07-18-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 18, 2023
Last night, I had the joy of participating in a Zoom Call to honor Paul Few, who has served our denomination in the area of Men’s Ministry, on the Local, Regional, and General levels. I know Paul, not only through his work with the church, but also because he is my stepfather. There were so many people on the call who I knew when I was a youth at First Christian Church in Lincoln, NE, or when I was serving on staff at the Regional Camp Ground in Nebraska. There was also a face familiar to Cypress Creek folks on the call. Nathan Higginbotham has known Paul for many years, mostly in the area of Men’s Ministry, but the two of them have a wonderfully supportive friendship as well. The SW Region modeled its Men’s Ministry staff position off of what Paul did in the Nebraska Region, which was a sort of full-time job but with a volunteer’s salary.

Today, I give thanks for all those who serve the church sacrificially because of their passion for what the church is and what the church does. Paul Few is one amazing example of this selfless leadership that has blessed countless lives and will continue to have an impact well beyond the Region of Nebraska. Some people will say it is the minister who makes a church, but I would entirely disagree. In my opinion, it is the faithful laity who believe in the vision and mission of the church and give so much of who they are to the work.

​For all the saints whose leadership has encouraged and inspired the church, we give you thanks, O God. Continue to call forth individuals who will find creative and impactful ways to bring the Gospel to those who yearn to know of your love. Amen.