NOT
SPECTATORS ONLY
“His gifts were
that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some
pastors and teachers, to equip the saints, for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
A football coach was asked what
role spectator sports played in the physical fitness of a nation. He
responded: "None. What you have at a game is 22 football players
exercising but needing rest, and 55,000 spectators resting but
needing exercise."
All too often
that accurately describes how it is in the church. A few people do
the work while the rest watch and express their satisfaction or
dissatisfaction. St. Paul says it ought not be that way in the
church, the body of Christ. There are no spectators. All of us
are called to be participants. God the Holy Spirit gives us gifts so
we might use them to carry out our ministry as a part of the church.
Using our
God-given gifts properly is what the stewardship life is all about.
It is not optional. All God's people are stewards by virtue of
their Baptism. All God's people have gifts to be used to build up
the body of Christ. God brought us into the church. Christ
suffered and died that we sinners might have forgiveness and
fellowship with God. He brings the redeemed into His fellowship, the
church, but not to be spectators! God calls us to participate, to
use our gifts for His purposes.
At Beautiful
Savior Lutheran Church, we definitely need fewer spectators and
more participants! If our ministry is to grow so that we can
effectively meet the spiritual needs of our members and the
spiritual needs of those who don’t know Jesus in our community,
more people must get involved!
Spring is a
time of new beginnings! Why not make a new beginning here at
Beautiful Savior and get involved in ministry?
We are looking for
volunteers to plant shrubs in the Prayer Garden. We need volunteers
to help with the sound system on Sunday morning. We need adults to
help sponsor youth activities. We need volunteers to assist with
Summer Sunday School. We are looking for volunteers to help with
the upcoming Fireworks Tent. We need people to join the new Altar
Guild that is being established. We need lots of volunteers to help
with Vacation Bible School. We need couples to visit new members,
greet them, and serve as a sort of “welcome wagon.”
Don’t simply
watch ministry, do ministry! Get involved! Share your time,
talents, and treasures!
If you have any
questions concerning how you might get involved at Beautiful Savior
Lutheran Church, please call the church office at 524-7288.
A Servant of Jesus,
Pastor Schwartz
