focusing your ministry energy

[sonworshiper]

Good topic. Can you tell I'm enjoying being able to type on my notebook!?



I'm reminded of the concept that in small churches, there is only a small core of people that "do" everything. I've been in a larger church (larger than my present one) and the same was true there, except then, the pastor was seemingly expected to do almost everything! (from preparing communion to filling and emptying the baptismal tank!)



Now we're in a smaller church, smaller church family, but we have different people doing the "things" or "services" that keep a church running. Personally I "do" several things--not because I'm full of myself, but because I've been asked to fill the roles I am in, and my giftings happen to fall in these areas. I am not feeling overwhelmed or that I am "doing" too much in our church. As I said before, there are several people doing different jobs, no one person.



In life though, often it seems that Christians can become overworked, over "used", and overwhelmed. I was at a women's retreat last spring where we listened to / watched the video by Andy Stanley "Discovering God's Will". It was an awesome series! Our home group is now doing it and enjoying it. During the final (I think) discussion, Andy Stanley talks about Nehemiah and a great truth that we as Christians need to learn--to say "no". He tells about Nehemiah building the walls, and Sanballat trying to get him to stop. . .Sanballat sends his men to get Nehemiah to come and see him, because Sanballat needs to talk with him. Point being that Nehemiah knew he was doing something important for God and that Sanballat was basically just trying to get him to stop it. Nehemiah answered, "I am doing a great thing and I cannot come down". What a great concept.



(The following rant is not being prideful, but being said to make a point)



I am a great cook. I can cook for 150 people (with proper means) and not break a sweat. I can sing. I can lead worship. I can speak. I am very organized. I am a good secretary. I can work on computers. I can do tons of stuff. Does NOT mean I should.



Since hearing that video and the point that "I am doing a great thing and I cannot come down", I have backed out of a few things. I no longer cook at camp. I no longer am on a committee for hockey camp (7 years of doing that). I am doing a great thing--being involved in our church family. Not to say that I'm super busy and going crazy with that. But as far as ministry goes, my church family is it, after my family and home.



Sorry for ranting for so long. Great topic. Brings out the chatty in me.



Blessings!



Moe.

:crooner: