Why I Do It

I have the privilege of serving as District Secretary for the Eastern New York/New England District of The Wesleyan Church. This weekend my church - Vantage Pointe - is hosting the DBA for its Fall Retreat. There is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes to make this a powerful event in the lives of the members who serve with us:

• Reports must be completed, collated and distributed
• Facilities must be cleaned and set up
• Food must be purchased and restaurants booked
• Lodging must be secured for weary travelers
• Schedules must be harmonized and confirmed
• Prayers must be prayed for Divine Intervention to occur

We are blessed with an amazing office administrator who does a tremendous amount of work on our behalf (thanks, Cam!) and lay volunteers who do so much to help get things ready. 

As Rosalie and I left Wal-Mart at 11 PM last evening after picking up supplies and food stuffs, we talked about the weariness we felt after a very long day. One could be tempted to ask, "Why do you do it?" A variety of responses could float through the mind:

• I have nothing else to do (not true!)
• Someone has to do it (true, but a shallow response)

Here is some insights into why I serve:

• The middle judicatory places rigorous demands on the superintendent. If I can lighten the load for him by caring for the myriad of details, this gives him freedom to serve without the strain of minutia bogging him down.
• I believe in our district mission and gladly to do my part to help achieve what it is God is calling us to do and become as a people.
• I know that a well-presented DBA Retreat results in members gaining clarity on the work of the district and discovering insights to help them make good decisions on behalf of the 40-some churches and many more pastors that labor to fulfill their calling in the local environs where they do life and serve those who are journeying toward eternity. 
• There is joy in serving Christ, even when buying groceries, setting up chairs, and typing out meeting minutes. After all, He washed dirty feet and received a thorn crown in service to me!

In a few hours we will welcome our members from across the district to our facility in Queensbury, NY. They will serve with distinction with our superintendent and conduct what they pray will be beneficial service to the ministry that is ours. Most will not notice (nor should they!) the details that are in place so they enjoy an exceptional experience for the twenty-some hours they are with us. 

After I finish my administrative work, and re-set the church for Sunday, and care for the details that will be mine to manage before the day is done, I will turn out the lights and go home knowing that I played a small part in "Unleashing a team of energized leaders to multiply life-changing churches."

Now you know why I do it!