Monday, September 14, 2009

Grow Up Mondays



Help shoulder the load of responsibility — Pastors and leaders of the church often feel much like Moses did when Israel fought with Amelek. Their arms become weary under the weight of so many responsibilities, and they need brothers and sisters to stand beside them, and help distribute the load. "But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun" (Ex. 17:12).

The Lord never intended for the whole ministry of the church to be carried solely by the pastor, or a mere handful of people. It's said that 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people, and sadly, this has caused the "burnout" of its many outstanding workers. If everyone would simply pitch in and do their fair share in helping, serving, and giving, all the needs would be met and no one would be overburdened. Be willing to volunteer with whatever needs done, and don't be finicky about what you will, or will not do. Do as the scripture says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might..." (Ecl. 9:10). And don't help out just for strokes of attention, but do it for God's glory.


A church is like any other organization with human resources. No one ever starts out at the top. Everyone knows that we have to start at the "entry level." But if a believer continues to grow strong in Christian character, and proves faithful and responsible to the basic tasks given to them in the church, they will likely be promoted to greater responsibility and ministry. "He who is faithful in what is least, is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least, is unjust also in much" (Luke 16:10).

20 comments:

April said...

Yet another great lesson and reminder!

Joyfulsister said...

Amen Sis,
How true this post is for such a time as this, I notice the complainers are the exact ones who are not trying to help. The whole body is needed as it's written in the bible, yet sad there still only those faithful few. I say Rise up oh members of God's kingdom and work togtehr in unity.

Luv ya Lorie

Rebecca said...

As a pastor's wife, I can tell you what an encouragement this will be to any and ALL pastors!

genejosh said...

What you're sharing Denise is such an eye-opener to me and let me check how I helped my church..God bless you...

I have awards for you here: http://www.genejostory.com/2009/09/its-raining-awards.html

Mama of 4 Blessings said...

Reminds me of the following verses,
2 Corinthians 6:3-4 Life App Bible
We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry. (4) In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.

Also, 2 Timothy 4:5
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you.

God Bless

Gretchen said...

So true. And if you're burned out on one ministry, pray for another to fill your heart and purposes. Great reminder.

Tana said...

I love that post. Thank you for reminding me that we are His body!

Pilar said...

The ministry would be so much easier if everyone in the church would take it up as their responsability. Thing post you shared.

Have a blessed day!

christy rose said...

Wow! What an amazing church we would be if everyone stepped up and let God empower them in whatever way was needed to minister to the local communities of people that we live in and worldwide too! Great post
Christy

rcubes said...

Great reminder here that as a church, we really must come in unity to serve our Lord. Everyone has to share whatever talent the Lord gave.Blessings.

grace said...

MISS YOUR COMMENTS ON MY BLOGS.GOD BLESS.

Daphine said...

Amen! So very true!!

weezie said...

This reminds me of a book I have just read. "So you don't want to go to church anymore". If you haven't read it, I would strongly suggest it. Anyone who works in the church, whatever the capacity needs to read this book. It will change your life!

Love ya!

Samantha said...

Amen.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder.
God bless you dear Denise.

Sarah said...

Powerful warrior,

Thank you sweet friend for your mighty prayers for our family as we transition to the US. God is opening doors for new ministry ... I'll share more soon.

Equipping a generation to reach the nations,
Sarah Dawn

Grace said...

I am bless on this one, Denise. Thanks for sharing this to us. :)

Denise said...

hello dear Denise......... Hope you are well and I am trying to get back out into the blog world..... I bet you are getting excited about the retreat! Praying that it is a wonderful time with the Lord.......

Peggy said...

Blessings Denise, Another great lesson of wisdom and how very true each word! AMEN sis...you keep preaching the Truth! Thank you for speaking on behalf the the pastors & their wives & the overburdened volunteers! May we never grow weary but see many pitch in and serve together as the Body should be doing!

Cathy said...

How true that is, Denise.

Pam D said...

A ton of comments on this one, Denise, because we've all experienced it. In today's world, unfortunately it's that way everywhere. Whether it's volunteering or paid workers, about 1/5 do 4/5's of the work, and 1/5 do 4/5's of the complaining. The other 3/5's just sit and watch, like spectators at a tennis match. Preach it, because the ones sitting down are missing SO much joy!