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MINISTER TO THE MINISTERS “…some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service…” Eph. 4:11-12 This, in a nutshell, is my job description: I am here to prepare you for ‘works of service’. The Greek word for service is diakonia which is translated ‘ministry’. In fact, the King James Version of the Bible translates verse 12: “… for the work of ministry.” I have seen that concept printed at the top of bulletins something like this, “Minister – the people of <Messiah> church; Pastor <Tim Baldinger> - Minister to the Ministers.” That says it well! I am here to help you find your ministry, and become active and successful in it. There are not supposed to be any spectators in the church. We are all players. It is true that being a spectator is safer. There are no risks, you can’t fail or be hurt, if you remain in the stands or watching from the comfort of your living room sofa. But there are no gains either, other than vicarious joy of celebrating in the victory of your team. Sometimes we can only be spectators because we do not have the skills to be a participant. But, if we are equipped and have what it takes to be a participant, then simply being a spectator is an unfulfilling second best. Our heavenly Father has equipped each of us with the Holy Spirit and the unique gifts and talents to play on His team. Like a good coach, I am here to help you find your fit on the team and help you grow into the position. With that ministry concept as a backdrop, our Board of Nurture is working hard to focus on the critical target of assimilation. To assimilate means to bring something in from the outside in such a way that the object brought in feels a part of the original group. In other words, we want all those who become a part of Messiah to feel a part of the team. When speaking about the church, their verbiage changes from they to us. From the onset of membership, and even before, we want to help those who visit with us find meaningful areas of service (ministries) where they can feel like they are contributing to the team as players and not simply watching on the sidelines as spectators. Our Board of Nurture works to help them find their fit in ministry and with other members so as to feel an active part of the Body of Christ at Messiah. Beginning with Pastor’s next New Member Class, each class will incorporate a two week session to help potential new members find their fit on the team and thereby assimilate them into the family. Per Sorensen and Joanne Gibitz have volunteered to help me with this exciting ministry. I am thankful for their vision and passion. Please keep this new ministry of the Board of Nurture in your prayers.
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