As I participated in the Nominating process over the past month I have really enjoyed seeing more people choosing to serve, accepting responsibilities to share their passion for various ministry interests in our church.
I am reflecting on responses of those I called personally and discussions we had over the phone. One question I have for our members – have you read the “expectations” list? You know, the “Dynamics of becoming a Prevailing Church” four-page document. Few did, many did not. I invite you today, as the Nominating Committee report is presented, pick up your copy at the foyer.
Our church leaders outlined set of values that we expect from each other. The overarching value is love, which is multifaceted. Just as Galatians 5:22-23 translates love, the fruit of the spirit, as joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
We translate love as:
• consistent integrity, living undivided lives, giving all 100%
• confident humility of lifting others up,
• compassion and heartfelt love for people in all situations,
• receiving people by listening to their story
• passion for learning, growing and developing yourself
• enjoying the experience of working together as a team
• passion for discipling all the world, all people groups
• unconditional love for those we serve,
• accepting responsibility and never blaming others
• loving God as one from whom all blessings flow, trusting in His abundance
• loving God’s Word, the Bible, totally, and being obedient to His will, living Biblically,
• loving what you do, staying long, not quitting, enduring
• being passionately in love with Jesus, as a personal Savior, and letting your life revolve around Him
As you pick up the responsibility to serve, examine your motives, as the leadership will be asking you for a commitment higher than ever, not to ourselves, or our institution, or even to the local church, but to God’s Calling, to following our Lord Jesus Christ, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Martin Luther paraphrased this last one as “purse,” as Jesus taught that our hearts follow our money.
I pray that you saying YES to serve, means YES to our values, our commitments, our purpose of becoming prevailing church.
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