Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve blogged in general and returned to my little series on “When A Pastor Loses His Pastor.” I hope to do both today. The passing of Roscoe Adams may end up being one of the most shaping influences of my life. Five months after he went to be with the Lord, I still am not sure if I have “landed” yet, but I think it’s time to start thinking about how I’m going to live in light of this man’s exceptional life. I can think of at least three things that I will take with me until the day I cross the river and join my friend and spiritual father in glory.
A Soft Spot for the Dallas Cowboys
Roscoe was an avid Cowboys fan. As a dyed in the wool (yes- those dyes are deep purple and jet black) Ravens fan, I’ll never jump ship, but I’ll keep the Cowboys as a close second. Yes- this is kind of a fluffy point, but not entirely. I remember asking Roscoe one time why he had such a love of “America’s team.” He unhesitatingly said, “Tom Landry.” I remember watching him as a kid but knew little about him. Landry was the famous coach of Dallas’ powerhouse Cowboys. Roscoe was taken by Landry’s quiet manner but passionate love of Jesus. Here’s a cool quote from Landry.
“This is really the most important factor in my life, my faith in Jesus Christ. When you accept Christ, He becomes first in your life. It’s this priority that gives me peace.”
Here’s a cool 1972 article from the Sports Illustrated Vault for more information. Leave to Roscoe to make me think of Jesus when I think about the Cowboys!
A Life Characterized By Prayer
For Roscoe, prayer was never a duty or a chore- it was a delight. He prayed more than any man I’ve ever known- literally hours per day (although he would never EVER come even close to bragging about this). I can’t even count the times he would say, “Greg, when I’m alone, I often just lay on my floor and talk to my father.”
“My Father…” Roscoe loved this phrase, and I think I’ve started every prayer I’ve prayed in the last five months with this address. When he was only four-years-old, Roscoe lost his father in an accident. I can’t say for certain that this is why Roscoe was so taken by the simple but profound truth that God was his father, but I’m sure it factored in some how. Check out
this video where Roscoe talks openly about his prayer life. “A day without prayer is a wasted day.” If God gives me 40 more days or 40 more years, I want to pray like he prayed. Coming to “my Father” each and every day to pour out my heart to him.
An Exceptional Family Man
I do not know of a man who exemplified what it means to love his family first and foremost. I said this to Queenie at the memorial service, “No man loved his wife like Roscoe loved you.” And I will say this to her still. It was not empty sentiment or rhetorical embellishment. He was an exceptional family man. When we prayed together he would ask me to pray that God would empower him to ALWAYS put Queenie’s needs over his own. And he would always pray for his children and grandchildren. I will never forget Roscoe’s oldest son’s Glen’s words at the memorial service. He testified to how his father had instilled in him and his brother, Michael, ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY. Glen then looked to the sky and said, “Pop- we got this!” When a grown man can say this about his departed father…few things in life are more precious.
Roscoe would often tell me, “Greg- don’t worry about x y and z…just take care of Lisa and the kids.” By the grace of God- I will. I’ve certainly had quite a model to emulate.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
