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April 2009
May 2009
June 2009
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The Messenger
First United Methodist Church
419 S. Park Avenue
Sanford, Florida 32771
Pastor's Ponderings
Fear the LORD your God and s erve him. Deuteronomy 10:20
The church is a volunteer organization. Unfortunately during the past century, the church became “sophisticated” in its ministry, hiring a “professionally trained” minister and a paid staff to do the ministry of the church. As a result, the majority of church members became improperly trained to come to receive ministry from the paid professionals and to give just enough money so that the church can pay for these professionals and all the other amenities that come with living in today’s church world.
Consequently, the church has muddled its purpose over time and fewer people saw the relevance of paying someone to tell them how to live. You could say a cultural cynicism developed through this practice of professional ministry to the church. True discipleship in dedicated serving and giving was left to the few.
Fortunately, God has helped us to see that something has gone wrong. While Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, yet with all the church closures happening in America one would start to wonder. Could it be churches have been closing because they have not acted like churches?
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… (Ephesians 4:11 & 12)
Although in the terms of the world the pastor of a church is a paid professional, not so in terms of the scriptures. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are gifts to the church to prepare God’s people for works of service. It is God’s people who are called to minister to others, and not only to be ministered to. Jesus said, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve… (Mark 10:45)
So, we exist to serve, following in the steps of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church does not exist for itself but for the sake of others. I am so grateful that many of you believe this because you practice it. We had wonderful volunteer help during Vacation Bible School this year. We have people willing to help serve in the office. We have adults willing to assist in the youth ministry. We have people taking turns serving in the prayer ministry which is growing. This is such a good and healthy sign that our church is not about hiring staff to do things for us as much as all of us learning to serve the Lord according to the gifts God has given to us. Yet, we still need more volunteers to do the work of the ministry through the life of our church. The rewards for doing so are out of this world!
I pray that you are serving the Lord according to the gifts God has given to you. There are many ways to serve. Just ask the Lord, read the scriptures, talk to your Christian friends, talk with me, and I am sure God will direct you in the ways that you are more than able through Christ’s strength to serve the Lord. I believe that if we continue to pursue our responsibility to serve over being served, then we will continue to become that kind of church God blesses with His Presence and power for the work of the redemption of the world. Your Kingdom come, your will be done!
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Jim
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