Many pastors will tell you that they look forward to a “Business Meeting” about as much as a root canal. I know how they feel–I’ve been through some of those painful experiences. Some of the most unChristian behavior that I’ve ever seen took place during church business meetings. That’s sad!
Our annual business meeting was Sunday night and it was pure delight. Lakeway Baptist Church isn’t like every other church. Other than our annual business (which is required by law) we do not have regularly scheduled business meetings. We simply conduct business when the need for it arises.
Sunday evening we conducted our business as we normally do. You know–call to order, etc. We didn’t worry about “Robert’s Rules of Order” and we didn’t get into any heated debates. Every member was given an opportunity to speak and to vote. All was done in a very Christ-like manner. As the pastor, I am thankful for such a wonderful cooperative congregation. It’s a blessing to see people behave like “ladies” and “gentlemen”. That’s the way it should be.
As soon as we adjourned we spent a few minutes worshipping God in song. It just so happened that one of my dear friends from Lexington, Ky. was in town and he blessed our hearts in song. Hearing Bro. Okey Smith sing again brought back a lot of memories. He and Bro. Nolan Irvin provided just the music that we needed for what came next.
At the conclusion of our service and just before our “Sandwich Supper” we honored Bro. Dennis Hamlin who recently resigned as our Music Director, due to ill health, after twelve years of faithful service. It has been a wonderful experience having Bro. Dennis as our Music Director and we ask you to pray that God will restore his health.
Another special blessing that came out of our business meeting was the installation of Tim Stone as our new Music Director. It just so happens that Tim is my son. Until recently, I never dreamed that one of my sons would be a Music Director, but God has a way of surprising us. As any parent will tell you–it is a great blessing to see your children serving God.
I simply cannot imagine how any Christian would not enjoy a business meeting and evening like this. I am proud to be the pastor of a church such as this, and extremely thankful for all the many blessings God has bestowed upon us. We are looking forward to a great year and we ask that you pray for us as we seek to exalt our Wonderful Savior.
