the great people I get to serve with

I am a blessed man. I get to serve Jesus with a few teams of great people week-to-week and I'd like to just mention them here, ok? I realize that anytime a pastor does something like this, people's names will get left out. My purpose isn't to mention everyone in the church that does anything, although I am thankful for you, too. I'm just keeping it to those that I have almost weekly contact with in service to Jesus, and I want you to know who they are because they bless you, too, whether you know it or not.

So, here goes:

The Worship Team... Outside of the other pastors, I spend more time with the folks of the worship team than with any other group of people. Over the years, we have gotten to know each other, care for one another, have fun together, and serve together. They are an awesome bunch of people and I love worshiping Jesus with them. During our worship experiences, you may only see them on the platform for 15 minutes or so and not realize the work that goes on to make that 15 minutes happen. Each week, they create a work of art for you and Jesus... a gift that is offered in praise of their savior, and they do it because they love it and are passionate about it. That's why it's so hard for me when I hear people complain or say this or that about the music we present. Those folks are, in essence, criticizing a gift that this team of servants has helped create to give to Jesus. But I know the heart of these team members and it is an honor and privilege for me to stand with them in worship. They are excellent musicians and their relationship with Jesus is drives them!

The Tech Team... These are the unsung heroes of our worship experiences and we all so take them for granted. They, too, create a work of art...they strive to create as seamless an experience as possible so that you don't notice them or the technology. And they do a fantastic job of it! I've been present in churches far larger than ours that don't have the level of quality as our tech team members. Thank you for helping us focus on Jesus each week!

The Kidventure Team... Although I don't work directly with the Kidventure team, I know a lot about what's going on there. They pour themselves into this great ministry for our young families. They give lots of time and energy at, once again, creating a work of art as a gift to Jesus. Our kids (and their parents) are learning about Jesus and how to live for him through a means that speaks right to their generation. I was recently at the church where we first saw the idea for our Kidventure ministry. Let me tell you, I can honestly say that our team does their ministry with as much excellence as the idea church, a church 10X our size and 10X our budget! You guys are super awesome! I am increasingly amazed with (and thankful for) what you guys do each week!

The GFMC Staff... I get the privilege to serve with an exceptional team of staff people! They truly 'get it'! They understand that a relationship with Jesus means a life of service to others. They are passionate about serving Jesus and seeing his church take the necessary steps to reach the people of the Galion community and beyond. They aren't afraid to take risks, are trustworthy and honest, are supportive and caring, and not afraid to make the hard decisions that will keep moving the church forward in the 21st century. We are all blessed to have a group of people like them at the helm, helping us stay focused on Jesus and others.

Well, I started this post out by saying that I was a blessed man. I could say more and include far more people, but these are the teams with which I spend the most time (or am most familiar with). GFMC, you are blessed to have the outstanding servants in your lives. I hope you'll join me in thanking them for their gifts.