Connie Salios—A Faithful Friend

Tribute by Ron Norman

Occasionally there are those whose lives impact us more than others. For me, that person was Connie Salios. Our paths crossed as a result of God’s leading in ways that neither of us could have planned.

  • Connie planted Village Green Baptist Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where I pastored years later and Connie served on our leadership team.
  • Connie served as a director of God’s Volunteers, a ministry I was privileged to be a part of.
  • We served together on the Executive Team at the NAB International Office while Connie was director of Development and I was director of Church Growth.
  • As the architect of the NAB Foundation, Connie served as estate planner on that team during my tenure as president.
  • And to top it off, for more than six years we shared the same neighborhood, just a block apart.

Perhaps his most memorable word of counsel to me (shared several times over the years) was to always remember to say thank you. Many times I would think to myself, “What would Connie do? Or how would Connie say this?” And, oh yes, “Remember to say thank you!”

Connie put the words “thank you” into motion with every encounter, whether face to face, via email, in written communication, or over the phone. He was in touch with thousands of NABers, and seldom did this communication not include a thank you, and always with his gracious smile!

Connie’s personable approach and friendly demeanor touched everyone who ever met him. With his acute insight in the area of biblical stewardship, who will ever know the totality of his contribution in that area in the life and ministry of the NAB Conference?

“Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!” (Revelation 14:13 NLT)

Connie’s “labors” included:

  • Pastor of Ida Baptist Church – Sherman, Texas (1949–50)
  • Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church – Chicago, Illinois (1950–52)
  • Pastor of First Baptist Church – Bellwood, Illinois (1953–59)
  • Pastor of Village Green Baptist Church – Glen Ellyn, Illinois (1959–65)
  • Director of God’s Volunteers – NAB Conference (1965–69)
  • Pastor of Harbor Trinity Church – Costa Mesa, California (1969–76)
  • Associate Secretary of Stewardship/Communications – NAB Conference (1976–79)
  • Director of Development – NAB Conference (1979–86)
  • Associate Director of Estate Planning – NAB Foundation (1987–2003)
  • Estate Planner – NAB Foundation (2004–17)

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15 ESV)

Connie went home to be with his Savior at the age of 93 on Thursday, February 27, 2019, while surrounded by family and friends. He was preceded in death by Harriet, his wife of sixty-two years, and he leaves behind his four children, nine grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. Services will be held on March 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Harbor Trinity Church in Costa Mesa, California.

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