So last time I actually wrote here I listed all of the reasons I love Bethel. Today, I list all the reasons I love Bethel's staff. October is "pastor appreciation month." I really think it ought to be designated "church staff appreciation month." It is a whole unit. No part works without the benefit of the whole. Everybody plays a different role. But just like the body of Christ, there are no unimportant roles. Everyone of these staff are marked by their love for the Savior, His church and His people. They have given their lives to the body of Christ and model what it means to serve rather than be served.
Here are some other things that come to my mind when I think of our staff:
Jim Smithies - man, this guy has a pastor's heart extrodinaire! I have never been around someone who cared about people and their spiritual growth more than Jim. Jim has an incredible gift mix between being able to plan and build when it comes to strategy and also the temperment to be a great counselor. Jim is an encourager and I appreciate the way he always brings the wisdom of his experience to the table. Jim has a patience I long for and a grace I admire.
Mark Kuykendall - I love this guy. He is cool and a man's man. Mark kills things. I love that! He is a great dad and husband (of a very cool wife) and loves the kids at Bethel in very tangible ways. He is an administrative genius. He is great at building teams, a great teacher and is intensely passionate about building into the lives of our youth a very high and holy view of our glorious and sovereign God. I am thankful you guys came to Bethel and I love serving in ministry alongside you.
Todd Wright - Todd is the newest member of Bethel's awesome staff and at the same time it feels like he has been here all along. Todd is such a great fit for Bethel and brings depth, richness and creativity to a whole new level. Todd is a phenomenal musician who is an equally phenomenal encourager of those around him. Todd is a great dad and husband and I always look forward to video chronicles of his life. I am thankful for Todd's authenticity, openess and willingness to share his life in creative ways.
Cay Bolin - there are not enough words in the English language to capture the amazing "Mrs. Cay." I have never met anyone with a higher capacity. She is creative, a gifted teacher, a loyal friend, embodiment of hospitality, a foot-washer, an encourager, has tremendous strength of character and the list could go on and on. Cay has a pretty cool husband too. Cay has cast a God-sized vision for the littlest of those among us. 2 and 3 year olds memorize God's Word and are having their hearts cultivated for the Savior because of her vision and ministry. I am a thankful father.
Paula Myers - Paula is extremely loyal and works harder behind the scenes than most anyone I know. She is someone who will do what she says she will do - no matter what. She has a strong faith and high value for a deep prayer life. She can tell you story after story of specific prayers she has prayed and God has answered. She is honest and can always be counted on to tell you the truth. Paula's love and devotion to Matt, her family and this church sets the bar for all of us.
Donna Ridenour - I have never met anyone with so much energy and the ability to generate energy in those around them. Donna is the most amazing combination of "get it done" "people-person" I have ever met. Donna has an honesty and candor that clears the way for real relationship at the level everyone longs for and has a respect for the kids in her ministry that endears them to the Savior. Lee and Donna not only have an amazing ministry on Sunday mornings, but they also have an amazing ministry of building intimate community on Sunday nights. Thank you for how you love the Body of Christ.
Geri Spelbring - I have never been around anyone more gifted to communicate the love of God to children than Geri. Whether it is playing football with the 4-5th grade boys or holding and soothing an infant, Geri is right at home. Geri has a God-honoring value of excellence and attention to "details that you never see," but make all the difference. She has created an atmostphere of comfort and security along with a commitment for learning about the character of God and His Word from moment a child takes his or her first breath. Thank you Geri for all you do - especially the things we don't see.
Carole Hodges - Winfred (elder) and Carole are a one-of-a-kind couple in the body of Christ. Their love for Christ, His church, their marriage and their family exudes from every cell of thier being. Leslie and I want to be like the Hodges when we grow up. Carole's love for women and her passion to see them grow in Christ and love their families is contagious and compelling. The consistency, character and authenticity of your life, ministry and marriage is a blessing to us all.
Leslie Strader - I didn't hire her... but she is totally hot! I'll blog about her another day, but I want you to know that she eclipses me in every way. Leslie has a passionate commitment to God's Word and a desire for those around her to love God's Word. She is the most gracious wife and amazing mother. I am thankful for her everyday.
Kay Rice - Kay has the most unbelievably gracious, loyal and caring spirit. She loves people, serves people, cares for them, protects them and encourages them. The counsel and encouragement that she provides to Bethel and its staff everyday is the glue that keeps this place together. When she is gone from the office, we are all lost. Kay models the grace of family and friendship that is an example for us to follow.
Betsey Bradberry - I have never heard an unkind word come from Betsey. She is fiercely loyal and makes everyone feel welcome with her gift of hospitality in whatever setting she is in. She loves numbers and people (I didn't even know people like that existed!). She has an infectious laugh and is a great friend. Her deep desire to serve our Lord grows every day. It is such a joy to serve with you Betsey!
Eric Weir - Eric is what I would call a "Servant Theologian." Not only does Eric keep the place together with his quiet strength, character and unfailing service, but Eric is a prayer warrior passionate about the heart of God. Eric loves God's mission. Lost people are always at the fore of Eric's mind and heart. Eric has been at Bethel since the beginning and has served this body in every possible way - every single day. Without Eric, Bethel would not be Bethel.
So staff, I appreciate you and I am thankful to God for bringing us and holding us together. I could not--could NOT--do what I do without you. And for those reading this, please take a minute and thank these godly men and women for their faithful service to you and yours, to the glory and honor of God.
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