Thursday, July 17, 2014

Leaving a Godly Legacy

Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation,
he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 
Acts 13:36 

Deacon Emeritus Max Brunnemann was laid to rest yesterday. He was part Baptist Temple Church of San Antonio for the 88 years of his life. He was born in the house that six next to the church's community ministries building that bears his name.

Brunnemann was many good things: family man, decorated WWII veteran, sportsman, athlete and businessman. He, also, served Baptist Temple in many capacities over the years but his legacy is more than a list of accomplishments. He “served God's purpose in his own generation.”


His legacy is seen in his family whom he raised to love and serve the Lord. Last year, his great granddaughter, Alexis, became the fifth generation of his family to be baptized at Baptist Temple.

His legacy is seen in a new generation of church leaders that he mentored. A group that is a able to connect a rich past with a promising future.

His legacy is seen in Baptist's Temple's fourth building, which houses the gym. As chairman of the building committee he led Baptist Temple into a major building project at a time when others were moving to the north side of the city. As the neighborhood began to transition, Brunnemann was among the leaders who sought ways to reach out to the community.

 He was known as a superior administrator and consensus builder. His wisdom and love of the lost enabled him to lead the church through troubled waters as they wrestled to make a decision to start a methadone clinic and ministry to addicts. Although there were some loud voices of dissent. The church voted with a greater than ¾th majority to launch this ministry.

 In 2011 the building that once housed his father's dry goods store was renovated and named after him. The building would now house Baptist Temple's community ministries; beginning with a thrift store. 
 
Max Brunnemann served God in his own generation. We honor his memory when we serve God in ours.










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