November 2024 News - National Association of Church Facilities Managers

Honoring Service
MESSAGE FROM NACFM PRESIDENT TORY KORTHUIS

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. - John 15:13 (NIV)

November brings with it a poignant reminder of sacrifice and service, both in the context of facilities management and in the commemoration of Veterans Day. As facilities managers, you understand the essence of service as you dedicate yourselves to the care and maintenance of the spaces where people live, work, and gather together to worship. Your commitment to excellence and your willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the safety and functionality of these spaces reflect the selflessness and sacrifice that define true service.

On Veterans Day we pause to honor and express gratitude to those who have served their country with courage and sacrifice. Their dedication to protecting and defending the freedoms we hold dear is a testament to the highest form of service. In John 15:13 Jesus tells us that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for others. Veterans embody this sacrificial love, risking their lives for the sake of their fellow citizens and the ideals of freedom and justice.

As facilities managers you may not be called to lay down your lives in the same way as veterans, but your service is nonetheless significant. Every repair made, every safety measure implemented, and every decision undertaken with integrity are acts of service to those who inhabit the spaces you oversee. Your dedication to your work contributes to the well-being and comfort of others, often without fanfare or recognition.

This November let us honor both the service of veterans and the service of facilities managers. Let us express gratitude for the sacrifices made and the commitment shown whether on the battlefield or in the maintenance room. As you continue to fulfill your responsibilities with diligence and dedication, may you be reminded of the profound impact your service has on the lives of others. And may you find inspiration in the example of veterans, whose selfless devotion to duty serves as a beacon of courage and sacrifice for us all.

On Veterans Day and every day, may we strive to emulate the spirit of service and sacrifice demonstrated by those who have gone before us, knowing that in service to others we find our truest purpose and fulfillment. We have so many veterans in the NACFM organization. I want to send out a big THANK YOU! for your service and your dedication in working and leading in the care of God's house.

I love the NACFM family!!
Tory
NACFM President

Look for 2025 NACFM Virtual Roundtable dates in the coming weeks.

Members, see you in Texas for our 2025 NACFM Conference and 30th Anniversary Celebration. Plan now for valuable networking, education and family-friendly activities! Be sure to take advantage of our Early Bird Special!

Exhibitors, we invite you to join us to network in Colleyville, TX for the 2025 NACFM Conference. The 2025 NACFM Exhibit Hall will be open on Wednesday, June 11th. To download the Exhibitor Packet and for registration, click below.

FEATURED MEMBER
Caleb Vance
Facilities Manager, Fellowship Dallas Bible Church, Dallas, TX

Fellowship Dallas Bible Church is located just north of the Dallas city center. Caleb Vance, while only an FM for two years, has jumped in quickly to manage the facility needs of this growing church. The physical footprint of the church covers 125,000 sq ft.

5 Guidelines For Creating A Church Facility Use Policy

Churches have the authority to determine how their facilities are used. After all, these facilities are private property.

Let’s consider a church’s kitchen, or suppose it has a gymnasium. While churches may want to consider opening these areas of the facility to some outside groups as a way to serve the community and share the Gospel, churches by nature are not public service providers in the eyes of the law; therefore, they do not need to accept every request for facility use.