September 2024 News - National Association of Church Facilities Managers

Strength in Service
MESSAGE FROM NACFM PRESIDENT TORY KORTHUIS

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for human masters." - Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

As maintenance professionals in the NACFM, your work is often behind the scenes. Like many of you, I say, “YES, I’m happy to keep it that way.” Yet, it is indispensable to the smooth functioning of the places where people live, work, and play. From fixing leaky faucets to repairing electrical systems, your efforts ensure that buildings are safe, comfortable, and conducive to the activities within them. I always tell people that my job is to make sure pastors are pastors and they can focus on their ministries. They are not repair or setup people.

Amid your daily tasks, it's easy to lose sight of the significance of your work. But remember, every task you undertake is an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication and faithfulness. Just as God sees and values every sparrow, He sees and values your diligent service.

Colossians 3:23 reminds us of the importance of giving our best effort in everything we do, treating our work as if we are serving the Lord Himself. This means approaching each task with enthusiasm, integrity, and excellence, regardless of whether anyone else notices or appreciates it. Your work is not just about fixing things; it's about stewardship—taking care of the resources and spaces entrusted to you by God.

When you approach your work with a mindset of serving the Lord, it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Mundane tasks become opportunities for worship, and challenges become opportunities for growth. Even in the face of difficult repairs or demanding schedules, you can find strength knowing that your efforts are part of something bigger than yourself.

So, as you go about your duties this September, remember that you serve a higher purpose. Your work matters to God, and it matters to the people whose lives are impacted by your service. Take pride in your work, knowing that you are contributing to the well-being of your community and glorifying God through your faithful service.

Every one of you matters! Don’t let anyone tell you different! God has trusted you with an amazing task to take care of his house, so do it well.

God bless!
Tory
NACFM President

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
Jason Kierce
Facility Director, Blackhawk Church, Madison, WI

Jason Kierce when asked where he grew up proudly says, “Below the Mason-Dixion Line!” The Southern identity he claims started in Atlanta, GA where he was born. Of course, he brought many of his Southern preferences with him to Wisconsin, one of the major ones being his love for barbecue and smoked meats. And another interesting Southern preference: When discussing college football, Jason energetically announces, “I bleed Crimson. Roll Tide!” (University of Alabama)

Choosing third-party vendors
Whether you need grounds maintenance, snow removal or transportation services, chances are your organization has to work with a third-party vendor. It is always a leap of faith to hire another company, especially if the people you serve will depend on that company as much as they depend on you.