The greatest heroes in life, the most passionate in society. The influencers in our community, are in our churches. Though many in life are involved in many endeavors and worthy projects. The heroes in our churches are those who deal in eternal values. In principles and a purpose that affects people's eternal destiny. We cannot put a price tag on the work of those Christian servants, volunteers, and workers, who give of their time. Who sacrifice to get the job done. Who take their call as important to building the kingdom of God and count it a privilege to be a teammate in the work of the Lord. Along side their pastors and or fellow servants of the Lord. Yep, you said it, the people who serve, are the greatest heroes in our churches and society. And let me tell you that, that is no mere exaggeration. It is gospel truth.1. True heroes help build the church.
Their whole purpose is to disciple people with the love of Christ. They do not see themselves as just a number. They see themselves as pertinent. As essential, as valuable, and or born for a purpose. They help build the church.
2. True heroes give of their time.
They say, time is the only thing we cannot recieve back. We can give our talents, our treasures. And since God is faithful, He rewards us and and causes bounty to flood our hearts and households. Yet time once given can never be given back to us (Except in eternity). True heroes give of their time.
3. True heroes Love God with all their heart.
They have a growing relationship with God. Sometimes we wonder if God listens to us at all. Well, He does. He knows what we need before we ask Him. Matt 6:8. What really gets God's attention is when we follow after Him. When we seek Him. Biblical history tells us when we seek after Him, run after Him. Prepare our heart to seek Him. It catches His attention and sets the atmosphere for Him to move in our life and situation.
4. True heroes love people.
They are resolved. They know where they came from. They have experienced the hardships of life and do not want others to make the same mistakes. They love poeple. They do not use people. They do not abuse people. They do not lie to people. They seek to encourage them with God's love and God's word. They are mature. They do not attempt to play the Holy Spirit. They tell people God's truth. Not what they interpret as God's truth. They are for reals. They love people and desire for them to make it in God and Christianity. 2 Tim. 1:1-12
God has called us to make a difference. We are born with a purpose. And you know, if you had seen where and how I grew up, it would surprise you. Inner city surrounding, poverty all around. Neglect and violence constantly in my part of the city. Even today, I stand amazed at God's keeping power. Many of my old acquaintances and friends are gone, buried, put away for life. I could have been just like them. Not to say I'm better. But I am taken aback by God's love. I do not deserve one thing at all. I know that. I should not be here. Alive period. Even now, I still feel a tug from God. I'm constantly asking God, 'What do you want to do?" What is it You want me to do? I'm open to You." And that's the type of people we have in our churches. They are the ones who have a champion's and a hero heart. So, since the new year is upon us, may I share with you some important details from a pastor's perspective, we can take into the new year (It's concerning ministry)? Some few helpful points to take ministry to another level in 2010?
1. Recognize the bottom line is the bottom line.
In our churches we have many nice people. They are involved and grow. Yet in ministry God has called us to be faithful. Faithful to the task. Faithful to building. And what I mean about the bottom line is, "Did the job get done?' Many, many, many, many times I hear reasons (No not Earth, Wind & Fire). Reasons of why things didn't get done and why. Yet, you, me, the team, people, our churches, will be better off, and better served, if either we did it or not. If you have been appointed to a task. Volunteered to do a ministry responsibility, then it is your job to fulfill it. Col 4:17. Could you imagine if Jesus would of came to earth, did everything He should of done, and in the middle, would of wavered and went another direction? No. He got the job done. Heb 12:2 Some weak, lazy and immature so called Christians love to shy away. They loathe talk just as this. They say, "Well, then I won't do anything. I don't want any of this on my little conscience." There are actually people who turn in their leadership or ministry badges because of this. There are even many across our nation, who go to different churches because of this. When you tell your daughter to clean the kitchen, and or your son to take out the trash, Either they did it or they didn't. Saul? Samuel told him. "What's that noise in the background? Saul said, "Well that's the things I saved." Then the hammer came down on him, do you remember in 1 Samuel? So for us, let's be people who do our best for God. Because the bottom line is the bottom line. The better, and sooner we learn this, the better off we will be. And it is like this anywhere we go.
