Teaming up for faithful service, knowing well who we are

“As we serve churches, we are a team that supports other teams of people, congregations, elders and pastors, all of them partners in this work.”

I was privileged recently to hear some heartwarming comments and appreciation from a church elder in a congregation we have served since the mid-1960s. What a blessing that we have partnered with them for so long.

He spoke of the whole experience with CIF as being seamless, and gave shout-outs to each of our staff members who served them in some way. We all love kudos like this, but as a CEO, I was especially touched by the way these comments reflected on our work as a team, a group of people who have committed themselves to our mission of Kingdom expansion.

As I thought more about this, I was reminded that as we serve churches, we are a team that supports other teams of people, congregations, elders and pastors, all of them partners in this work. My job is to help our team to be cohesive, productive and passionate about our mission. How can I help them to be more effective?

Since our team is relatively small, I also play a role as a “working manager” of sorts which I’m passionate about. I still get many chances to be in the arena, so to speak, talking to churches and individuals, serving them and spreading the word about CIF.

My work history has been immersed in CIF’s mission, as I’ll reach 18 years with Christian Investors this year. I was not here from the start, but others mentored me, passing on the traditions, practices and wisdom that shaped who we were and who we would become. These past leaders shared our mission and helped to advance God’s Kingdom, as did others on our team.

Reminders … they matter. But in the world of ministry, what do they remind us of? Many stretch back to fruitful relationships – connections between people to accomplish some task, an ideal, a vision.

To be a CEO is, in part, to be a visionary. I was fortunate to talk about that in a previous column. If you missed it, I’d encourage you to check it out when you can.

A big part of anyone’s success depends on motivation. Part of what drives ours are the “God sightings” we see most every day.

Knowledge and skills can be taught and even mastered, but faith is a spiritual matter and grows over time. My challenges may be different than yours, but I know that God is still faithful.

We must be faithful, as well. CIF is not a church, but we know churches and related ministries inside and out. We major in ministry and can speak to the organizational and planning aspects of each congregation, sharing our experience and making recommendations. We love it when churches stay in touch.

Thanks to everyone who has embarked on this journey with us, and welcome to those who are new and learning more about who we are. We look forward to what God has in store for us together!

It is truly a blessing to be able to serve the financial needs of so many churches, related ministries and individuals. To God be the glory!