The Story of the Waldrups

Meet Mrs. Jo Waldrup. She’s the wife of the late Earl Waldrup, author of “Using Visual Aids in a Church” (published in 1949).

Since Camron Ware bought this book for me, i’ve been pouring over it in amazement that something written 60 years ago could be so relevant for today. Earl NAILS it. Or as LosWhit would say, “He’s nails .” Seriously, almost everything that has been stirring in my heart (and the hearts of others, i’m finding out) concerning “visual worship” is pretty much summed up in this book. i’m using it in all the visual worship classes i’m teaching, and encouraging everyone to go buy the book . I think it’s so important to learn about and read the writings of those who have gone before us.

It has a heavy focus on the “why” . The whole book begins with “why use visual aids in a church? Each user must know the answer to this questions if he is to use visual aids effectively.” He was a leader & pioneer in church media in his own generation. And he paved the way for so many of us to do what we’re doing in church today.

I had this book out at one of the last Living Proof Live events. You should’ve seen Beth Moore’s reaction, amazed that it was written 60 years ago! One of the ladies on our event team, Michelle Hicks, saw what i was reading and said “hey, i know the Waldrup family!” NO WAY. So after some calling around, she found out that Mr. Waldrup had already passed away, but that his wife was living in Franklin, TN.

Michelle told Mrs. Waldrup about me and the others who have recently been affected by her husband’s writings, and she immediately set up a time for me to come and visit with Mrs. Waldrup. So just the other day, I got to meet her! And it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Mrs. Waldrup is 92 years old but has one of the youngest hearts i’ve encountered. She’s ornery and is a real firecracker. She was up on her feet showing me around and telling me all about Earl. We both sat in blessed unbelief that we connected on so much. Just as much as I couldn’t believe someone 60 years ago could be so “spot on”, she, too, couldn’t believe that generations later her husband’s passionate writings were being carried well and lived out all across the globe.

I’ve discovered something about myself. I love to tell stories. And I love to share my experiences with others. This is one story I can’t help but tell you. So here is a glimpse into the life and story of Earl Waldrup, as told by Mrs. Jo:

Earl had a passion for directing Christian films, when NOBODY was making Christian films. This is Earl directing a film out in California.

She later told me that Earl traveled overseas some with the Foreign Mission Board, directing films for them to use. I was stunned. If you don’t know, Nate & I work with New Tribes Mission to help direct/produce films for them to use. :-)

This is just cool. How can I get one of these plaques?

This is Earl Waldrup’s study in Franklin, TN.

A collage of pictures depicting Earl’s involvement in visual aids.

Mrs. Waldrup is one of the coolest ladies i’ve ever met. She’s my late grandmother’s age, who also was involved in visual media (that’s another blog post coming soon). This was a sign she hung up in her kitchen after Earl passed away. But she made me homemade fruit tea and sugar cookies when i came to visit. and for those of you who know me, i have an ADDICTION to Baja Burrito and their fruit tea. When she found that out, she sent me home with a whole jug of it!!

I will end on this: Mrs. Waldrup told me that two times in her life the Lord spoke clearly to her and said, “You must get out of the four walls of the church!” She is a lady who truly has lived her life as worship . Her worship is in motion like nobody’s business. The local newspaper did a feature on her not too long ago, featuring the prison ministry she’s led. When the article came out, she was 89. Now that is true “visual worship”.

If you’ve bought the book, leave a comment. I’d be curious as to how many people like me are out there that have been directly inspired by Earl Waldrup’s writings.