Feb 20, 2019
by Rob Appel, Executive Director
The house lights dim, the music comes up, and the curtain opens for the play to begin. On stage, the cast appears before a picturesque set. Captivating dialogue, animated movement, and an inspiring tale introduces a magical world. The play often includes original choreographed dancing, live music, vibrant colors, mixed textures and dynamic motion. This is what you as the viewer see. However, what goes on behind the scenes?
There are numerous responsibilities for the producer, the crew, and the production and technical staff. Each has specific independent duties and other tasks that they share as a team. The producer manages while the director creates. The director makes decisions based on the group’s recommendations. The producer is the right hand of the director. Their mutual respect for and understanding of each other is essential to a successful play. The show must go on!
Organization is necessary to complete all the required jobs within a specified timeframe. Like a well-planned-out play, that is where General Services comes into play at the SDB Center in Janesville. The coordinated effort of the General Services is what makes everything else work with ease. They are “behind the scenes” of the various councils and work in concert with them to make sure the ministries of the local church are being supported. The General Services are the keystone of the SDB Center and its organization must be capable of balancing all activities simultaneously. It is not glamorous or out in front receiving the applause. However, the General Services is as important to the livelihood of the overall ministry as the councils.
If the General Services is the Director in the play, the SDB Memorial Fund is the Producer. The SDB Memorial Fund has been supporting the ministries of the Conference for years! Without its support there would be many areas of ministry that just wouldn’t get done. The SDB Memorial Board has taken steps that will ensure that the work of SDBs goes beyond the day-to-day possibilities.
This arrangement has worked so well for many years and has operated “behind the scenes,” not looking to take a bow or even appear on stage. But both rely on your support through monetary gifts, wills, bequests and annuities. If you want to make a lasting legacy with the ministries of the Seventh Day Baptists, please talk to us about what possibilities there might be.
If it weren’t for our forward-thinking ancestors in 1890, we wouldn’t be having this conversation today. What legacy can you make to ensure that 130 years from now you will still be making an impact in ministry? You can remain behind the scenes and still be the star of the show!
