Prior Editions
June 29, 2005
The
Discipleship Adventure – Called
by God to Serve Others
For the fourth week in a row I want to talk
with you about the Discipleship Adventure. It is an adventure that focuses
the church on becoming more like Christ and having an impact in God's
world. We are called to give ourselves wholly to God and then to give
ourselves without reservation to those who are in need.
Today we want to talk about God's specific
calling to His people to live a life of service. At the outset we must
understand that God has gifted each of His children with specific and
meaningful gifts. Each member of the Body has a unique role to play in the
continued health, vitality, and growth of the Church. Without your
specific gifts and your particular presence the entire Kingdom of God
suffers loss. No one has been exempted; all God's children have been
blessed and gifted to fulfill this calling.
1 Corinthians 12:4-5 says, "There are
a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit, and a variety of services all for
the same Lord." This is an important point. The God-given gifts we
possess are not for our own benefit, but for the benefit of the Kingdom of
God through the Church. As we exercise the gifts of service we continue to
develop and connect our faith to the "real life" events around
us. The inward change begun in us through Worship, Fellowship and
Discipleship is manifested through outward expressions of caring and
humble service.
Worship, Fellowship, and Discipleship focus
us on being. Service begins to focus us on doing. We're now beginning to
see the circle close. As we move through this Discipleship Adventure we
become not just hearers of the Word, but also doers. We understand that
the inward change of our hearts must be reflected by an outward change in
our love and service towards others. An important part of becoming more
like Christ is serving as He served and caring for those whom he cared
for.
Perhaps it's no mistake that I'm at camp
the week you're reading this. In one sense, camp is about evangelism. God
willing, by the end of the week I'll have the chance to lead one of these
young people to saving faith in Christ. But in another very real sense
camp is about service. As a volunteer I'm there to support and serve my
brother, Bill Herche and his staff. I'm also there to encourage and
strengthen the summer staff in their ministries. As a pastor I'm there to
minister to Christian kids who return to camp each year hoping to learn
more about joining Jesus in this Adventure.
How are you acting out your call to
faithful service in our church? Are you willing to teach Sunday school?
Are you able to help in the nursery? Can you come help set-up or take down
our worship area? Can you lead a Bible Study? Start a small group? Is
there a spot for you on the Servant's List? What kind of service is God
calling you to? Without the willingness to serve God by serving others,
our faith in Christ is nothing more than a clanging gong or a clinking
cymbal.
Godspeed,
Pastor John
Next: The Ongoing Adventure - Putting It
All Together
Mid-Week
Musings
An
Occasional bulletin from Christ United Methodist Church