This is How We Work

For 28 years, she served us at Churchill Mortgage, and it was a joy to celebrate Teresa Smith's retirement from full-time work this week.  

As our Chief Experience Officer, Teresa's job was to engage our teammates and their families in events, experiences, volunteer activities, and fun. She set the tone for our culture and was unshakeable in her faith.

Here are a few things we heard said from her teammates:

“She would end our Foundation Advisory Board meetings with: "All hearts clear?" - Meaning, we don't all have to agree, but we aren't carrying strife around with us. (Thankfully, she will continue to chair this board.)

"If Churchill had a soul, it would be Teresa." ... "But don't worry, we will carry the mantle. You've been such a huge part of building a company that we've grown to love, and as long as I'm here, we're going to take care of it."

"You have shined so brightly, I have no choice but to reflect that light back out."

"But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it." (Luke 7:35)

We are called to live a life of impact. One that leaves others better for the encounter. You are capable of conducting your work in such a way that honors God and points others to Him. That's wisdom. It's not always easy and often messy. But to jump in the mud with the people around you and help them is what serving is all about. That's work that matters.  

When we realized that investing in Teresa and giving her a sales or operations role or anything with boundaries wasn't going to produce a positive return, we decided to let her loose on people. When you invest in loving on people, the return is incalculable. It goes far greater than anything else.  

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” 

This is how we work. Thank you, Teresa, for a light that shines so bright, we can't help but reflect it back.