December 18, 2008
Strength for Service
I once had a minister who wrote of the church, “Our resources, specifically human resources, are limited. By limited, I don’t mean that there are so few attending, rather there are so few people available to serve.” Taken literally, I think his comments paint a picture of an elderly congregation whose strength for service was limited. I have to laugh because at the time of his critique we had a thriving congregation averaging over 600 in weekly attendance. The reality was that there were few people available to serve in the manner that he wanted them to serve. Obviously not every believer has a servant spirit, but “…If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:11b NIV
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Gail;
-----It is so difficult to break free from our own perspectives. But in order to love fully we must. For the ones whom we are called upon to love also have their own perspectives. To try to love them without acknowledging their perspectives is to color outside the lines. Preachers, elders, and church leaders are called to serve their flocks in love. They also must learn to color inside the lines. And you have aptly expressed this simple principle.
-----But a second failure church leaders make is in failing to teach their flocks fully the heart of love and the new life. Preachers stand in the pulpits and preach on their pet topics, while elders find ways to institutionalize service to the Lord into programs. This is a good step towards benefiting the Lord’s kingdom. But another step less taken is consistently and persistently teaching the character of the redeemed life, then exemplifying that character by leading in goodness, kindness, and benevolence.
-----The actions of the leader who sincerely seeks to know the souls in the flock, to understand and acknowledge their perspectives, become influence. That influence becomes light in which teaching about the loving and serving ways can be more clearly seen and realized. The leaders’ acknowledgment of the gifts and personal calling of each member testifies to the benefits of sincerity and faithfulness. The actions of the flock will then begin to follow. And as you aptly expressed, the details of service in the church, even the general directions service will veer into, may surprise the preacher. Because, guess what?! Christ is the head of the church; His Word is the guidance, and His Holy Spirit is the driving force.
Love,
Steve Corey
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