2. Realize Discipleship is not a bad word.
We live in a world and or country where we lack closeness. Do you remember the time when houses were made with porches? We used to hang out in our porches and talk the night away or relax with family members, and eat our food. Giving the dog our leftovers. Do you remember the time when cars were made with a full seat in the front. When a husband and wife could sit side by side? What happened? Do you remember the time we could pick up the phone and say hello? Instead, now all we ever do is receive text's? We are so compartmentalized. So separated. Where church members see fellowship as an option, and not the thing God wants us to do. If you were to pass. Who in the world would take your place? I think about this daily. Hey, What if God were to call me to a different country. Who would take my place(Now in my eyes, I ain't all that. That's a fact)? Who is your disciple? Many times in our leaders meetings, I stress this over and over. Some think its a little clich'e or tactic I use. How mistaken they are. WE ARE HERE! Because of discipleship. Jesus discipled. The Early church discipled. Paul discipled. I was discipled. Are you a disciple? If your not, then no wonder you have no disciples. If you are, excellent! In this upcoming year, let's together get busier for Jesus.
3. Be committed to thoroughness.
We live, once again, in a half -hearted world. Our teenagers are not made as before. I wonder why? I think technology has something to do with it. They are stuck on it. At the expense of what is really important. Cell phones, texting, Play Stations, IPods, and so on and so on. Our past generations were hard workers. They accomplished their work. That's the way it is, with some in ministry. You tell them to make sure things get done. You go back and check up, and you realize they did the opposite, and they did it their way. Because that's how they felt it was the best thing for them to do. Then others who are pure and have open hearts see it and follow suit. And so begins a new generation who has grown crooked. You in ministry, company, corporation, business or athletic team. Must be committed to thoroughness. We want everything so fast. I've even heard of some who fry their turkeys for Thanksgiving! Instead of putting that bad boy into the oven, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting. For all good things take time. Will you be committed to thoroughness this upcoming year?
4. Refresh yourself with well balanced spiritual meals.
You see any frustrated workers lately? Oh, I have. I've seen myself in the mirror many times, over the years. You know, it's so easy to go, and go, and go, and seek to fulfill the task, and end up with the Martha Syndrome as prevalent in our churches, as the so-called Swine Flu epidemic. As a matter of fact, what happened to that faithful worker, in the past in your churches? Then somehow, slipped out the back door, and into the background of Christendom? Or the same type, who you've recieved word of their now sinful and freestyle life. Living life to their carnal gusto. How does that happen? Some here are chomping at the bits to blame churches, ministers, and insenstive Christians. Before you do. You better be careful what you say. Especially to someone as me. I've been through things I will never share with you. If I can show you my back, how many stab wounds would you see? So be very careful what you say. That out of the way, let me say what I was, before you distracted me (Just joking). They saw the ministry as more important than their spiritual life. They had the Martha Syndrome. They wanted to do a work for God, but they forgot Jesus! Then they complained about the Mary's in our churches. Listen, I, you, us, we all need to be fed spiritually. If not we'll die. We can't make it without God's word. Matt 4:4 Take the time to learn, listen, to take in. To be touched from God. To be trained in God's word. To be mentored and have a godly person speak into your life. I'm telling you the truth, it'll make a big difference in you. It'll save your life. You'll constantly have a bounce in your step, and a song in your heart. For ministry is an overflow. Overflow of God's Spirit in your life.
May 2010' be your best. You will make difference. You are called by God. He has not left you. You are not alone. You can make it in Christ. DO NOT GIVE UP! Do not go into the new year pessimistic or carrying baggage, other than your backback for combat. God has not left you. Please, take the time to pray. If there's issues you've been bothered with. Let God know about it. Even though, He already does. Then go forth in Jesus name. And together we will live for Him. For our greatest days are ahead of us. Oh, Don't forget. You are that hero in our churches.
Is there any heroes in your church. If you know of one or many, would you like to mention some of their qualities?
Posts
