Part Of A Priesthood

Part Of A Priesthood
One area I believe I have been negligent in leading the church to our fullest potential is in more of us being more actively involved in ministering. As believers, the Bible says we are part of a “royal priesthood”. We all have a part to play in God’s purpose and plan for the faith family. I’m not saying that all of us are called to vocationally pursue ministry, but there is certainly a long list of opportunities to plug in as a ministry volunteer. Most of us probably think of being a volunteer as a way to fill in the gap or to respond to a ministry shortage in the nursery. That might be true in some cases, but it’s certainly more than that. The church’s ministries can only function when we are partnering together to accomplish the vision God has given us as a family of faith. There are no unimportant members. Each one of you matter and you are an invaluable part of what God is doing in this place. In fact, I believe He sent each of you here to “pick up the ball and hit the field.” To get engaged in the area that He uniquely created you to do.
Some people think the staff is totally responsible for planning, organizing, directing, implementing and following through with all the support, follow up and clean up of every event that takes place. That’s not the way things are supposed to happen. The staff’s job is to do a specific part of each ministry effort, but their primary role is to coach, equip and empower the saints of God for the ministry. A healthy church functions within the parameters of a God given vision and includes as many members as will respond in the areas they are most passionate about or that line up with their purpose in life. That’s the way our vision and mission is accomplished. But in order for this to happen, we have to volunteer. We have to get plugged in to the ministries that really get us excited and see our part in the overall picture of what God is doing at Mountain View.
One of the classes our new members and new believers take is called PLACE. In that class, you have the opportunity to discover your spiritual giftedness, unique personality and ministry passion, as well as the available ministry opportunities at Mountain View. That’s an important part of the process. Beginning this summer, we will be conducting additional PLACE classes on Sunday evenings for the congregation at large. If you haven’t had the privilege of going thru that study, I strongly encourage you to enroll.
As we begin to intentionally build the church’s volunteer ministry, you will start seeing lists of volunteer opportunities on bulletin boards as well as on the website – http://www.mountainviewbaptist.net. My prayer and goal is to have at least 40% of our active membership involved in some area of ministry before the end of 2007. Keep in mind that volunteering can be off campus as well. Volunteering for a short term missions trip to Nicaragua, for a disaster relief event or for one of the off campus ministries we support is also included. It’s a proven fact that the best way to get people to volunteer is thru shoulder-tapping. I know some people say they feel that if a person is interested in helping they’ll join in without being asked, but I disagree. I believe Jesus asked us to come and follow Him, didn't He? How can we come to Him unless He calls us? Let’s follow His example and invite others to participate in the privilege of ministry volunteerism. I have found that most people – both inside and outside the church – will volunteer because somebody personally invited them to join them. Ministry and team leaders are responsible for inviting people to help on their teams. When a person invites you to serve in ministry with them, it’s a personal invitation. Who can you invite today? I am issuing this open invitation to all of you to get involved… reap the blessing of ministry, you won’t regret it!
Exalting Christ & Sharing His Love,
Pastor Kevin

Posted in: lay ministers, member ministers, ministering, priesthood, volunteers