Readers of my book, Show Time, and members of San Clemente Presbyterian Church know all about my friends, Al and Enid. But as I write this week about the spiritual discipline of stability and the blessings of long relationships and deep Christian community, I want to tell one more story about them. It is personal, but it also offers all of us, clergy and laity alike a model of the kinds of commitments that make for a life-time of ministry and blessing.
“Tod," Al said to me one day just weeks after my arrival in San Clemente, "Enid and I are committed to helping you and Beth have both a great ministry and a great life here in San Clemente. So whatever you need just let me know. Really.” That was about the most generous offer that I had ever heard. And you know what? He meant it. When Al agreed to be on the Senior Pastor Nominating Committee that called me to the church some 7 ½ years ago, he knew that it wasn’t going to be a commitment for 9-10 months, but maybe 9-10 YEARS. When Al said yes to serving on the PNC, he and Enid were dedicating themselves to serve and support whomever God brought as the pastor of the church.
Over the years, Al and Enid have served our church in a number of ways, watched our kids many, many times so that Beth and I could have a regular date night, and provided meals, and friendship and partnership that is invaluable. They serve the church sacrificially, they love Beth, our kids, and me unwaveringly. Al is often the first person to point out when he thinks that something is not quite right in our ministry and always (always!) offers to be part of the solution and not just the problem.
Sure, this was quite a commitment for two senior citizens who had already served the church faithfully for decades, but Al and Enid understand like few lay people the demands of ministry and the tolls they could take on a family (especially with really young kids like ours). Former youth leaders at another church, Al and Enid have seen literally dozens of their ‘spiritual kids’ become pastors and missionaries all over the world.
One day, I walked into Al and Enid’s condo to find Al reading a book called How to Keep the Pastor You Love, by Jane Rubietta. I said, “Al, what could you possibly learn from a book like that? You could write that book.” Al looked at me, “Oh there is always more to learn when something as important as this is at stake.”
The truth be told, Al and Enid are just one couple among literally dozens of people at SCPC who are deeply dedicated to helping all of us have “a great ministry and a great life.” If you ask any of my executive staff, they will tell you of how many people have come along side them, joined them in ministry and cared for them personally. And it is my confidence in this community of people that allows me to promise my staff that together we will all aim to have “a great ministry and a great life.”
And frankly, I think that is worth "staying put" for.
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