Everyone Needs a Dave

Every young man has a dream, which grows from the deepest part of his heart. That dream needs to be nurtured and cared for. It grows only by breath spoken into it, and love harnessed around it. It is only because of that breath, love, and nurture that I can write what follows. Be encouraged as you read to journey with Christ in helping others grow the dream He has put in their heart.

I was 17 when I met Dave (Dr. Thye). He is my mentor, dream coach, friend, and worship dad. He’s one of the most humble people I’ve met. He patiently loved me through some of the most difficult points in my life. We share the heart of an artist, the love of showing Christ through leading in worship, and the Joy in allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us through leading others. The heart of an artist is much different, and I can’t explain it well, but it’s a bonding agent.

Dave and I met every Friday morning for two years at a restaurant for breakfast. We would talk, order coffee, talk some more, order breakfast, talk even more, eat breakfast, and sometimes continue talking until it was almost time for lunch. He had a deep concern for me that I had never experienced other than the love and care of my parents. People at the restaurant would often think he was my dad, uncle, or somehow related to me. He showed that much care.

He knew I played piano and I knew he was a “music guy.” That was all I knew for a while. I learned the rest through two years of breakfast. I learned he was the professor of conducting at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I learned that he was the Chorus conductor for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. I learned he was among the elite, and conducted numerous times at Carnegie hall in New York City (that’s like a country singer being asked to perform at the Grand Old Opry). People’s accomplishments should be acknowledged, so I don’t feel bad in writing all that and bragging on him a little (sorry Dave). I know if I asked him to proof this he would, without hesitation, remove his accomplishments. Yet, they are important in this context. The context is this: Dave could have talked on and on about his elite musical and professional venues, but he never did. He cared more about me, my relationship with Christ, and my well being. Not many people in an established, elite profession as Dave would take so much time out of their schedule to eat breakfast with a 17 year old, but he did, and sometimes I still ponder the question why. Day by day, 8 years later, I understand why he did what he did and I’ve started to ask the Lord to give me his humility.

Who taught me how to lead worship? The Holy Spirit through Dave. Who gave me the courage to sing? The Holy Spirit through Dave. Who taught me how to have patience? The Holy Spirit through Dave. It goes on, but you get the picture.

When I was 19, both Dave and His wife Cheri told me I needed to read the book “The Dream Giver”. Their exact words were “Its one of those books you don’t want to read, but you have to.” They told me to read that book every Sunday for six months, and I never read it. Finally, one day, I just wanted them to quit telling me to read the dang book, so I picked up the copy they bought for me, and read it all in one sitting. After reading this book, I had to read it all over again. The Lord called me into ministry while I was reading this book. I thought, Lord you’re wrong, so I’ll just read it again and you can tell me something different. Did you know the Lord never changes His mind?

I waited weeks for the Lord to change His mind, but the calling He placed in my heart only grew, so I embraced it. That next Friday morning I sat down with Dave for breakfast, ordered coffee and said, “here is my heart, here is what God is telling me, now what?” With a huge smile, Dave said “CHARGE!” (That’s a Dave term for, fasten your seat belt, and lets do this.) From that moment my life changed, my vocation changed, and my dream and calling grew. From music theory, conducting, singing, and leading a congregation, he taught me one thing after another.

How grateful I am for Dave, and his constant mentorship in my life. Its never stopped, and I know it never will.

Love you Dave!

-Trent