Exodus 36
Can you imagine? "The people brought so much they were constrained from bringing for what they had brought was more than enough to do all the work." (vs 7 NRSV)
But, it's not just things that people are offering. Everyone to whom the LORD has given skill use the skills they've been given to do all they can to build up the sanctuary, to do God's will. Even as sometimes (very rare occasions) the church may have to say enough - we have enough offerings for a particular fund; the church sometimes tells the people, without even realizing they are doing it, enough we don't need your skills, we don't have use for the talents that God has given us through you. It is a sad thing when we do this for it stunts the growth of the congregation, the community of saints. If God gives someone a gift, God intends for it to be used. It's been my vision for the congregation I serve to see as many (all) of the gifts of the people used. I believe that if we allowed this to happen instead of finding reasons why so and so shouldn't take on this or that effort, the church would grow both spiritually and physically. Doing this sometimes temporarily takes more time and energy on my (our) part to see it through. But, the benefits to all of God's children are worth it.
A couple examples of allowing others to use their gifts to serve from my own congregation:
Our Sunday School children help lead every last Sunday of the month at one of our services. They take up the offering, do the readings, sometimes they might do a skit for the sermon, they pray at Worship, a confirmand assists with Holy Communion and another assists the altar guild and they love it. We do not relegate our children to just helping up at our annual clean-up (picking up garbage or raking), although they do help; we allow them to serve in areas that they really want to serve in. We train them for service in many areas. They also participate in a can drive led by one of our adult members. The proceeds are donated as gifts to other children in the community through the Marine Corps League Toys 4 Tots campaign.
This same adult leader organizes an annual Toys 4 Tots Concert, with proceeds once again going to provide for local children's Christmas gifts. I am available, but not active in organizing either of these latter ventures, except donate cans, show up and pray. The pastor really doesn't have to mirco-manage everything! On October 23rd we will gather together as 10 different musical groups from all over the area will bring their gifts of songs and music, as the children bring the gifts collected through the can drive to the Marines present, and many members and visitors will bring their offerings of toys, placing them on the altar to celebrate the gifts given by and for all God's children - to celebrate and thank God for the children He has given us to care for.
These are just a few of the many ways that the congregation that I serve have empowered others to use the gifts that God has given to each of us to serve God and God's people.
As pastors and church councils throughout the world, I think sometimes it is too easy to say no to the gifts of others because frankly we're afraid it might be too much work for ourselves. God gives each of us gifts to be given for the growth and edification of the church on earth and in heaven. Do not hinder others. Let us use all of those gifts now to the glory of God.
Can you imagine? "The people brought so much they were constrained from bringing for what they had brought was more than enough to do all the work." (vs 7 NRSV)
But, it's not just things that people are offering. Everyone to whom the LORD has given skill use the skills they've been given to do all they can to build up the sanctuary, to do God's will. Even as sometimes (very rare occasions) the church may have to say enough - we have enough offerings for a particular fund; the church sometimes tells the people, without even realizing they are doing it, enough we don't need your skills, we don't have use for the talents that God has given us through you. It is a sad thing when we do this for it stunts the growth of the congregation, the community of saints. If God gives someone a gift, God intends for it to be used. It's been my vision for the congregation I serve to see as many (all) of the gifts of the people used. I believe that if we allowed this to happen instead of finding reasons why so and so shouldn't take on this or that effort, the church would grow both spiritually and physically. Doing this sometimes temporarily takes more time and energy on my (our) part to see it through. But, the benefits to all of God's children are worth it.
A couple examples of allowing others to use their gifts to serve from my own congregation:
Our Sunday School children help lead every last Sunday of the month at one of our services. They take up the offering, do the readings, sometimes they might do a skit for the sermon, they pray at Worship, a confirmand assists with Holy Communion and another assists the altar guild and they love it. We do not relegate our children to just helping up at our annual clean-up (picking up garbage or raking), although they do help; we allow them to serve in areas that they really want to serve in. We train them for service in many areas. They also participate in a can drive led by one of our adult members. The proceeds are donated as gifts to other children in the community through the Marine Corps League Toys 4 Tots campaign.
This same adult leader organizes an annual Toys 4 Tots Concert, with proceeds once again going to provide for local children's Christmas gifts. I am available, but not active in organizing either of these latter ventures, except donate cans, show up and pray. The pastor really doesn't have to mirco-manage everything! On October 23rd we will gather together as 10 different musical groups from all over the area will bring their gifts of songs and music, as the children bring the gifts collected through the can drive to the Marines present, and many members and visitors will bring their offerings of toys, placing them on the altar to celebrate the gifts given by and for all God's children - to celebrate and thank God for the children He has given us to care for.
These are just a few of the many ways that the congregation that I serve have empowered others to use the gifts that God has given to each of us to serve God and God's people.
As pastors and church councils throughout the world, I think sometimes it is too easy to say no to the gifts of others because frankly we're afraid it might be too much work for ourselves. God gives each of us gifts to be given for the growth and edification of the church on earth and in heaven. Do not hinder others. Let us use all of those gifts now to the glory of God.
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