"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully" (Romans 12:4-8).
I was privileged to spend a few hours yesterday with ten of the people who will be teaching in Sunday School and other areas of discipleship this fall, and it was a great joy to hear them talk about the upcoming months. They've clearly been thinking about how to approach this great task. Their love for God and for the people they lead is obvious. They're planning ahead so they can be as effective as possible. Quite a few of them know already some of the people who will be in their classes, and they recognize that each one is unique. These teachers enjoy each other, too, and look forward to serving together. All in all, I walked out pretty excited about what is coming up!
The Bible speaks very clearly in a number of places (e.g. Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4) about how each person is created for a purpose. Each one has some gifts; no one has all gifts. We are created this way on purpose, for community. Much like the fingers are really important in the human body, but the body needs much more than just fingers, the church needs all of its different parts, each in its place and functioning well. I'm enthused about the group God has prepared for us for this fall.
No comments:
Post a Comment