Friday

Another example of all things to all people. In 1 Corinthians we read that there is one body but many parts. There are many different gifts of the spirit. As believers we are called to be the things that we can so that we can reach many. As a church we are called to create atmospheres where different spiritual gifts can be used, and perfected.
For example, if someone has the gift of mercy, you probably don't want to force them into teaching a class or preaching. You want a ministry designed just for them so that they can hone their gift. If someone has the gift of teaching, you don't want to just let them make hospital visits and hand out visitor cards on Sunday. You want people used in a way that God intended.
God doesn't give us gifts and not want them used. As a church we have to be sensitive to the gifts of our members as well as visitors. We need to have avenues set up to allow people to get plugged right in and use their gifts.
I've seen this come true for teenagers in my past youth ministry experiences as well. There are teens who are already exemplifying gifts that need to be used. Some have already shown the gift of teaching, those are the ones that we have put in charge of some area of teaching children.I feel that in the life of today's church the most overlooked resource is youth. Churches see youth as a ministry they have to minister to when in reality they should see it as a ministry that can minister.
In the past I have been blessed to have teenagers who could probably teach adult sunday school classes as well as anyone. Then there are those with a servant's heart who will do anything you need. We are hoping to build a church and a ministry that is Biblically challenging young people and letting them contribute in a major way. Let's face it, teens need the word and need to be taught. But, that isn't what they actually want, they want to contribute. So we teach them and then plug them in to a ministry where they can contribute in a positive manner. That is what it is going to take for this ministry to grow, many people becoming many things so that we can affect the greatest number of believers.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend! Don't forget Freedom Sunday 11am.