The verger made the difference
My cousin from Amstelveen
I have a cousin in Germany, one I have many fond memories of. His name is Hans Koster. Koster is his last name, and sometimes I’d call him that: ‘Koster’. As he often said: “Hey, Van Putten…” Hans isn’t just my cousin, but also a friend from when we were young. Every holiday we’d get together. I lived in Rotterdam, he in Amstelveen. That chic Amstelveen was quite an experience for us, of course.
Close to Schiphol, so every holiday we’d spend a day (or more) there. In the early sixties, we saw planes – smaller than today – landing from distant lands. When Hans visited me during Christmas or Easter holidays, we’d go to the ports of Rotterdam. We knew all the spots where the beautiful passenger ships docked. We rambled around that city quite a bit, a great time I look back on with much pleasure.
After all those years, I decided to call Hans again. He’s been living in Germany for many years now and is retired. We’ve been back in touch for a few years. Sometimes, especially in the past, I wouldn’t say ‘Hans’ but: ‘Hey Koster!’ And that brings me to the topic of the verger.
First, this
Two weeks ago, I was in Putten, at the Living Hope church. I was looking for a church that Sunday morning. In the Veluwe, where I was staying, there were plenty of options: PKN, evangelical, or something else. Plenty of choice. But then I saw that Henk Dik was speaking there, and my choice was quickly made.
I actually know Henk Dik from Rotterdam, when I was still a teenager. As a Reformed boy, I went to a large, crowded evangelical church for the first time. Henk Dik was the youth leader there. He already impressed me then as someone who lived with God and could speak His Word with authority. Now, after all these years – and after he had been a pastor in Roosendaal – I found him again in Putten, where he helped build the church. It was wonderful to see and speak to him again after all those years. The sermon he gave was also his farewell sermon. Not that he’s leaving the church, but his active speaking career is coming to an end.
And so this was his last message, at least, that’s how he announced it. What he said in this sermon really resonated with me. And I’ve now added a small piece of his exact words. It was about a verger.
The invaluable worth of the verger
With deep respect and admiration for everyone in our church who dedicates themselves heart and soul, I want to especially thank the vergers. Their contribution is invaluable. It touches me personally because I learned an important lesson from it.
It was after a service where I had spoken. I met someone, let’s call her Rosa, who enthusiastically spoke about her experience on a particular Sunday. She found it “so wonderful” and “so special.” I secretly tried to remember who she was and exactly what I had said that Sunday.
Then came the revelation that deeply moved me. Rosa said: “You know, I don’t really remember anything about the sermon. But the warm welcome from the verger, that did me so much good.” The sermon itself had escaped her, but the hospitality and friendliness of the verger had left a lasting impression.
That experience opened my eyes to the crucial role vergers play. Since then, they have captured a special place in my heart. This also applies to everyone who tirelessly serves our community. Their dedication forms the foundation of a warm and welcoming environment, and that’s a lesson I will never forget.
So far, Henk Dik.
Being the least is the greatest
In a world where success is often measured by power, status, and prestige, Jesus Christ introduces a completely different idea: being the least is the greatest in His eyes. This fundamental principle challenges our usual notions of greatness and points the way to a more meaningful life, one that extends beyond earthly standards.
The Lord Jesus gives an example in Mark 9:35-37:
“He sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’”
“Being the servant or being the least” is anything but a sign of weakness; it actually demonstrates enormous strength and deep spiritual maturity. It encompasses various aspects that together show what true discipleship entails.
Humility as a starting point
True greatness begins with humility. This means setting aside your pride and arrogance and not placing yourself above others. It is a modest attitude in which you recognize the value of everyone. Think of that seasoned professional who listens attentively to a junior colleague, is open to feedback, and is even willing to learn from that junior. This person doesn’t prioritize their own knowledge but recognizes the value of others, regardless of their experience. Or the seasoned preacher who listens to a Bible student’s first sermon and is inspired and encouraged by him.
Jesus himself was the ultimate example in this: despite his divine status, he lived as a servant, laying down his own position for humanity. The heart of ‘being the least’ is service. It’s about actively serving others, especially the vulnerable, those who are often overlooked. Jesus said:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
Completely dependent on God
‘Being the least’ also means a deep dependence on God. It is recognizing that all strength and wisdom come from God, and not from your own abilities. It is an awareness of our own limitations and a complete trust in God’s grace and guidance. Jesus emphasized the value of childlike faith. He presented children as examples of true greatness:
“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4).
Children are often innocent, dependent, and free from social differences and adult prejudices. They believe and trust unconditionally. A young child, when told by a parent that they are going to the zoo, will immediately and fully believe it and look forward to it, without doubting. This pure trust in the words of his or her parents is the essence of the childlike faith that Jesus holds up to us.
Whether you live in Germany and are my cousin, or you are a verger in the church. For everyone, you and me, these words of Jesus apply; you will certainly not become less because of them.
@wimvanputten