If you’ve ever watched one of the videos I record from my office at the Ministry Center, you may have noticed a little bit of red on a sign behind me, or even the word “back.” I sometimes get questions about what’s behind me, and I thought this month was a great time to talk about the philosophy I bring to the work we do as Christians, and now to the work I do in benefits.
The story behind the sign is that my mother-in-law used to work for a company that eventually closed the store where she worked. We went to visit on one of the last days, and when stores like that close down, they sell everything, including the shelves, racks, and counters. Basically, if it’s not nailed down, they’ll sell it to you (and sometimes they will even if it’s nailed down!). They advertise this fact by posting signs like this one.
When we visited, I immediately said, “You know, I think that’s how a Christian is called to live their life.” When the store officially closed, I asked if I could get one of these signs. The answer was no, but I have such an amazing mother-in-law that she broke the rules and took one anyway! (Talk about nothing held back!)
This has hung in my office ever since, first in the local churches I served and now at the Ministry Center. It’s a daily visual reminder of how Jesus lived and how I feel God calls me to live as a Christian.
It has particular meaning in the work of benefits because, naturally, I have found there is a tendency to be conservative and hold back because we are worried about “future liabilities.” That’s a real concern. We have to act responsibly with the assets we have so that the benefits we have promised to provide to clergy, both now and into the future, can be provided.
At the same time, I want to push to hold nothing back. So we use the best modeling, forecasting, and wisdom to make sure we have what we need to provide for the future, and then I am looking for ways to hold nothing back! That means new grant initiatives, educational opportunities, a clergy care hotline, and more to come.
“What do we do next so that this sign becomes my mantra?” is a question I ask every day as we work in the Benefits Office. It’s one I won’t stop asking. If you have ideas for how we can continue to practice “nothing held back,” reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you.
Last Updated on May 31, 2026