The Power of Grace

If you’ve visited the church more than twice, you’ve surely shaken his hand. He’s probably answered one of your questions or pointed you in the direction of somebody who could. He’s the guy that cheerfully greets folks in the hallway before and after service. Of course, he’s also the guy that can often be seen hurrying through the same hallways to put out both literal and figurative fires on Wednesdays and Sundays. Yes, he’s starred in ITK (our weekly video announcements) numerous times, but Terry’s skill set extends far beyond his strong, straight-faced screen presence.

Terry Langenberg is our Executive Pastor. He leads our church’s financial stewardship efforts and is additionally tasked with managing our ornery pastoral, full-time, and part-time staffs. He works diligently to see that we are budgeting and spending both responsibly and intentionally, while simultaneously challenging us to trust the Lord to supply for the financial needs of ministry. He makes working at NBC a joy. Don’t get me wrong; he’ll have a tough talk with someone when growth and correction are needed. I can speak to that from experience. However, it should be noted that he keeps us focused on our duties by helping create a safe and healthy environment where we can thrive.

I don’t know about you, but dealing with all those numbers and different, sometimes difficult, types of people doesn’t exactly sound like my idea of fun. Yet Terry fulfills his role with a smile. While we will often tease our XP for being a risk-manager extraordinaire, we all love and value him. Why? Well, mainly because that is exactly how he makes each of us feel. He genuinely cares for each of us, as well as our families. He encourages us to work hard and rest well, reminding us of our first call to love and disciple our own families.

Additionally, Terry leads by example. He never asks us to do something that he is unwilling to do or hasn’t already done. From setting up chairs for a big event to staying around to lock-up after everyone is gone on a Sunday, he rolls up his sleeves and leads by doing, not just pointing at what needs to be done. I’ve mentioned a portion of his job description above, but there are many other things that he's picked up simply because the Lord has blessed him with a servant’s heart. He meets with numerous men in small group settings, as well as in one-on-one times of discipleship over meals. He and is wife, Monica, spend time encouraging married folks and counseling engaged couples. No one says they have to, but they love doing it.

And to refer back to that ornery staff for a moment, believe it or not we occasionally blow it; we forget things; we mishandle situations; sometimes we fail to communicate; we also ruffle the feathers of parents and leaders from time to time. And who is there with the figurative mop-bucket, ready to run damage control and work toward reconciliation? Yep, standing in support is none other than The Langenberg himself. Two VBS’s ago, a pile of unidentified poop manifested itself in the entry way to the church. Whether it was from an unknown animal, a toddler with a loosely latched diaper, or simply some staff prankster, to date none can say with certainty. What we know is there was a mess, and Terry was the first to take care of it. This is symbolic of much of his service. He’s selfless and longs to protect, nurture, and facilitate growth within the church and its members.

Now before I get carried away and talk about how he also roots for the Cardinals, therefore making him a good dude, and portray him as super-saintly or something, let me tell you why I share this today. As I often ask in my weekly blog, have you ever considered what drives a guy to live like this? I’m pretty sure it’s not the paycheck. I have no idea what Terry makes annually but I’m quite certain he has and could make much more in the secular business world. I know he could find comparable pay with far less hours worked each week, so it’s not that. I think our staff is a lot of fun, but I don’t think we are the motivation. There are a lot of tremendous people that make NBC a special place to serve, but there are always a couple that are not so pleasant and supporting. Thus, I’m going to again guess that Terry’s reason for faithfully toiling as a servant-leader is based upon something more.

Terry is Terry because of God’s grace. It is none other than the hope of the gospel that our XP is who he is today. See, before being drawn to Christ, Terry lived a hard life; he spent an extended season walking in rebellion; he vainly searched for success and fulfillment in a myriad of places and things that promised much, yet delivered little. He knows what it means to be entirely and completely reliant upon God – desperately in need of mercy and forgiveness. I’ll not share any of the details of his testimony, for I’d prefer to leave that up to Terry. I know he’d love to share with you how he has been and is being transformed by the Spirit.

In his place of deepest need, Terry found grace. Though he didn’t even know to look for Christ, he discovered that Jesus had actually sought him out. Terry experienced the loving tenderness of the Good Father and he’s never been the same. God has redeemed and restored Terry, and now he weekly displays His might through His simple, yet faithful servant. Because this change of heart would have been impossible without the Lord, Christ is exalted and glorified through each act of obedience.

One last story before we close… So, from the encouragement of Terry, my family and I took a few days last week to get away for vacation. This meant that I would have to be gone on a Sunday. I asked Terry if he would mind teaching my morning bible study for me, to which he excitedly obliged. Not until yesterday morning did I realize that Terry and Monica had agreed to teach our high school group on his birthday. Now, maybe it’s because he’s so old that at his age it is better to pretend that birthdays don’t happen – I don’t know, but most people would have declined. Heck, most people would have been more thoughtful than myself and they wouldn’t have even asked. But, I did and he jumped on the opportunity. When I spoke with Terry last night, he told me that things went great – he and Monica, “had a blast!”

That speaks to the kind of guy he is, but more importantly, it magnifies the kind of God that is working within him. The power of grace is something to behold! Grace transforms; it compels; it is easily observed; and oh, how it ought to be longed for. Terry, this blog doesn’t mean that you cease to be the office fun-sucker. That shoe will more than likely always fit you best. However, it does mean that I love and appreciate you, and I believe our body is blessed by the ways you faithful give and serve. May Christ be magnified in each of us, as we reflect and respond to the power of God’s grace. Oh yeah, and a happy belated birthday to The Langenberg!

Matt Fowler
Associate Pastor of Missions & Students
matt@nbchurch.info
@fattmowler