All Hands on Deck
There was a time when I was not a pastor. Laila and I taught public school, or we were students. We went to church regularly. Tithed. Helped in any way possible.
One of my frustrations in some of those times as a layperson was the lack of opportunity to be involved. We would have gladly done more. We wanted to do more. No, not the pastor's job. Not preaching. Not.
We would have helped. Taught a class. Cleaned the church. Mowed the lawn. Visited the sick. But the doors did not open. We could not get them open. The mindset of the church was closed to volunteers. A few did the work. Others attended.
My time came to be a pastor. I am a pastor. Sharing Jesus is natural. Preaching is a love. Leading a seminar is exciting.
The greater challenge is not what I do with my hands and feet, but how do I lead the Body to be involved? What is my part in opening doors for others to serve? If I wanted to volunteer as a layperson, others must have the same desire. If as a layperson I found fulfillment in working for Jesus, it is reasonable to assume that others crave to be involved.
Growing up on a farm is part of me. Babies were babies. Soon as a baby was big enough to help chores were assigned---age appropriate. The idea of someone healthy sitting at the table, eating, taking up space, having a bed and just hanging out was foreign. We had no aliens in the family. All natives worked.
Folks eating of the Tree of Life and not being a part of the "garden" tend to become prideful. Not a good thing.
Folks who ambition to do their share in providing good health to the Body are happier, healthier, and more productive. There is so little time for mischief or complaining when our hearts and hands are committed to the harvest.
We are family. God keeps adding to us. We are blessed. We have committed ourselves to a huge task. We have publications, outreach ministries to the community, Bible classes, choirs, children's ministries, youth ministries, missions (worldwide), visitation in homes and hospitals, tasks of keeping the worship facilities in excellent condition, prayer, fellowship groups, printing, bookkeeping, ad infinitum.
The Task Force developed a Strategic Plan for the next five years. Our goals are clear. We have Ministry Action Teams dynamically training leaders and helping them to be meaningfully engaged as part of the team.
Here is the definitive difference. We are not interested in simply maintaining. We are ambitious to create a team and atmosphere that facilitate growth. The mandate of The Great Commission of Jesus rings in our ears. We hear the cry to battle.
My Friend, what is your part in the Kingdom work. Is it to pray? To give? To teach? To sing? To serve? To organize? To promote? To facilitate? To preach?
Jesus made you to serve. You will be happiest and most blessed when you live the life for which you were created.
Pastor Bare
2 Cor.-4:7