Monday, September 10, 2007
Sharing the gifts!
This morning I delivered about 75 of our back to school packets to one of our local elementary schools. After some deliberation we decided to donate some of the packets to benefit students in need at one of our closest elementary schools. It felt good to find homes for the packets that were left after our event on August 25th (remember the rain). I hope and pray that these packets will be supportive to the families that receive them. The real question that I was left with after I dropped them off, feeling good, was one that I often challenge our church with, "why, if it feels so good to do things like this, do I not make more time to do them?".
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2 comments:
It seems easier to do things, like participate in a back-to-school event, when someone else plans it and all you have to do is show up. It takes a lot of time and energy to plan ministries like that. If the same people are doing the planning all of the time then they get worn out. They especially get worn out when they have to defend their ideas all the time while people tell them all the reasons why it can't be done, or why it should be done differently. It's tiring.
I would like to see a church where everyone chooses their own ministry, they make it happen, and people support them in their ideas by enouraging them, praying for them, and even volunteering.
For example, I love Habitat for Humanity projects. I love being outside, working hard, and spending time with people I care about. Besides, all the hard work benefits a family who is most likely a first time home buyer. The smiles on their faces and the tears in their eyes when they do the home dedication is priceless. To know that you played a part in someone's happiness is so rewarding.
I'm sure that the reason I haven't organized a group to work with Habitat is the same excuse most people have -- time. I haven't made the time to do it yet. Maybe I'm just waiting for someone else to plan it so I can be a participant instead of a leader. Maybe I'm afraid people will complain and tell me all the reasons why it can't be done. Maybe I'm afraid nobody will volunteer. There are so many fears involved with taking on a leadership role like that.
Despite all of those fears, I have decided to go ahead and create my own ministries (with pastor's approval, of course). I will do them whether or not people participate or whether or not people give me "suggestions for improvement." I'll just remember not to take it personally. I'm sort of tired of waiting for other people to do it -- then it never gets done.
SMH-
I appreciate your comment for two reasons:
1. It names and claims how and why we may not be so diligent about being God's missional people. All too often things like time, judgment and apathy get in the way of what God is calling us to be about.
2. You step out with a solution. When anyone makes a decision to own a ministry it can be a rewarding as well as daunting task. The notion you present is that you are willing to move forward to the reward,doing what is pleasing in God's sight, despite knowing things like apathy, complaint and criticism may follow. Thank you for your willingness to step out in faith and help lead our church. I can't wait to hear your ideas!
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