Resurrection has always been a church with a heart to serve the church and the world. When Fr. William and Anne Beasley replanted Resurrection in the 1980s, they printed this on the cover of the weekly bulletin:
Ministers: the congregation
It was a way to emphasize that every believer in the body of Christ is given gifts from the Holy Spirit to serve the church and the world. Every Christian ministers in the power of the Spirit.
When Jon Svensson came to Resurrection, his first time serving was on the Technical Arts Team. “I served ‘just this once’ during 2009 Holy Week All-Call and I got hooked!” he says. Jon quickly began mixing on Sunday mornings and then took over the weekly leadership responsibilities for the tech team. He then married another RezArts volunteer, Diane, who sings in the choir.
In the last 5 years, Jon has developed tech team procedures, trained new team members, and led through 4 holy weeks. He was crucial in our transition to our new Sanctuary and his organization is what helped bridge the gap when we faced unforeseen challenges in our audio installation process. He has become a crucial leader in RezArts and an incredible ministry partner and friend to me. Some of my ministry highlights in the last few years have been sitting across the table from one another at Shane’s Deli trying to untangle the latest technical arts ministry challenge.
Jon is the behind-the-scenes ministry hero of one of our most behind the scenes ministries. The Technical Arts partner so closely with the musicians and clergy who lead us into worship each Sunday. Technical artists like Jon help free those onstage to minister to the congregation and help create an atmosphere of worship for the congregation through long hours of preparation and creativity. Jon said,
“The most fulfilling moments for me while serving on Tech Arts have been the times I’ve been able to take a step back from the soundboard and just listen to and watch Rez worship.”
Jon represents just one leader and Team out of many Teams that create a space for each of us to come and meet with the Lord. Resurrection is so blessed to have so many who minister in a variety of roles and gifts—somewhere around 278 people each Sunday!
After both recently finishing graduate programs, Jon and Diane will be moving to Kansas City (where Diane’s family is from) at the end of this month. I am so excited for this next season in the Svensson’s life as a family and I am jealous of the next church God calls them to, because they are incredible leaders and servants.
Jon, I speak for RezArts, the staff and clergy, and for the church when I say thank you for all that you’ve given to love and serve Jesus through his church here at Resurrection.
Photo captions:
Jon’s first time serving on Tech Arts, Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009
The finale takedown at Glenbard West High School, December 2, 2012
The first Sunday in our new building, December 9, 2012
If you would like to find out more about our Teams or to serve on a Team at Resurrection, click here.