JUST THINKING: Those Who Serve
As I sit in our den due to the remnants of the recent snowstorm keeping us inside, I was just thinking about those who serve in the local churches. They deserve much from the members.
Prayer
No matter the size of the congregation, leading in the varied ministries of the local church requires much. Pastors, worship leaders, teachers, deacons, nursery workers, and even coordinators have a great task in properly serving the body of Christ.
In my 60 years of ministry, I have witnessed the importance and power of prayer. Whether any of those I mentioned are ever told they are the objects of prayer, it is essential that members care enough to intercede for them.
Support
Those who lead the church — pastors, worship leaders, administrators — all have varying responsibilities. It is impossible for them to always please everyone. However, everyone ought to support them as they pray for them.
When volunteers are requested to carry out some tasks, support them with a “yes” to their requests. Every born-again believer has received at least one spiritual gift. Gifts are given to be used in the work of the church. While some are gifted to be leaders, followers are gifted to cooperatively help with the work to be done.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (I Cor. 12:4-7 NIV1984).
Gratitude
Pastors and worship leaders are always “out front” in the services, but what they do “behind the scenes” few ever notice. Sunday School teachers from nursery to senior adults are not “full-time” at your church. They often have daily jobs each week, leaving them only a few evening hours to prepare their lessons or activities for their classes.
Deacons, whose tasks are to care for the membership as they assist their pastors, do many things many are unaware of. For instance, ahead of this recent heavy snow here in Arkansas, one of our deacons prepped the church driveway and parking lot with ice-melting granules to protect members from what could be injuring falls.
To some, a simple thank you seems frivolous. But to those who serve, it is most rewarding. A card, a call or a text take very little time but leave a long-lasting impact.
Encourage
“Well done!” is an encouraging phrase. It not only expresses gratitude but also encourages continued service in the Lord’s church.
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Dr. Tom Mitchell
Dr. Tom Mitchell pens a column titled, Just Thinking, in which he addresses many topics relative to the Baptist Missionary Association. His Trailblazers series provides biographies of many BMA trailblazers from the past.
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