Perhaps I have done something rather irrational. I have recently agreed to serve a three year term as elder at my church. This is the same church that I have been mentioning here or the past year - you know - the one with the severe dysfunction and problems. The one teetering on the edge.
Maybe I should have applied for some other position. Captain of the "Titanic II" comes to mind. Starting a new car line - "The New Hybrid Fuel Edsel". Maybe a franchise selling space-heaters on a corner in Palm Springs in August. Arthur Anderson and Enron also come to mind.
When I first was asked if I might consider serving, my first thought was “should I serve as an Elder, or should I undergo some form of painful surgical procedure?” In the end, I decided to calm down, and trust what God might want to do. You may call me impulsive, if you wish. But I choose to believe that there is great hope for our church.....I have read about it being possible. Go, read.
That said, I consider service in leadership in the church an opportunity not for some form of semi-important title within the church, but rather an opportunity to, if you will, pick up my towel, and serve others. From my perspective, this is what our church needs now; those who are willing to serve. Through teaching, caring, loving other, picking up after parties, unfolding chairs, stuffing envelopes, running copiers, and maybe even......leadership. I hope I might be able to serve in this capacity.
This is my prayer. Lord, hear my prayer.
I am proud of you.
ReplyDeleteTod
The hardest thing to do is to offer ourselves in a leadership role within a church we feel is drifting... I did the very same thing at MY home church - a Presby church over in Glendale... many moons ago... in fact, I served with the now infamous George Barna! He writes books - I write blogs... such is life. Anyway, it was hard - but God worked powerfully during my 3-year term... in our church and in my heart. I know He will do the same with you. Oh, and I'll give George a call - maybe he'll wanna serve with you, too!
ReplyDeleteGod bless. The church needs people like you who will serve in tough times.
ReplyDeleteI will pray for you man as you have responded to something that will be great...
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