“Greater Things” Thursday #51: Lebanon Road

Lebanon Road’s theme for 2011 is “Greater Things.” For an introduction and video to this theme, click here. Each Thursday, we are highlighting a different area in which we are striving for Greater Things.

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Okay, so this may seem like a cop-out. You may think I have run out of ideas for these posts right at the end of the year, but that is not true. This is a post that probably should have been right at the beginning, but I saved it until near the end (yes, there is one more to go next week, but I’ve had that one lined up for a long time).

Lebanon Road is a special place. If you have gotten nothing from the 50 previous posts in this series, I hope you have seen that. We are not perfect, but this congregation is made up of wonderful people who are just seeking to do God’s will in Middle Tennessee, and anywhere else we might  have some influence. What makes it so special? Here are just a few things.

Our elders are Biblically-sound, and are always open to new ideas of ways to reach people and encourage the members. Just this past week, one of our elders resigned due to poor health, and it was truly a difficult thing. Our elders are part of the congregation, instead of some “standoffish” group. These seven men truly lead, and we pray for them often.

Our deacons work, and work hard! The elders here expect a lot from them, and our deacons come through. They lead ministries, serve in various capacities, and make sure that many details are taken care of. We are blessed currently to have 21 men serving in that role, and we are thankful for each one.

Our outreach minister, Harry Middleton, is a man who loves the lost and wants to reach as many as possible. He visits constantly, and he leads both our visitation program as well as our correspondence courses. He has traveled to many places preaching, and we are thankful for his wisdom and input, not only in the congregation at large, but also around the offices.

Our youth minister, JD Buckner, does a great job of keeping the Bible at the center of the programs and activities he plans. He is in charge of many activities, but always get input from many folks to make sure each activity is well done. Though he is married and has two kids, JD continues to work hard with the young people, balancing work with family. We are blessed to have him with us.

What can I say about our secretary, Nancy Markwood? She juggles so many things that I’m not sure how she keeps it all straight. Nancy is truly our “go-to person” for information, and she makes sure that our office work runs smoothly, so that we who preach can have the time necessary to study and do our work. It would be hard to think of anyone who could do as well as Nancy does in the role she has.

Very early on in this series, I told you something about our Bible classes, but I want to make sure to thank our Bible class teachers. With two children in the program, being married to a teacher, and being a teacher myself, I can tell you how much work goes into classes for all ages. I am amazed at how much our children learn in their classes each week. I know the work that it takes to put together a lesson each week for adults, and I’m thankful for every person who is willing to stand before a group and teach. I am far more grateful that all of our teachers make sure the class is focused upon the Bible!

Worship at Lebanon Road is special. It is special because we are worshiping God, but our worship leaders deserve a lot of credit for the clear emphasis they put into leading us in every avenue of worship. Our song leaders are truly amazing. We have so many (all with slightly different “styles), but all do a great job. They select songs that are fitting to the lesson or the occasion, and help us praise God. Those who lead prayer take that task very seriously. The ones who read Scripture have obviously practiced, so that our thoughts are able to stay with the text. It is a joy to be able to preach in the midst of men who take their roles of leadership so seriously.

And, of course, we have dozens and dozens of members who work tirelessly in other areas that never seem to get recognition. They serve on visitation teams. They grade correspondence courses. They visit hospitals, and prepare food for the sick. They send cards and emails, and they make visits and phone calls. They lead by example. They teach their children at home. They host youth devotionals and help with VBS and camp. They share their wisdom in Bible classes. They greet people–members and visitors alike–at the doors and welcome them warmly. They plan retreats. They live for Christ every day in schools, colleges, universities, and places of employment. They spend serious time in prayer. For each one, I am thankful.

It shouldn’t be hard to see why Lebanon Road is a special place, and why we have been able to achieve some truly “great things” in 2011. To God be the glory for all that we might do here.