Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
My husband became the pastor of a small church
in the foothills of Northern California last year.
It is a church, that has seen a decline of members over the last 9 years.
We are too close to town, yet too far away.
We live in a community that has a desire for living quiet lives.
A lot of our members have passed away. All reasons coming together for a small church.
In the past, we spent a lot of time focused on our dwindling members, and how to get the numbers up.
We realized a few months ago, we were spending too much time focused on this.
We were falling into the trap of "ME ME ME doing it for Christ"
My husband has said that
"Service with the expectation and demand of growth is not true service of the Lord. It is removing him from the throne where he belongs and placing your own ability there."
Also, it takes alot of faith to keep going with just a few members.
It is easy when there are a lot of people to share the load.
It keeps bringing you back to why we do what we do
We are called to
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” Philippians 4:4
If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.
So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
Romans 14:8
The Lord is using these things to teach our family, to refine us and cause a dependence on him
Our ministry focus at church is changing as well. We are trying for more and more simple community outreach and asking how can we touch lives in this small community. With only a few members you can not do as much as you would like. You can still serve though.
I am thankful for God's hand in our lives and the things that he reveals every day in his word.
I have felt the pressure of my own doubt, and the attacks of Satan quite a bit lately and that makes me ever more mindful of staying on the path I am walking.
We need to be ever praying, ever worshiping and ever doing for GOD.
In life, you might feel small or that your service is not important.
Set those feelings aside and be encouraged.
A kindness,
gentle answer,
meal cooked with love
or just a hot cup of coffee when someone needs it
is ALL work for the Lord.
Serve joyfully from your corner of the world and give God the glory.
That is true service for the kingdom
1 comment:
Nicely put mel. Always praying for you guys and the Oak Run Bible Church. You have done so much lately, and I'm sure it's meant a lot to everyone involved and in the community. Keep up the good work!
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