Monday, March 15, 2021
A Norvell Note for March 15, 2021
Vol. 23 No. 11
C. Bruce White
1939-2021
The first time I saw that name was on a 3 X 5 index card tacked on a bulletin board in the Administration Building at Harding Grad School in 1975. The typed note read something like: The 7th Street Church of Christ in Columbus, Mississippi, is searching for an Associate Minister. Contact C. Bruce White. I called, I was hired, and a few weeks later, I loaded all my earthly possessions in my red VW and moved to Columbus, Mississippi.
Bruce was the pulpit minister, and I learned that the Associate Minister's role was to work with the youth and do anything Bruce did not want to do. In January of 1976, Kim and I were married, moved into the house that the church had for us that had lovely yellow, green and brown shag carpet, and had no idea what we were doing. C. Bruce and Judy loved us, encouraged, and patiently introduced us to life in the ministry. Bruce suggested I begin writing a weekly article for our church bulletin which we entitled, A Norvell Note.
Bruce and I shared a weekly drive to Memphis and back for classes at Harding Grad School. During those adventurous trips, we discussed the work, how to deal with church leaders and difficult members, and listened to every song the Statler Brothers ever sang, shared frustrations, planned strategy, and laughed. Oh man, did we laugh!
Since our meeting in 1975, C. Bruce has been a fountain of wisdom, a wealth of knowledge, and consistent source of encouragement. Through the years, in times of frustration and confusion, a phone call or face-to-face visit with C. Bruce helped me gain a new perspective, evaluate my priorities, and restore my desire to fulfill my calling.
The most stress I experienced as the Associate Minister was when Bruce informed me that he would be away on a particular Sunday and would need to preach. I had no idea how to prepare and preach a sermon. Listening to C. Bruce preach through the book of Acts inspired me to learn more and further my education.
When I accepted my first preaching assignment, I asked Bruce for advice. His simple answer has guided me throughout all my years of ministry: "Just love the people."
My life is richer and fuller because of my relationship with C. Bruce. I am a better minister, teacher, preacher, mentor, and friend, in part because of Bruce. C. Bruce loved God, his family, the churches where he preached, and he loved me. I will miss him, but I rejoice that he is finally home where he always longed to be. Well done, and rest well, my friend.
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