Stories: Michael Catt

A Few Stories About Vance Havner
By Michael Catt

Vance Havner came to my home church when I was a teenager. His messages and his life changed my life. I had never heard anyone preach with such authority and power. Although he stayed behind the pulpit and barely even raised his head, there was a power in his preaching. I remember one night in particular. It was youth night. At the end of the message, Vance called on the young people who were serious about God to come to the front – but it was a different kind of invitation. He told us to get our hymnals out and turn to ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’ and said, “I want you to come up here and sing that verse, “Though none go with me, I still will follow. I want you to face this congregation and sing it as a solo. There won’t be any piano, no duets, trio’s or quartets. I’m not interested in your voice, I want to hear your heart.” That night, I was the second one to the front. I am eternally grateful for a country preacher who made his way to Pascagoula, Mississippi to challenge a teenager to take a stand.

Michael Catt ©

*****

I heard about the time when Dr. Havner was preaching at the Moody Church in Chicago. They had the windows open and a cool breeze was blowing through the building. Havner stood up and said, “I’m too old for the draft.”

*****

Another time he was preaching in Chicago and was late arriving. His plane had been delayed. He stood and said, “I’d rather be Vance Havner late than the late Vance Havner.”

*****

In the 1990’s Lehman Strauss told me he was at Winona Lake when Havner was preaching. Havner got up on that July day and said, “I’ve been reading this morning about this preacher, Norman Vincent Peale. I also read this morning the Apostle Paul. Personally, I find Paul appealing and Peale appauling.” The crowd roared.

*****

At the Southern Baptist Convention in June 2005, Adrian Rogers told me about having Vance Havner preach for him at Merritt Island. He had secured a condo on the river for Havner. He told Havner he was going to sleep on the river. Havner in his usual wit replied, “Won’t that be a little hard?”

Used by permission of the author.

© – The text contained in this article is protected by copyright and International Law, and is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this product, or any portion of it, without the expressed written authorization from the author is forbidden. This material is to inspire. If you wish to use material, please email Brian Kelley at briank @ sherwoodbaptist.net and we will respond within 48 hours.

Thank you for your understanding and integrity.

One thought on “Stories: Michael Catt”

  1. Greetings to everyone of you out there!!!!

    I simply wish to express my gratitude to Rev. Vance Havner’s Legacy of quotes which he has left, and in progress you have made available and accessible on the net. It has a tremendous impact on me. Even now, even though I’m not connected to any ministry in particular right now. ‘Salamat’ a Filipino word which simply means, thank you! Thank you is a simple word….but still it’s meant THAT I APPRECIATE ALL THE EFFORTS you all put together for his works to be made available on the net…A numerous thanks to everyone of you….

    Victor,
    Davao City Philippines

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *