I would love to see more people trying to serve in new ways at Oak Flats Anglican.
One thing I love seeing is a broad spectrum of people involved in the various aspects of church life. When the same person is welcoming at the door, leading the service and serving you morning tea not only is that poor soul going to be overwhelmed very quickly, but we miss out on each person’s energy and personality building up and strengthening the community of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul points out that each person is a part of the church and enabled by the Holy Spirit to build it up.
Of course, different roles have different requirements and responsibilities. For example, 1 Timothy 3, Paul outlines the characteristics of overseers and deacons, majoring on godliness. We also rightly stress requirements of godliness in safe ministry for those leading children’s and youth ministries.
But at the same time, Paul pointed out the necessity of growth and progress in service:
1 Timothy 4:15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
It would be great for our church to be a place where we welcome people to have a go and to grow, with a culture of grace, understanding the good in this for both the maturing of that individual and the health of the community.
Of course, alongside this ‘having a go’ is instruction, equipping, training, practise and encouragement.
If there’s something you’d like to try at church, have a chat to me, and we can work out where you might be able to serve and grow – for your benefit and the encouragement of us all.
Sam Pursell