The following is something I have been carrying around with me for years and from time to time I have dusted it off and shared it with different congregations. I think this helps us keep in perspective what “church” is all about.
A Job or a Ministry – Author Unknown
Some people have a JOB in the church.
Others involve themselves in a MINISTRY.
What’s the difference?
If you are doing it just because no one else will, it’s a JOB.
If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a MINISTRY.
If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a JOB.
If you keep on serving, it’s a MINISTRY.
If you’ll do it only if it does not interfere with your other activities, it’s a JOB.
If you are committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it’s a MINISTRY.
If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a JOB.
If you stay with it even though nobody recognizes your efforts, it is a MINISTRY.
It’s hard to get excited about a JOB.
It’s almost impossible not to be excited about a MINISTRY.
If our concern is success, it’s a JOB.
If our concern is faithfulness, it’s a MINISTRY.
An average church is filled with people doing JOBS.
A great and growing church is filled with people involved in MINISTRY.
Where do we fit in?
What about us?
If God calls you to a MINISTRY, don’t treat it like a JOB.
If you have a JOB, give it up and find a MINISTRY.
God does not want us feeling stuck with a JOB,
But excited and faithful in a MINISTRY.
What excites you about First Christian Church? Yes, you are in the midst of major changes within the life of this congregation, but hopefully that is filling you with hope and not dread as you walk into the future.
As you look at this newsletter, I hope that you are able to see how active this congregation is within its own doors, as well as within the Las Cruces community and how some of the work impacts the region/conference and beyond.
One of our non-profit organizations, SO WHO, has an article informing us of some of the activities of that group. We hope to share with you in an on-going fashion how the building and land ministry on our campus is used. As one person put it recently: “Our mission is to empower these non-profit groups to fulfill their mission.” Amen!
A Mission Team has been formed and there is an article describing their efforts in another article in this newsletter. A lot is happening at First Christian Church. It is exciting. Yes, you have been blessed. Go and be a blessing in all you do and with all you meet.
Blessings,
Donna
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