People Matter—Super Cool Person of the Week

Sep 30, 2005

I heard a comment by Maxwell once that I have never forgotten, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” In my nearly six years serving NewSpring as senior pastor that comment proves to be more and more true.

NewSpring is a dream come true—not my dream, God’s dream. Please understand that my love for the church is NOT something that was always inside of me just wanting to come out. I hated church, it was boring…I NEVER wanted to go…but now—I can’t wait for Sunday’s. Trust me—that is a modern day miracle.

But what is amazing is that God keeps on surrounding me with talented people who are in love with Jesus, love people…and love the church. (Those three things are a must for any staff member at NewSpring!) And because of His grace in allowing these people to partner with me, incredible things are happening for His kingdom.

Which leads me to the Super Cool Person of the Week…

People matter—churches need to understand that if we are going to fulfill the Great Commission. (It wasn’t the “Great Suggestion!”) People are never an interruption of the work, they are the purpose of it. God has called us to reach people—period.

One of the most awesome people on our church staff at really reaching out to people is Miss Karla Temples. She serves as our volunteer coordinator and is INCREDIBLE at what she does. I have sat back and watched many times as volunteers check in on Sunday morning…Karla knows them by name, knows their children, knows what’s going on in their lives—will ask them about “how things are going at work.” She’s amazing!

And what I see on Sunday’s is not an act—she isn’t doing it to try to impress anyone—she REALLY cares. I know this because I see how hard she works during the week—making calls, checking on people—wow, the love of Jesus pours out of this woman…and the volunteers of our church are the recipients.

And one more thing…every Sunday…I mean EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY Karla has her game face on. I have never seen her in a sour, self pitying mood when I arrive…she is out in the halls, meeting people. Heck, I have even been challenged by her many times. You know, I am showing up, my mind going in a hundred different directions, still trying to wake up…and there she is with a smile on her face—greeting people and making them feel special…and I am reminded that I should be doing that as well.

One more thing…Karla also serves as a “fashion consultant” for me. She will make comments on, “that shirt looks nice,” or, “the next time you wear that shirt—wear different pants with it.” Every pastor needs a fashion consultant…some more than others!!! Can I just say two words that come in my mind when I think of most pastors? BAD HAIR!

Sorry…I digressed!

Karla, you rock—thanks for all you do at NewSpring…the church is growing and God’s kingdom is advancing as a result of all that you do!