My brother woke up in heaven the morning of May 21, 2010 at the young earthly age of forty-eight.  Glenn was an eighth grade science teacher and coach at Derby Middle School in Kansas.  As I officiated his memorial service, I looked out over the crowd of over 750 and realized how much Glenn’s life counted for Christ.  Co-teachers and public school administrators told our family many times how much Glenn had impacted them personally.  He led a focus of prayer in faculty meetings.  He had influenced many of his colleagues and students to follow Jesus.  His involvement at First Wesleyan Church in Wichita for almost 20 years had encouraged a couple of pastors and many families in their walk with the Lord.  Glenn’s wife and four kids publicly told how he daily, consistently behaved like his Master in word, thought and deed.

When we were kids, Glenn and I were seated together at an International Wesleyan Youth Convention in Urbana, Illinois.  He was sixteen, I was  twelve.  The invitation was given to consider a Call into vocational ministry at the close of one of the rallies.  I went forward and Glenn stayed in his seat.  When I returned from the stage, Glenn was visibly upset about something.  I asked him what was wrong.  I’ll never forget what he said that night.  It actually informs  how I have dealt with folks who live and work for Jesus ever since.  “I know I’m called to be a Junior High School teacher and coach – but I guess that doesn’t count.”

Yes, God calls persons into vocational ministry.  But, don’t forget that He calls many more to serve Him in many God-honoring appointments in life.  Ministry is not just “A” and “B.”  Ministry is “A” to “Z.”  Glenn’s memorial service reminded me that we need hundreds of thousands of good, godly lay persons in The Wesleyan Church.  We need you to faithfully represent Jesus at home; serving in our churches; teaching in our classrooms; leading our groups; encouraging friends; and influencing as many as possible in the workplace.  Looking out over that crowd and reflecting on Glenn’s life also taught me a recurring lesson about living for Jesus – Your life counts.  Glenn’s did.  I pray mine does.  When you serve “as unto Christ,” it all counts for now and eternity.  It counts, my brothers and sisters – make your life count for Christ and heaven today.

Dr. Jim Dunn
Spiritual Formation

Tags: Jim Dunn, teacher to teacher

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