Don, the oldest member of...
Illustration
Don, the oldest member of the church council, slammed his fists on the table one hot
summer's night during a meeting and declared, "This church is not growing. In fact, we
are losing members to that large church in the next county. As far as I am concerned, the
pastor is the coach. If the team is not winning, then we need to fire the coach! If you ask
me, the pastor needs to go out and visit the inactive members. Then things would be back
to where they use to be." Sensing a standoff between the pastor and Don, the rest of the
council sat in cold silence on this otherwise hot, humid evening and listened. The pastor
got out the Ephesians 4:1-16 text and read it to the council. The pastor pointed to Paul's
job description of equipping and building up the saint. Then the pastor replied, "Don, do
you want to be in charge of the visitation to the inactive ministry? I would be glad to
provide classes of instruction and assistance for this ministry that possibly the Lord has
laid on your heart." With that comment, Don remained quiet for the rest of the council
meeting.
Paul reminds the church that everybody has a role in the ministry. It is not a matter of hiring a pastor, church worker, or coach to do the church's work. As summer draws to an end, this is a good time to point Christians toward their ministry in the church during the coming fall and year ahead.
Paul reminds the church that everybody has a role in the ministry. It is not a matter of hiring a pastor, church worker, or coach to do the church's work. As summer draws to an end, this is a good time to point Christians toward their ministry in the church during the coming fall and year ahead.
