Resource Connect - It Takes All Kinds
When I was in elementary school, I made a cross-stitch for my father. It had seven little people made of different size/color rectangles and read, “It Takes All Kinds.” That picture came to mind as I reflected on the Resource Connect conference recently held in Birmingham, AL. When one thinks of campus ministry, thoughts understandably go straight to the staff on campus. But this conference was filled with people involved in another vital aspect of ministry, one that tends to be out of sight: people from the office. Campus Outreach rightly calls these the Resource Staff.
Each person I met shared how they used their unique gifts from an office to further the kingdom of God. There were graphic designers, communications managers, financial directors, and event planning coordinators — some so introverted that telling me what they did was exhausting! But their particular glory is needed and a blessing to so many —“It Takes All Kinds!”
CO SERVE staff were able to play a role in the conference. Aaron Webb shared practical ways to connect with partners, and the MarComm department shared some of their practices for organizing and tracking communication projects. International staff shared pictures, told about their jobs, and shared how God is at work. These Resource Staff gathered to be encouraged, receive training, and connect with each other. God used each presentation and collaboration opportunity to build vision and remind these vital workers of their role in the bigger picture.
Investing in these 75 resource staff members serving 21 regions affects hundreds of lives. Time spent buying plane tickets for CCP, securing lodging for summer projects, and balancing the books is time the campus staff can use to share the gospel in the dorms. The tools created supply Bible studies and discipleship materials for sports teams, sororities, and more. As Resource Staff use their gifts, they enable campus staff to use their gifts effectively and efficiently —“It Takes All Kinds!”
“...each of the parts working properly so that the Body can be built up in love.” Ephesians 4:16
Bonus: In 1978, Tom Caradine and Curtis Tanner had help from Allison Spurrier behind a desk as they set out to reach college students and build laborers on the campus for the lost world. We have come a long way!