In one of our first ministries, I remember a blessed elderly member who served on our board. The church was growing quickly, and many wanted to create a blended service with hymns and newer music. Some were wondering about ordering or printing booklets or in the bulletin. It was suggested to add a video projector and add videos to the service. This was in the early days of video projectors in churches and schools.
The discussion proceeded, and I wondered who was going to support this and who would stand against it. Then, as different people shared their thoughts, this fiery elderly woman spoke up. She looked at us and simply said, “If this projector helps get even one of my children or grandchildren into church, then we have to do it.”
Those words still bring tears to my eyes. It wasn’t the youngest board member, or the ones teaching in the church, but a fired-up elderly board member who realized the real mission wasn’t about building the best for themselves, but to see people come where they might meet Jesus.
She was the first to donate to the project and a few weeks later we were using a projector and adding in video worship music to our services, as well as sermon notes.
Another example of how this woman got things done was a bit more comical. She visited my wife one afternoon in the parsonage. My wife likes to bake, and the parsonage had a very small oven. This elderly board member asked her if there was anything she could change in the parsonage, and what it would be. My wife forgot that when this woman got an idea, she was going to get it done, and she told her the oven was a bit small for baking. A month later, she and the other trustees were planning to put in a new oven.
Value Those who get it done
So, here’s the encouragement. Find your doers, your Marthas, if you will. They are the ones who will get things done, even while others want to beat things to death in committee. Don’t look at age, experience, or their pedigree within that church. Those people will become your greatest strengths and inspirations, and they will get it done. Value them. Appreciate what they can get done. Then learn to turn them loose to further your ministry.
-Blessings on the journey,
Dan Shipton
