May 12, 2009
The Go-To-Guys
One criticism we hear in the church is that it’s usually a few people who seem to be doing the majority of the work. We try to infuse new blood in specific ministries, but there’s always that core group who are dependable and faithful in their areas of ministry. Sometimes these go-to folks get weary and understandably, they can even feel a little put upon. I just discovered why these guys with a servant heart are carrying a heaver burden than some of the rest of us. In the Parable of the Talents the master was displeased with the servant who buried his talent rather than at least putting it out for interest. The master ordered, “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.” “For everyone who has will be given more…"(Matt 25:28 NIV)
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Gail;
-----There is an interesting passage in I Corinthians about go-to-guys. “Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer…Give recognition to such men.” (I Cor 16:15-16, 18b) Notice that the household of Stephanas did not devote themselves to the service of the church, their devotion was to the service of the saints. But the church is the saints, isn’t it? What’s the difference? The difference is subtle. It is easier for the mind to perceive the church as an organization for the service of the saints than it is to perceive it as an organization of the saints. And it is dangerous to perceive it as an organization of the saints, because it is difficult to allow the Head of the church His organizational prerogatives when we have such a bent for organizing it ourselves. Lo, we see, think, and speak of the church as what we’ve organized through which we serve. So we fail to fully understand the hearts of the go-to-guys who never wilt in duty nor complain about burden, nor do we realize that those who do wilt and complain are perceiving their service as to the church rather than to the saints.
-----For in the church God has given special gifts to some whose hearts are then bent upon serving others who have needs. Their hearts perceive their service as helping people to stand rather than helping a church to stand. So the joy they feel is direct from the joy of those they’ve served, and it is more rejuvenating. They are the kind of folks who will think of joy, hope, godliness, goodness, kindness, gentleness, respect, honor, care, and ambition to please others when they hear mentioned church growth. They are the kind whose vision of church direction is toward their neighbor. For their fellow saint’s spiritual security and general welfare are the substance of their feelings of well being. So they serve their neighbors and are the core of the church. If rather than harnessing them we are truly subject to them, then we also will serve our neighbors and be the church.
Love you all,
Steve Corey
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