"I don't want to be a pastor. . . I want to be a spy"

Ryan Ahlgrim, a Mennonite pastor with over 40 years of experience, reflects on the transformative mentorship of his late pastor, Joe Richards. Joe’s guidance began when Ryan was a child, fostering a deep sense of faith and a vision for ministry that prioritized compassion over rigid doctrine. Through anecdotes—such as Joe’s humble act of cleaning church floors and his evolving stance on complex social issues like divorce and LGBTQ+ inclusion—Ryan illustrates how his mentor modeled a flexible, human-centered approach to spiritual leadership. These memories reveal the lasting power of mentorship, as Ryan continues to navigate his own pastoral challenges by emulating Joe’s wisdom and grace. The narrative serves as a testament to the profound, lifelong impact one individual can have on another’s professional and personal development, proving that gratitude remains relevant long after a mentor has passed.