August 2024 News - National Association of Church Facilities Managers

Sharing a Meal!
MESSAGE FROM NACFM PRESIDENT TORY KORTHUIS

The act of sharing meals in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of community, hospitality, unity, and spiritual revelation. These attributes point to the importance of nurturing relationships, practicing inclusivity, and recognizing the deeper spiritual meanings behind everyday practices.

1. Fellowship and Community: In Acts 2:46, believers are depicted as regularly gathering for meals, fostering a sense of community and fellowship among them. These practices weren't just about satisfying physical hunger but also about nurturing spiritual bonds and support.

2. Hospitality: Hospitality was highly valued in biblical times. Abraham, for example, famously welcomed three strangers who turned out to be angels (Genesis 18:1-15). Jesus also emphasized the importance of hospitality in Luke 14:12-14, encouraging believers to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to their meals, reflecting God’s inclusive love.

3. Symbolism: Meals often carried symbolic significance in the Bible. The Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospels, where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, became the basis for the Christian sacrament of Communion or the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing the sacrificial death of Jesus and the establishment of a new covenant.

4. Unity and Equality: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 highlights the importance of the Lord’s Supper as a symbol of unity among believers. Paul instructs the Corinthian church to partake in the Lord’s Supper in a manner that promotes unity and equality, showing care and consideration for one another.

5. Teaching and Revelation: Jesus often used meals as opportunities for teaching and revelation. In Luke 24:30-31, Jesus reveals himself to his disciples after his resurrection while breaking bread with them, demonstrating his continued presence and teaching them important truths.

In conclusion, the act of sharing meals in the Bible not only nourishes the body but also enriches the soul, fostering a deep sense of community, hospitality, and unity among believers. These meals symbolize more than just sustenance; they represent inclusivity, equality, and the profound spiritual truths that Jesus imparted through simple acts of sharing food with others. I want to challenge everyone to take the time and grow your relationship with your crew, or even others in your life you feel God is asking you to reach. Just take the time and enjoy a meal together and grow your staff into a family.

God bless!

Tory
NACFM President

We are headed to Texas for our 2025 NACFM Conference. Plan now for this valuable experience of networking, education and family-friendly activities! Enjoy the discount of our Early Bird Special that ends January 31, 2024.

FEATURED MEMBER
Spencer Oliver
Facilities Director, North Metro Church, Marietta, GA

Spencer Oliver is a man of many talents in addition to his long-time career as a facilities professional. When time allows, you can find Spencer indulging in one of his favorite activities as a musician. Specifically, he plays and builds mandolins!

Have a job to fill or on the job hunt? Make sure you visit the NACFM Career website. This one-stop career resource center will help prepare you for your next opportunity or share a career opportunity.