an elaborate purple guidebook.

This experience was the first of many in which Jeff challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and see things from a different perspective. So, within months, I found myself heading to China for the first time on a mission trip with Jeff. Also, somehow, I had a mentor when I never intended to have one. Jeff didn’t fight; he invited me to see the world from a perspective that aligned more with Jesus’ perspective.  

It’s not too strong to say that it changed my life. 

Practice With 

Through his mentorship, I discovered a passion for missions, pastoring, preaching, and serving others that has shaped my life ever since. 

Jeff’s impact on my life extended beyond our initial encounter or a season of mission trips. Over the years, he continued to offer guidance and support, whether it was through theological discussions, practical advice on navigating adulthood, or even dating advice for an obese, poor, homeschooled kid. His unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue higher education and ministry opportunities despite my background and struggles with self-worth. Friends, I want you to understand something: Jeff saw my calling long before I did!  

Jeff became my mentor by loving me. It was his willingness to include me in things I had never done before and his ability to see the best in me. He enjoyed my company and invited me into the practice of not just teaching but living with those in his care. Jeff took me with him to do visitation, let me preach in his pulpit, and took me on missions to Mexico and China. When my mom embraced her faith, it was at his church where he encouraged me to carry out her baptism. (I cringe at the thought today too much sacramentarian in me now)

Making Room for Me

In China, he insisted I preach and share the gospel message instead of him. When he left the pastorate at Beatty Community Church, there were even talks and jokes about me taking over as pastor, though I was still young and unsure. I say all of this because Jeff never argued with me; he just picked me up and brought me along in ministry. He didn’t see his position as so crucial that he couldn’t make room for another. He taught me the value of not having so much ego you can’t give it over. 

One of my primary concerns for the church today is that, with the rise of “professional” clergy, we have lost the vital practice of passing on faith. I am sure there were moments when Jeff faced criticism due to my inexperience or something I said, yet he never allowed that to deter me from trying. Deep down, I believe he didn’t view himself as irreplaceable.

Loving Through Challenge

It wasn’t just in training the practice of ministry he shaped me. I recall making a significant childish mistake and feeling anxious about his disappointment. However, he showed genuine concern, explained that my actions weren’t in my best interest, and encouraged me to reflect on how I would rectify the situation. Instead of bringing down the hammer, he invited me to gaze into the mirror and reflect on my own image in light of Jesus’ presence within me. Despite my unworthiness, I remember the profound love and understanding he offered me at that moment. It became a profound lesson in approaching conflict and challenges with grace and compassion rather than resorting to anger and judgment. Although there were consequences, Jeff recognized that the repercussions I imposed on myself would far surpass any judgment he could convey. Also, he knew that walking through that challenge with me would ultimately help shape me into the person God intended me to be. Jeff’s approach reflected the heart of a true mentor, seeking to guide and support rather than punish or control.

An Everlasting Impact

Jeff’s mentorship continues to impact my life today as I serve as a pastor myself. His influence has shaped how I approach ministry, leadership, and relationships with others. He taught me the power of loving people through their struggles rather than just pointing out their flaws or shortcomings. Through his example, I have learned the importance of making room for others and passing on faith through discipleship. Jeff recognized the potential in me that I was blind to, and his love inspired me to embrace it. 

In fact, Jeff introduced me to my wife, Sarah, at a missions conference he had me attend with him. He started talking to Sarah, hinting that she should speak to me, and the rest is history. Jeff performed our wedding ceremony and helped me start my college education and path to ministry. 

Over time, my relationship with Jeff evolved. We talked less frequently after he got married and moved overseas to take on a pastoral role, but he was always available for advice when I needed it. He wasn’t shy about sharing his thoughts, even regarding my pursuit of UMC ordination, which he believed, in part, stemmed from my desire for security. After my ordination, I reflected on his questions and sought ways to reconnect with my passion for the church while navigating the complexities of the institution I served.

I want you to understand that I didn’t merely idolize him; I often disagreed with him. I told him his choice of hats was ridiculous! 

Today, reflecting on Jeff’s impact on my life, I cannot help but ask myself, “Would Jeff be proud?” I hope the answer is yes, as I believe he would see that his investment in me has borne fruit and that his faith in my potential has shaped me into the person and pastor I am today. In part, I believe in Him cause Jeff believed in me.