When Kyle Young was a high school senior in Tupelo, Mississippi, David Eldridge was called to pastor the church Young attended with his family.
Young, who now serves as director of admission at Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School, soon went off to Samford in the fall of 2009 to begin his undergraduate studies. During his frequent trips home, Young and Eldridge, who is the senior pastor of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama, built a lasting relationship centered on Christ and a shared love of running.
Young’s parents have a “gift of hospitality,” Eldridge said, welcoming him into their home. The two men would go on runs together and invest in one another’s lives. Even as Eldridge went to another church in Mississippi and Young moved to teach high school in Bolivia following his graduation from Samford, the two continued edifying each other.
In 2016, Young moved back to Homewood, beginning his Master of Divinity work at Beeson.
“I trusted Beeson because David and others I knew had gone there,” Young said.
Young’s first year at Beeson was tough, as he was readjusting to living in the U.S. after being abroad, and he remembered calling Eldridge a few weeks in. He received encouragement that helped him continue his studies.
In 2017, Eldridge accepted the call to serve Dawson as senior pastor, reuniting him with Young, who had been praying for opportunities to use his proficiency in Spanish in ministry. After spending time in prayer one day, the first email in his inbox was from Dawson, which was seeking help with their Spanish congregation.
For seven years, Young served the congregation, first as an intern and volunteer before joining the staff as the Hispanic ministry associate. In that role, Young functionally served as the youth and associate pastor, teaching and coordinating youth volunteers, planning events and preaching. During his ordination, which was bilingual, Young attributed much of his ministry calling to the people of Dawson who helped “fan into flame the gift of God” in him (2 Timothy 1:6).
“I feel a deep love for the Hispanic congregation, and it has been one of the deepest honors to be considered ‘one of them,’” Young said. “I often say I am ‘Latino at heart,’ and much of my ministry calling is connected to using Spanish and being among Latinos. It was an absolute joy to baptize new believers, preach God’s Word, pray with families in times of difficulty and help shepherd the Hispanic youth group.”
Over the years, many conversations between the two men have been shared over the years on early-morning runs, Young said, shifting from a directional focus in Young’s life to serving as co-laborers for the sake of the Gospel.
Having the other in the same city has been a gift to both men, Young and Eldridge said.
“I’ve seen God work in his life,” Eldridge said. “A deep pursuit of holiness has been a through line in his life. It’s really a joy to look back and see the chapters.”
“David’s been such a gift to have since high school,” Young said. “He’s been one of the most influential spiritual mentors in my life. He knows all my story. … David walks by the Spirit, loves the Lord and loves people.”
Young’s commitment to prayer has been a benefit in Eldridge’s life, and he’s served him well as a sounding board.
Even as Young recently left Dawson in early September – he now attends Iron City Church with his fiancée, Amy, who is on staff there – the two continue to encourage one another. When Young and Amy marry in December, Eldridge will be his best man.
“It’s just the grace of God,” Eldridge said.