Sunday Reflections
07/29/07 10:55 PM
Today's service was a little different than usual -
which was great! Our Missions Team that went to
Jamaica shared about their experience. They did a
great job. Cameron was funny. Twila was heartfelt.
Jeremiah was passionate. And Jeremiah is an awesome
videographer who really keeps getting better and
better. This coming year he's talked about shooting
several of our own videos for our service. Be on
the lookout for those.
I don't tell Jeremiah this enough, but he's really doing a great job. It's an honor to have him on my team. And that's what we're building here at Coastal - a staff team (more about that later this week). On top of being our Youth Pastor and developing that ministry team, he and Cyndi have one of the best Small Groups in our church. He's also served with our Praise and Worship Team and now with our Worship Presentation (our computer in the back). And on top of getting married and going to camp, he led a group to Jamaica this summer. I'm sure he's been a little overwhelmed at times, but he has a servant's heart, he's open to feedback, and he keeps learning and growing.
Now the reality is - that's ministry. We always do more than our "job description." It's not a punch a clock type job. It's a calling. But left unchecked, long term that's a recipe for disaster - being spread out doing many things well, but not doing those few things we've been called to do with excellence. But not only is that a recipe for disaster for me and Jeremiah, it's also a recipe for disaster for the church. Our church will never grow if the mindset (the church or the Pastor's) is one of the Pastors doing all of the ministry. That of course comes back to Pastors doing our primary calling - equipping people for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13) - not doing all the ministry ourselves, but building teams, training others, and then releasing them to do it.
Wow - I got sidetracked for a moment there didn't I? Actually, there's just so much on my heart lately that it's spilling over. God is doing something special at Coastal and I just feel honored to lead, watch, and be a part of it. His dreams and plans for our church are so much bigger than mine, but He is expanding mine daily. This Fall we are going to be marching forward and taking this community for Jesus! Coastal is no longer going to be the best kept secret in Charleston - the word is getting out!
Back to today. We keep having more and more visitors and not only that, but they're coming back! Our giving has also improved! Did you hear that Coastal? It's the Summer and your Pastor said that our giving is up! Do you know why? Our church is growing and people give toward vision! Don't let up Coastal! Pray. Build relationships. Invite people. Build teams. We closed out today's message by reminding everyone that we're all missionaries and that VBS is a great opportunity to reach out to children and families. That's right - VBS begins tomorrow night, 6-8PM. Who are you bringing? We had several teachers come tonight and get their rooms ready and several others help decorate. Well that's it for now. If you're here this week, come to VBS and bring kids! This coming Sunday our kids will sing some of their songs and my message will be on parenting.
I don't tell Jeremiah this enough, but he's really doing a great job. It's an honor to have him on my team. And that's what we're building here at Coastal - a staff team (more about that later this week). On top of being our Youth Pastor and developing that ministry team, he and Cyndi have one of the best Small Groups in our church. He's also served with our Praise and Worship Team and now with our Worship Presentation (our computer in the back). And on top of getting married and going to camp, he led a group to Jamaica this summer. I'm sure he's been a little overwhelmed at times, but he has a servant's heart, he's open to feedback, and he keeps learning and growing.
Now the reality is - that's ministry. We always do more than our "job description." It's not a punch a clock type job. It's a calling. But left unchecked, long term that's a recipe for disaster - being spread out doing many things well, but not doing those few things we've been called to do with excellence. But not only is that a recipe for disaster for me and Jeremiah, it's also a recipe for disaster for the church. Our church will never grow if the mindset (the church or the Pastor's) is one of the Pastors doing all of the ministry. That of course comes back to Pastors doing our primary calling - equipping people for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13) - not doing all the ministry ourselves, but building teams, training others, and then releasing them to do it.
Wow - I got sidetracked for a moment there didn't I? Actually, there's just so much on my heart lately that it's spilling over. God is doing something special at Coastal and I just feel honored to lead, watch, and be a part of it. His dreams and plans for our church are so much bigger than mine, but He is expanding mine daily. This Fall we are going to be marching forward and taking this community for Jesus! Coastal is no longer going to be the best kept secret in Charleston - the word is getting out!
Back to today. We keep having more and more visitors and not only that, but they're coming back! Our giving has also improved! Did you hear that Coastal? It's the Summer and your Pastor said that our giving is up! Do you know why? Our church is growing and people give toward vision! Don't let up Coastal! Pray. Build relationships. Invite people. Build teams. We closed out today's message by reminding everyone that we're all missionaries and that VBS is a great opportunity to reach out to children and families. That's right - VBS begins tomorrow night, 6-8PM. Who are you bringing? We had several teachers come tonight and get their rooms ready and several others help decorate. Well that's it for now. If you're here this week, come to VBS and bring kids! This coming Sunday our kids will sing some of their songs and my message will be on parenting.
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