I am sure that at some point during our 3 upcoming speakers, the merits of service will be mentioned, so I want to take my time to talk about an aspect of serving, that may not get mentioned…so that we can cover the most ground in our limited time this morning.
I looked up the term “serving” on Monday morning, for an official definition. There were 2. The first – the act of one who serves. Not helpful - my English teacher taught me never to use the word you are looking up to define it. Definition number 2 of serving - An individual portion or helping of food or drink. Well that’s even less helpful since its being used in an altogether different context.
So I will use my own definition – one who works or gives of their own, to benefit another in need. You might have a better definition, but that’s what I am using for the time being. With that….
I want to start off by thanking everyone who has participated and helped with our Committed to Christ series. So many people stepped up, and this program really was a lot of work. From the all the different committees of which there were many and the various work you all offered, to our speakers, and especially Steve.
Steve has done so much to make sure everything has gone as smoothly as , and I was delighted to see I how committed he was to this series. I suspect Steve will breathe a sigh of relief after today, but I hope that you feel good about everything that we have done, going beyond the 6 weeks of the actual program but in the planning stages as well. Jim was also on board immediately, offering his assistance from the moment I bought the kit back in late spring. He has been a tremendous asset from the start as well.
But all who have helped, I don’t know if you have actually stopped to think about it, but what you were doing, in your own specified area, you were working to help the church, you were serving. You understood what was being asked, you reflected upon your own talents and interests, and jumped in where needed. Can’t ask for anything more than that.
We can all serve in our own ways, and what I find interesting, is that…. we all likely have different visions of what a servant ought to be doing. I have my vision as to how I would love to see you all serve, and I am sure you have your wishes and feeling on how I should be serving the congregation, and hopefully for the most part, we see from each other embracing and fulfilling what we can realistically expect.
For example, I do my best to be transparent, when there is a need or an opportunity, we make it known, and trust someone to feel spirit led and take on what is needed. When something is asked of me, I do my best to take care of it directly or find someone better suited. That’s a realistic expectation.
Now, should those doors of communication not be opened and travelled through, that’s when the potential to get in trouble arises. If I sit in my office, looking as the serving schedule for a given week, see empty spaces, and wonder why no one is willing to serve, and I don’t say anything and express there is a need, you know what? I have no one to blame but myself, because I never said anything or actively sought assistance. I never made anyone aware, hey, we need you. That’s a me problem.
And the times I have said something during announcements, we generally get a few folks who are willing to step in and try something new, and it is great. That is how it is supposed to work.
In the same light, a pastor is viewed by default as a servant, the leadership team, same deal, and I do not believe any of us have any issue with that. A servant, again by my definition is one who works, gives of their own, to benefit another in need. We can only help those in need, when we know of the need.
I think that we are all here, to do our best to serve each other and our Lord within realistic confines of our abilities and our awareness of what is needed, and if needs are not made known or clear, that’s not the servants fault.
Look at the disciples; they needed very clear direction, sometimes on multiple occasions. It wasn’t that they were looking to disappoint their master; they didn’t always comprehend what was being asked. But once it was, they did their best, and generally got it from that point forward.
By not asking or expressing what is desired, we are limiting our capacity not only to serve other, but to receive service ourselves. But by simply saying, I need a hand, could you do this, and so forth, incredible possibilities are being shut down, never given a chance to develop. And I think this program is indicative of that. Every need we had was filled because of so many of you. I am willing to guess in some areas that never would have been filled in had you not been asked.
So what we are asking with the cards this morning….please put your name if you are comfortable and willing to serve in some area.