Jay Herndon

Random Thoughts on Credential Renewals

December 19, 2006

December is a busy month for my office. It's December 19 and I haven't yet been to a single store to buy a single Christmas present! The NCN District is home to 1,462 ministers (at last count) and processing the renewals for all of these ministers can require lots of work! (Thank the Lord for my assistant, Amy, who does most of the tedious work!) Even so, it is still a lot of work.

But that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy it... as a matter of fact, I like it! I like seeing the names of all of these ministers--I am reminded about their lives, and their ministries. Some of them are young and new, with great promise and hope. Some are retired veterans, tested and filled with stories. Some, I know, are struggling. Some are unknown to me, and I wonder about their life and their ministry. Some are experiencing great blessing.  But I am filled with a sense of gratitude and awe for each one--that God would love the world so much that he would send people to these cities and churches! Each time I sit down to process the renewals I pray a prayer of blessing over the names that I see.

Sometimes, however, I have to stop and do some research on a minister--to verify their tithes, or to verify their ministry. Unfortunately this can sometimes be awkward and unpleasant. But I try to do it  respectfully, and with integrity. Ministers can help me in this regard: By making sure that they are current in their tithe, and by making sure that their ministry and ministry location is described clearly on the renewal. This would be helpful. And, with the latter, would help me to stay connected to what's happening in their lives. I would like this very much.

I view this whole process as a very important part of who we are and what we do--it's a statement about our integrity, and our commitment to fellowship. A small statement, perhaps, but important sentiments nonetheless--accountability and participation.

Jay Herndon

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