Virgil Lorenz – A Fully Devoted Disciple
Memorial Service
December 9, 2006
When I reflected on the life and family of Virgil Lorenz there were several scriptures that came to my mind. For the past nine years I have served as Virgil’s pastor and believe that Virgil modeled what a fully devoted Christ follower looks like. Virgil lived as a fully devoted disciple of Jesus.
The first scripture that came to me that characterized Virgil’s life was what John the Baptizer said about Jesus: “Jesus must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 The NIV translates the verse this way, “He/Jesus must become greater, I must become less.”
Virgil was not one to step in the spotlight. If the spotlight shown on him; Virgil would quickly step out of the spotlight into the shadow. Just as John the Baptizer was willing to serve in the shadow of Jesus, so Virgil faithfully served the Lord behind the scenes. And I might say that he served with delight and joy without complaining.
Virgil took to heart the call of Jesus to discipleship in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Virgil was one who constantly prayed, “Not my will but God’s will be done.” Virgil lived a life fully devoted to God. He loved God more than the things of this world. Virgil didn’t live as if this world is all he had to live for. He put Jesus above all other priorities.
Virgil’s life characterized what John the Baptizer said, “Jesus must become greater and I must become less.”
A second passage of scripture that reminded me of Virgil is found in Acts concerning the life of Barnabas. Barnabas had the reputation of being an encourager. When other disciples of Jesus did not step forward to mentor or encourage Saul a new convert, Barnabas did. Barnabas mentored Saul who became Paul an Apostle and Barnabas was willing to step aside and let Paul become the leader of their missionary team.
Virgil was a modern day Barnabas. Like Barnabas Virgil worked behind the scenes and didn’t enjoy public praise or applause. But when Virgil did speak you wanted to listen. He spoke with words of wisdom. He had a vast knowledge of history and a student of the Bible. He read commentaries like most of us read novels. His favorite TV program was “Jeopardy.” If he would have gone on the program he would have been a winner for sure.
As an encourager Virgil used his gift of craftsmanship to provide book shelves, storage cabinets a pulpit for the church. He built the altar for the WVCC. It’s constructed in such a way that it can be removed for programs and productions. He built storage cabinets for his wife, Gay, who serves as my secretary and floor to ceiling book shelves in Pastor Dwight’s office. Virgil left his mark of craftsmanship all over the WVCC.
When ALS took Virgil’s strength away he said that one of the greatest regrets he had was having all his tools, but not having the strength to use them.
Vigil was a faithful Christian leader and a very giving person. He was a loyal bean counter (stayed after church every Sunday to help count the church offering) for 20 years.
Virgil practiced self discipline in all of his life decisions. He lived according to 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Virgil despised debt and lived without credit cards. He was an excellent steward of all that God provided for him and his family.
A third verse that came to mind is 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show yourself approved, unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” The NIV translates 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly hands the word of truth.” Virgil took to heart and put into practice 2 Timothy 2:15, he worked hard, he studied and he was diligent in his pursuit of knowledge. As a teacher Virgil correctly explained the word of truth. Colossians 1:28-29
Virgil was a man of few words but his life spoke volumes.
One of the spiritual gifts mentioned in scripture is “Teaching.” Virgil had a passion for teaching. Virgil was at his best when teaching. After being in on some of Virgil’s teaching the Bible and how the Bible is related to History I told Virgil, “I wish I had had a teacher in History like him.
Virgil was diligent in preparing to teach his classes. I often would see him at a table with papers spread all over the table working on grading papers or preparing a lesson for the next day at school.
A long time member of WVCC made this comment: “Virgil was a great teacher, he was great scholar of both world and biblical history, he was also a man who love Jesus and lived that on a daily basis, but Virgil was also a great craftsman. When there was a need for beautiful piece of woodwork in the church that needed to be made the first person that we turned to was Virgil. If you look around our sanctuary there are several examples of his handy work, no make that artistry. Other rooms of the church also have examples of that particular gift that he was able to give so freely of himself.”
Virgil had a vast knowledge of History, Culture and Scripture. He not only had a working knowledge of the Bible he applied the truths to his life. Virgil practiced what he taught. Both his children are committed Christians and his son, Glen, graduated from ATS with a Doctorate in church ministry and is serving as a church planter in Gilbert, AZ.
Virgil was at his best when teaching. Once Virgil stood up to teach he became a dynamic, alive and bold person.
A member of the church made this comment. I don’t think that I’ll ever be able to sit in that church without remembering someone from the back of the church clanging away on some pan and screaming out some salesmen lines about some fundraiser, while walking up the aisle. That person was Virgil, and that activity was Virgil’s very creative announcements at church. I’ll miss him for sure.
Virgil served faithfully on the WVCC Missions Planning Team. He was in charge of creating the banners for the front of the church and making up skits to advertise Missions events and dinners. I remember one of the skits he had kids racing down the aisle. For one of the skits he dressed up as a chef and did beat on the pan to get our attention.
Virgil would encourage all us you to be students of God’s Word. He would admonish you to apply God’s Word to your daily life. Virgil could say to you what the Apostle Peter encouraged Christians in the early church: “Follow in my steps as I follow in the steps of Jesus.” I Peter 2:21
Virgil has left a great Christian legacy. He would hope that some of his students would follow in his steps and become an excellent teacher in a Christian School. He would encourage all who have not become Christ followers to make that commitment and enjoy a life committed to being obedient to God’s will.
Prayer of commitment
