Clarence Kopp: I'm Delighted to Have Known You

Clarence Kopp's funeral was yesterday. He served as a bishop in our denomination 1981-1993, and I worked with him that entire time. Let me make these observations about him from my own experience:

  • He would not criticize or speak ill of people. Even people who dearly deserved it. He not only believed the best in people, but I don't think he saw anything but the best. This was a huge, huge demonstration of character.
  • He always gave me a totally free hand in editing his material. Some folks have too much ego for that; they take it personally. Bishop Kopp never did. He trusted me to do my thing.
  • He brought enthusiasm and positive energy to everything. Always positive, always encouraging.
  • He was under-appreciated, to an extent. But not by me.
  • Bishop Kopp was truly pure of heart. Him and Russ Birdsall. Such people are rare. No guile, no hidden agenda, no two-facedness, no mixed motives. Folks like that are beloved by people and by God.

kopp_clarence.jpgDad, who served under Clarence Kopp (as bishop of the West District), says Bishop Kopp always brought him something worthwhile--an idea, an insight, something he had read or come across. I've heard Dad say that for many years. He said it again last week.

For a few years, while pastoring the church I now attend in Fort Wayne, Ind., Dad had then-former Bishop Kopp as a parishioner. Initially, he wasn't too crazy about having a bishop sitting in his pews. But no problem. I've heard Dad say on various occasions, "Clarence Kopp is the best layperson I ever had."

I saw that for about three years, when I was Bishop Kopp's fellow parishioner at Anchor. He drove 40 minutes to get to church each Sunday. He was a mighty presence, yet never one to put himself forward. Always encouraging to others. Pastor Tim said that each Sunday, upon leaving, Bishop Kopp would give Tim a Bible verse. When declining health forced him to give up Anchor in favor of a different church closer to home, it was a sad day for our church. We lost a giant of the faith.

This past week, the United Brethren denomination lost a giant of the faith. I wish more people had gotten to know him up close, the way I was privileged to. He was a man of great humility, of great wisdom, of great love. A man with a pure heart.

Posted on September 24, 2007 09:31 PM|

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