July
25, 2010
The
church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. (Book of Common Prayer, page 855.) We are all called
to ministry.
Discernment
Romans
12:3-8
I
realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense
and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has
its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of
one another. God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount
of faith we have. If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. If we can encourage others, we
should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to
others, we should do it cheerfully. (CEV)
Paul
talks of community. Then he talks about the “jobs” needed by the community—leaders (administration),
prophets (worship team), servers (service team), teachers (learning team), encouragers (fellowship team and evangelism team).
The bible says God has given each of us special gifts—not some of us, all of us. We need to pray for discernment –
the ability to recognize our special gift. God loves you. Prepare for your ministry by developing a rule of life – a
set of guidelines to strengthen you as a Christian. Maybe include - regular church attendance, financial
support of the church, and time given back to God for Bible Study, and prayer.
Something
to Consider-
If
you don’t already have a bible study group consider starting one. There are hundreds of available programs.
Discuss the possibilities with your friends and church leaders. Pick a program and a date and place to meet. Get commitments
to attend a set number of weeks depending on the length of the program.
