Reflections On My Last Conversation With David Mainse (1936–2017)

The last conversation I had with David Mainse was over dinner after a family funeral. (My parents have worked with David since they attended college with him and his wife, Norma Jean. And my sister Karen married into David's family). After bustling about the room and catching up with friends and family members, he and I ended up at a table next to each other. Most of the conversations happening around us were about the past – as they usually are at a funeral. But David had no interest in that. Instead, his eyes lit up as he talked to me about his latest ideas to share the gospel in new ways. David and I chatted about our common interest in blogging, then he talked my ear off about his upcoming projects, including building a podcasting studio in his new home in Florida, and working with students at the nearby Bible college. Although in his late 70s at the time, David's eyes lit up with childlike excitement as he giddily told me about the latest technology and its potential to break down barriers and reach people for Jesus.

September 27, 2017

by Karl Vaters

Most of the conversations happening around us were about the past – as they usually are at a funeral. But David had no interest in that. Instead, his eyes lit up as he talked to me about his latest ideas to share the gospel in new ways.

Author

Karl Vaters

Karl produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com.
He's the author of five books on church leadership, including his newest, De-Sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What's Next. His other books include The Grasshopper Myth and Small Church Essentials.
Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast,The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring in-depth interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context.
Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience. He and his wife, Shelley have three children and two grandkids.

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