It’s us. Right here. Right now.

It’s us. Right here. Right now.

There are number of ministries in our world that are highly admired and respected. We are thankful for their impact. But, as we admire these ministries we often overlook, even deem as unworthy, the ministry given us by God. But let’s get real. Adrian Rodgers, Tony Evans or Francis Chan won’t be preaching at our church this Sunday or any Sunday for that matter. Daniel Im, David Platt or Thom Rainer won’t be attending our next leadership meeting. Chris Tomlin, Lauren Daigle or Casting Crowns won’t be leading our worship music for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, Henry Blackaby, A. W. Tozier or C.S. Lewis won’t be joining us for lunch. Well, of course, we listen to their sermons, worship to their music or read their books with good reason. Obviously, these leaders and others like them inspire us, encourage us and plant seeds in us. Likewise, God has often used them to teach us, challenge us, redirect us and even admonish us. As a result, we rejoice because we often grow deeper in our faith due to the impact of these leaders and their God-given ministries.

However, amongst all of the pastors, theologians, musicians and authors, God has given us our very own identity, our own calling, our own ministry and our own opportunities. In fact, we hold God-given gifts and talents to serve in ministry where we live and work. ^{1 PE 4:10} As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

It comes down to this. It’s us. Right here. Right now. It’s up to us to step up and offer ourselves to God for His service. On that note, someone recently asked me if we were going to hire a full-time worship leader. In the same conversation this same person asked if we were ever going to invite Casting Crowns or MercyMe to our church to lead worship. I smiled and said, “God gave us Andy, Eric, Chris, Marissa, Bruce, Jesse, Charles, Joe, Jeff, Blake and Yalixa.” Along those lines, I was asked by a couple looking for a job if the church was going to hire a Youth Pastor soon. Again, I smiled and said, “God gave us Dee, Charles, Marci, Jose, Jerry, Dave, Donna, Judy and Fred.” And, related to this topic, a curious new member asked who we pay to clean the building. In stride I smiled and said, “God gave us members to take turns doing that.” I hope you’d agree, that we should always begin with discovering, training and utilizing those servants God has given us.

Yes, we have a few ministries that need help. So then, what do we do about that? God will either send someone or the person is already here. In any case, we stop, pray and wait for God to answer our prayer. We can trust Him to send just the right person or people at just the right time or he will reveal the person among us that just needs discipled and developed for ministry. This goes without saying but, God has been faithful to us over the years. For example, we prayed for a discipleship pastor and God sent us Pastor Tony. We also prayed for keyboard players and God sent us Charles and Joe. ^{LK 10:2} And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” I’m thankful these guys are willing to serve and answer God’s call. In fact, I’m thankful for everyone who serves. The impact you’re having is amazing.

It’s okay to admire the ministry of others but let’s not forget the significance of the ministry God has given us. With that, we need to faithfully develop the people and utilize the resources we already have. Maybe you’re one of them that needs to step up. After all, each of us possess God-given gifts (1 Cor 12, 1 Peter 4, Romans 12, Ephesians 4:11-12) and talents to serve in ministry where we live and work. Furthermore, He has given us a calling and a vision for the ministry in our context. Like I said, as much as we admire them, the Chan’s and the Tomlin’s and the Platt’s and the Tozier’s aren’t going to do the work for us. Instead, it’s us. Right here. Right now.

A Work in Progress,

Pastor Gene