Mrs. Kimbrough had been the custodian (sexton, to our high church brethren) at FBC, Harrisonburg for years when I became their rookie pastor.  Prior to his departure, my predecessor had arrived early, turned on the heat and lights, unlocked doors, etc.  Mrs. Kimbrough assumed this responsibility during the interim.  When I arrived she asked when she could stop arriving early for these duties.  I assured her of her great value, and our willingness to continue to pay for the extra hour of our time.  It worked great. 

J.D. Moore was the custodian at Mt. Olive in Crossett.  He was also a deacon, the Sunday School superintendent, and one of the finest and most spiritual men I’ve ever known.  Bill Moreau was the building supervisor at FBC Lake Charles, and gave direction to a crew of janitors.  He could get work out of a stump-I’ve seen him do it, and he tolerated no foolishness in the Lord’s house.  Kirby Martin supervises our building here in Little Rock, and there is no more godly or hardworking staff member of the ABSC.

Have you given any recognition to your custodian?   Gratitude is a virtue, and it is part of a pleasing personality.  Be sure that people in your congregation know who serves them in maintaining the physical dimension of the ministry.  Special recognition in a service is important, but an attitude that demonstrates thankfulness for the ministry of the custodian is even better.

Get them help.  The physical demands of the congregation can be overwhelming at times.  A custodian or janitor works hard to set up rooms, clean, repair and “fetch” things for church volunteers.  Be sure to recruit volunteers to assist the custodian when large jobs require quick work.  If assistants can be hired, do so.  If not, volunteers can minister to both the custodian and congregation in this regard.

Remind the custodian of the proper priority of his or her work.  Serving the facility is not the goal, nor is serving the congregation.  He or she serves the Lord Jesus.  Work takes its value from the One for whom it is done.  Not from salary or success.  Also, remind the custodian that the job is not to keep people from “messing up” the building, but to clean up the messes that are made. 

Finally, see to the spiritual needs of the custodian.  Include the custodian in Bible Study, encourage him or her to be in Sunday School.  Pray for him or her.  Share prayer requests with the custodian so that person can pray for you. 

One day Mrs. Kimbrough and I were moving some tables.  I asked her simply if she had ever received Christ.  She had not, but that afternoon she met the Savior.  The next Sunday, the lady who had cleaned our church for years came forward and made a profession of faith in Christ.  She had cleaned His house, now He cleansed her heart. 

By the way, Preacher, never walk by a piece of trash on church property without picking it up. This blog is posted every Friday.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it