A question that depends on the day.

As a Christian I could say ‘Jesus’ – the obvious choice, but that seems a bit like cheating. Or my mom, because of course she is.

But today I choose someone that surprises me.

My boss.

Full disclosure: My boss is a pastor. And anyone who knows my history and my strong opinions about how churches have been turned into marketplaces and corporations are probably surprised by this. Let me explain.

In late 2024 I was overwhelmed in a non-profit finance job which required rigorous reporting to governmental funders. I was tasked to implement an advanced accounting system, as well as transfer over the payroll to an online model – it never occurred to me I’d be doing it alone. Never one to bow to a challenge, I rallied, met with software engineers, provided reports and completed BOTH implementation processes. It was a lot. But to my immediate supervisor it still wasn’t enough. I could get into the leadership structure of that organization and how all work flowed downward, but I’ll try to stay away from being petty. That’s a whole different post. Needless to say I started to look for a new job.

Mid-December of 2025 I did something out of character and called the HR company listing a job for a bookkeeper at a local church/outreach center. (I must have been desperate because at that point I was kind of done with church. Not with Jesus, never with Jesus.) The job had been listed on the internet for several months and despite putting my resume in I received no call back. I decided to be brave and reach out personally. Mentioning I grew up in the church and had familiarity with how church systems worked, the HR representative I spoke to was gracious and agreed I’d be a good fit, but I’d have to meet with the hiring committee: the board treasurer and the lead pastor.

Interview went well. Got the job. (I could get into first impressions of the job, the facilities and the lead pastor – but again, another post for another day.)

2026 dawned with a new job, new systems and a new boss I had to adapt to.

Coming from governmental processes the work was never going to be a problem. The distrust of leadership was. I fully admit I did NOT walk in without preconceived ideas of pastoral leadership. Everything seemed great, but I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.

To give a frame of reference my workplace isn’t just a church – it’s an urban campus in a mid-sized city with a large meeting facility which is used for services as well as rented for events. In addition, the congregation (staff and volunteers) run a center for the unhoused. A cafe with light meals. Shower facilities. Laundry services. Social workers are provided offices to help those with specific issues that relate to their needs: mental health, addiction help, housing placement and many other services to help the poor of our community. (You know – like Jesus told us to!)

With a chip on my shoulder and doubt in my heart I watched my boss work. I watched him meet one on one with individuals most would turn away from. I watched him take time to listen to concerns from staff. I watched him encourage people to serve as Jesus did. I watched him clean sidewalks and take out garbage. Plainly, I watched him metaphorically “wash the feet” of all who came to our center/church.

One specific incident stuck with me. One of the social workers expressed concern over a single mother being evicted from her home due to something out of her control. My boss jumped into action and called the landlord, remediated the issue and gave the mom time to get help for her issue. He didn’t ask questions, he simply acted.

It was about this time that I realized, while not perfect, my boss wasn’t what I’ve ever experienced. There was no branding. No performance. No positioning. He was doing everything in his power to be like Christ. Now some people might say he has a specific gifting to do what he does and to a certain extent I agree.

But you can’t fake humility.

And that’s what it is – my boss is humble. It’s not an act. He is humble enough to see the needs. He is gracious enough to meet everyone where they are at. He’d be the first to say he is flawed and I’m sure his wife could tell stories. Still as he lowers himself to the level of all. His behaviour has changed me. And isn’t this the call of the shepherd? To bring others alongside? I’ve been asking myself, where do I have pride? Where do I judge? How can I love like this?

Today I am most inspired by an unassuming man of God who loves without abandon. Whose character has taken my hardened heart allowed it to have hope in the church once again.