A Heritage of Service... An Homage

 As I sat in the business meeting tonight and was voted onto the Church's Pastoral Council I had to think of the years my dad has served on the pastor's council or deacon board. I grew up a deacon's kid most of my life. This is a special tribute to the man who taught me how to serve others.

My dad is a man that has lived his life in service to God and to God's calling on his life. He has never backed down from a pastor's call. One Example comes to mind -  In the church I grew up there was a cleaning schedule and families took turns cleaning the church. I recall on weekends when it was our turn we cleaned the church. I recall many radio broadcasts both morning and afternoon broadcasts that our family was a part. I remember visiting hospitals, convalescent homes, 'cottage' prayer meetings, visitations, funeral homes, and revivals that we attended throughout my childhood. Church was as much a part of our lives as our home. In fact many times church was viewed as home and church family was as much family as blood relatives. 

Throughout those years I recall my dad serving in every capacity possible. He would be Sunday School teacher, Choir Director, Usher, Special Singer, Worshiper, Testifier, Table and Chair hauler, Bus Driver, etc. If there was a position that needed filling and he had the ability to do the job he was there and I in turn was right there to witness. I have often thought that I wish we could be like some families that simply went to church and went home, but that wasn't what God had called him to do. I have learned over the years that that's not what God calls any of us to do.

God calls us to serve. In whatever capacity we can we are to serve God, our community and each other. A service mentality gives many characteristics itself namely: humility, love, ability to comfort, ability to worship, and the ability to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In a world full of selfishness and a 'me' culture my example was of service. I've seen dad make many difficult decisions and stand firm with our pastor when others were not so kind. He is a great defender of any pastor he was in service. He understood that his job was to offer sound prayerful advice and to make difficult decisions that others may not understand. All the while he maintains integrity and a spirit of love.

I sat in the meeting tonight and could not help but think back to the example my dad has given me of what it means to be on a pastor's council. I hope I can be as impactful for my church and community as he has been for his. I can only say Thank You to the man who has shown me by example.

love you dad ...

jamie