learning to lead (#5)

If you had asked me in high school if I knew how to be a leader, I would have told you 'of course I do'.  During college, the same thing.  And in my serving at my previous two churches, I would have also thought I knew how to lead.  But little did I know then who God was sending my way to continue forming me into who I am today.

Just shy of two years ago I made the transition from New Hope UMC to Maple Springs UMC.  When I began looking for a new position I told myself that I wasn't just looking for a new job, I was looking for pastors who could lead me because I knew I still had some learning to do.  And honestly, as soon as I vocalized what I thought I needed, God provided.  He opened a door wide open.

Joe, Bev, me and Jeff celebrating Jenn and Jerry on their big day!

Bev and Jeff Coppley amaze me everyday.  I seriously learn something from them each day I serve with them.   They push me to do what needs to be done for the Kingdom.  They don't allow me, or anyone else on our staff, to settle.  And when you are with them, they always make you think outside of the box, never inside of it.

One of the biggest blessings of working with the Coppleys is the sense of family felt among our staff.  We support each other in our work and in our personal lives.  We celebrate life together and we are there for each other when times get tough.  They model the kind of community Jesus would want us all to be a part of.

Doing life together at a Wake Forest basketball game! Go Deacs!

They offer different gifts to our church and to our community-I always joke that if I want to hear it straight I go to Bev and then after I've left I go down the hall to Jeff to get my 'atta girl'.   However, I think the strongest gift that they both offer is their leadership.  They seek the Lord's guidance and follow what they hear.  Despite the fact that they've been in ministry for over 20 years, they continue to learn.  They are both highly involved in various learning groups and they push our church to do the same.

Bev, Corey and I eating lunch and meeting some football players.

Jeff and I at last year's pumpkin unloading!

The amount they have shaped me in just 2 years shocks me.  But this has taught me that we are never done being shaped, we are constantly be formed by the one who created us.  He sends people into our lives at various times to help with some 'pruning' so that we can continue to bear fruit for His Kingdom.

Bev and Jeff- thank you for modeling for me and for our church what it looks like to be a Christian leader.  I will never be able to put into words how much you two mean to me and how much I appreciate all you've taught me.  I ask that you continue to 'prune' and 'push' me in this next decade!