One of the Reasons I Love My Job

What’s on my mind? That’s easy. Yesterday was our monthly All-Staff meeting. It was pretty typical in that we laughed our heads off, clapped our hands off and some even cried their eyes out. What a string of hyperbole (as my Dad used to say to me, “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times, stop exaggerating!”). But in this case, I’m really not. Don’t take my word—ask any of the 315 Southeast employees who actually look forward to these meetings.

One of the main reasons I love my job is because I am surrounded by joyful people. We spent the first half hour of our meeting getting to know our ten interns who are with us for a year. They are a talented group serving in a variety of ways. They were great sports as they allow their Senior Minister (who used to dream of being a comedian) to poke fun and play off of their comments and even chide them into showing their hidden talents. (Jake Bream can say the alphabet backwards faster than I can say it forwards!) We learn a lot about them, but we laugh more than we learn. If you were to sneak in the back of the room, it wouldn’t feel like a “Staff Meeting.” A Comedy Club?—perhaps. A family reunion?—probably. An assortment of people who care about and encourage each other?—definitely!

We heard from a couple of staff people, reminded people of our upcoming Leadership Conference October 23, 24 (www.southeastleadership.com) and celebrated with one of our employees who received a scholarship to Sullivan University.

Then Kyle Idleman and Matt Reagan led us all in a time of worship and communion. During that time we were encouraged to set aside our “employee badges” and simply be children of God who want to worship their Father. And that’s what we did. We had communion stations throughout the room and there were pockets of people praying together. Jon McCallon (alias Johnny MAC) who does a phenomenal job with our middle schoolers took the initiative to come over and pray with me. It meant a great deal to me. That scene was duplicated in dozens of places in that room. As I glanced around, I saw tears being wiped from eyes, and genuine hugs being exchanged. It was like Friday night at church camp, only you weren’t saying good-bye to these people. You knew that you’d be talking to them in the break room the next day. We sang a couple of more songs and then it was back to “work”. But our time with others and the Lord had recharged us for another month of ministry.

Laughter, fellowship, prayer, joy, worship, tears and hugs... all of which are components that you find within a family. Maybe that’s why I enjoy serving here. Southeast isn’t paradise and working here certainly can have its challenges. We are a colossal collection of imperfect people who struggle in many ways, especially the one who leads them. But if you think about it, that’s true of any family.

After the meeting I spoke with one of our newest employees. He used to work at a TV station. I said, “What did you think of your first All Staff meeting? Was it like your previous ones?”

He smiled and replied, “Well, they had one thing in common, we also used to cry in our meetings!” Then he added, “But they were different tears.” I knew what he meant—after all he’s family now.

Dave

P.S. Be sure to check out the Video blog of my interview with Darren Walter who served on the Southeast staff for over ten years. He’s preaching just outside of Houston in Katy, Texas. I had the privilege of getting to preach at his growing church last weekend. He and Amanda, along with John and Cyndi Faust are doing well and are GREATLY loved by their flock.

Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by Dave Stone.

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