It is the Valley Bible Church Staff Meeting. Every Monday we meet at 9am in Gerry's office to have our meetings. Dale leads the meeting by asking each staff member how things have been going in their respective ministry. Since I sit directly on his left, I go first.
This is a time for me to highlight some of the happenings in the ROCK group, college ministry. If an event or activity has happened we spend a while discussing what went good, what didn't, what things we could improve on, what was learned, even names of new people and conversations that were had. If an event or activity is coming up, then we will talk about everything that needs to happen in order for it to run smoothly and effectively for the church and the kingdom of God. I keep them updated on how each Friday night is going, what college group Sunday school is like, and what the overall tone of the group is. We also talk about leaders meetings, CORE group meetings (student leadership), and other faucets of the ministry.
This is also a time for me to ask a discussion question to gather wisdom and feedback from others about the ministry. There is a wealth of knowledge and understanding in that room because of what they know of the Word and because of how experienced they are in caring for others. I would be the biggest fool to not seek their counsel.
[Though these may seem like familiar faces (ie. Becky Williams, Joel Kirkendall, the guy who played Bruce Wayne in Dark Knight, etc), none of them currently attend our church...that I know of.]Back to the meetings...since Rocky Osborne is on my left, he then updates everyone on how the AWANA ministry is going and what children and families are new to the program, and to the church. He will always excitedly inform us about who was new that he met on Sunday morning. That is always a joy for me to hear. We have so many visitors every week and Rocky is faithful to welcome them all.
Then Kim Taylor goes and she keeps us up to date on children's ministry. The children have a great Sunday school curriculum now and all the teachers are such servants week in and week out. She always has stuff coming up, especially the Neighborhood Bible Clubs and Vacation Bible School. Her heart for the young ones at Valley is clearly evident, tried, and true.
Gerry Andersen shares about anything and everything, which goes to show how much he actually is involved in at Valley. He is teaching almost regularly, leading meetings, overseeing missions, managing the church office, maintaining the website (tons of people hear about VBC via the web each year), coordinating softball (and keeping accurate, annual stats), studying theology, managing Valley's budget and moneys, and so much more. Praise God for his service to our church! Every healthy church needs a "Gerry".
David Johnston follows Gerry. This is when we all get to hear about how the junior high, high school, and youth leaders are all doing. This is an enormous ministry containing up to almost 200 people total! Please pray for him, his wife, and children as they serve in this capacity. He always shares his heart about where the group is studying (currently in Hebrews), and he genuinely, honestly cares for each of the students, their families, and those serving with him in leadership.
Dale Whitehead concludes by updating men and women's ministries, sharing the latest with growth group ministries, mentioning people in hurt and in need, and other odds and ins. This is truly where the shepherd's heart is seen. Thank God for a pastor who emulates the Good Shepherd in the way he lays his life down for others.
We pray together at the end knowing that nothing can be done for the kingdom apart from the Lord's strength and that we must lean entirely on Him to see these things through.
May God give us the grace... :)
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