There's an undeniable truth about our churches: they thrive when people get involved, and they struggle – even die – when they don't. It's a simple, yet profound, reality. The vibrancy, the reach, the very lifeblood of a church community isn't solely dependent on the pastor or the staff. It's dependent on us.
When we choose to step up, to serve, to invest our time, talents, and resources, something incredible happens. The outreach programs touch more lives, the worship experience is richer, and the community feels genuinely connected. This isn't just about "doing stuff"; it's about being the hands and feet of Christ, actively participating in His work on earth.
Every member has a part to play, and when one part is missing or disengaged, the whole body suffers. Your unique gifts and presence are not just wanted; they are essential.
1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Conversely, when people opt for the sidelines, when engagement dwindles, the impact is tangible. Ministries shrink, burdens fall disproportionately on a few, and the collective spirit can wane. The frustration among those who are deeply committed becomes evident, as they see the potential of what could be, slowly dimming because of a lack of participation. It's a challenging cycle, and one that ultimately impacts the church's ability to fulfill its divine purpose, which is to make disciples and spread the good news.
So, I have to ask: what kind of person are you in your church community? Are you a builder, actively contributing to its health and growth? Or are you a bystander, observing from a distance? The future of our churches rests on the answer.
We are called to stir one another up to love and good works, to encourage and support each other.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
This isn’t a passive invitation; it's an active call to participate in something far greater than ourselves. When we align our priorities with God's will and commit to our faith foundation, involvement naturally follows. It's a continuous process of self-reflection and openness to God's guidance, leading us to discover where we are uniquely gifted to serve
.
Each of us has a vital function, and when we withhold our participation, a crucial part of the body's function is lost.
Romans 12:4-8 NIV [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (emphasis mine)
Let's choose to be builders. Let's invest ourselves wholeheartedly, knowing that our involvement truly makes a difference. Let's ensure our churches don't just survive, but truly flourish, fulfilling the Great Commission with passion and purpose. This mission requires all hands on deck.
Matthew 28:18-20 NIV [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
When we choose to step up, to serve, to invest our time, talents, and resources, something incredible happens. The outreach programs touch more lives, the worship experience is richer, and the community feels genuinely connected. This isn't just about "doing stuff"; it's about being the hands and feet of Christ, actively participating in His work on earth.
Every member has a part to play, and when one part is missing or disengaged, the whole body suffers. Your unique gifts and presence are not just wanted; they are essential.
1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Conversely, when people opt for the sidelines, when engagement dwindles, the impact is tangible. Ministries shrink, burdens fall disproportionately on a few, and the collective spirit can wane. The frustration among those who are deeply committed becomes evident, as they see the potential of what could be, slowly dimming because of a lack of participation. It's a challenging cycle, and one that ultimately impacts the church's ability to fulfill its divine purpose, which is to make disciples and spread the good news.
So, I have to ask: what kind of person are you in your church community? Are you a builder, actively contributing to its health and growth? Or are you a bystander, observing from a distance? The future of our churches rests on the answer.
We are called to stir one another up to love and good works, to encourage and support each other.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
This isn’t a passive invitation; it's an active call to participate in something far greater than ourselves. When we align our priorities with God's will and commit to our faith foundation, involvement naturally follows. It's a continuous process of self-reflection and openness to God's guidance, leading us to discover where we are uniquely gifted to serve
.
Each of us has a vital function, and when we withhold our participation, a crucial part of the body's function is lost.
Romans 12:4-8 NIV [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (emphasis mine)
Let's choose to be builders. Let's invest ourselves wholeheartedly, knowing that our involvement truly makes a difference. Let's ensure our churches don't just survive, but truly flourish, fulfilling the Great Commission with passion and purpose. This mission requires all hands on deck.
Matthew 28:18-20 NIV [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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