Thursday, April 24, 2008

Dinner Last Night

Last night my wife and I had dinner with some volunteer leaders that more importantly are good friends.  It was a small way for us to express some appreciation for the incredible help they provided to us earlier in the year.  Our four friends (two couples) are a plumber, a teacher, a real estate agent and a craftsman respectively are all tenured in their fields and excel in their line of work. 

However, as we talked over various topics (family, work, movies, tv) it kept on going back to their ministry roles at our church.  They talked passionately over how well the class they were teaching was going, while at same time expressing disappointment over inconsistent attendance.  In addition the topic went to the room they are using to how they are concerned about possibly having to move to a new location in the future.

Reflecting on the evening I was reminded of a message I heard by Bill Hybels where he describes a funeral he attended and how a family member of the deceased expressed her gratitude to Bill for inviting her brother into the game.  This family member went onto say that her brother's serving in the church was truly some of his richest and most memorable experiences.

I was prodded in this way...

Not to take for granted what an incredible privilege it is to serve the local church.  In addition I was prodded to lead more effectively in this respect: for most people as rewarding as their line of work may be -- it does not touch the significance and fulfillment they feel knowing they are in some way impacting a person's life for eternity.   Therefore, I need to lead in a way that allows the volunteer leaders I serve with have the most optimal experience possible. 

Apr 24, 2008 12:11:14 AM | Church

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