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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/2/2008 12:50:36 PM
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raivyne
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angelfoodministries.org
The regular food box is $30 and should be able to feed a family of four for a week (according to the website... it feeds us a lot longer). They also have extra boxes of meat (and now fruit and veggies) for 15-25 each. There's also a senior package. its a wonderful ministry, i started participating 3 or so years ago.
_____________________________
P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens
What if God is asking us for a sign?
Knowledge is proud; wisdom is humble.
Patiently waiting for my KSA
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/2/2008 12:57:57 PM
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trainfan
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I spent many years serving in church as a leader of a Cadet Club (like Boy Scouts), running the sound and lighting for the services and also working as a church janitor. I have since left that church over some pretty serious moral and doctrinal differences with the pastor.
My current work schedule keeps me from serving in any ministries that I have any interest in.
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Support your local economy, buy locally.
_______________________________________
Disappointments are inevitable, discouragment is a choice.
You can't out-pick God.
Dr. Charles Stanley
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/2/2008 5:18:01 PM
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rgod
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
My dear friend, I'm going to disagree with you on this. Serving in church, doing church activities, or even staying in church 24/7 does not guarantee that one will grow in the faith. It seems reasonable to assume that because someone is in church and serving regularly that they are maturing in the faith. But the truth is faith is a very personal matter, and serving visibly is not clear sign of growth. It could just mean anything, but we can't always conclude that their faith is growing. For some, serving actually slows their growth because their faith is more activity and socially based, as opposed to having a very close personal walk with Christ alone.
I know I grow in my faith when I spend a lot of time with God, and I'm more distracted when I spend a lot of time with believers. There has to be a balance for one to grow.
PH - I totally agree with you here. Growth really comes from the Lord - and doing what he says to do, when he says to do it. There are seasons and times in our lives when we need to be with God only - and God might even have us refrain from serving at all. Churches generally won't tell you that, and pastors often won't - (especially the ones that are burning out themselves - turn over in the pastorate is really high - I think 50% attrition after 5 years I read somewhere). We have to rest and refrain from activity sometimes. The Lord even had the land rest (every seven years - yes?) and he himself rested. Yet, often when you are involved with church work, there is no respect for the value of rest. We work 9 - 5, Monday through Friday - Saturday spend with the kids and run errands, spend a couple of nights a week at church, on Sunday serve at church and attend - maybe go early and stay late if we have something to do. And if you have little kids or ailing parents or a sick spouse, you've got even more on your plate. 7 days a week - Sunday to Sunday. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people serving with all their might in church - but spiritually or emotionally were so despairing - or were very distant from God - because He has been crowded out by activity. As a preacher, it is easy to seek God for a sermon, rather than to seek him out as friend. I speak from experience and have done many years of serving, serving, serving, while having precious little time with God. When it was time for me to rest, I didn't want to - because I was addicted to serving. But I was far from God - wasn't close to him. I have discovered that it is balance - but balance in serving in God's way and his God's time that keeps us moving, healthy, and growing. It is good to have fun, to enjoy. It is good to serve in the church. It is equally as good to serve outside of the church or to spend time with your family. Of course, when I was serving, serving, serving - you couldn't have told me that. I wouldn't have listened, but just thought that anyone who said that, or didn't go to church every single Sunday, or wasn't involved in at least one ministry, was just being lazy.
Also, sometimes, some of the things that are going on in many churches are just busyness - things that at one time were good to do, but now is a yearly ritual that doesn't feed anyone - and burns out the people involved. It takes discernment to see through that and to decide how to spend your limited time. And yet, there are things that yield lasting fruit - and those are the things that we partner in with the Lord. For example, I know a lady who didn't serve much in the church, but she and her husband had a personal ministry to poor and homeless people. She helped provide some dental work for a woman - put herself in debt to do it. Everyone thought she was crazy to use her limited funds that way. But God led her to do it. A few days after the dental work, the woman who had the dental work done ended up ministering to a man who was on his way to commit suicide. The guy kept telling her that it was something in her smile that made him stop and listen to her. Previously, the woman had been a little afraid to witness because her teeth were in such poor condition. But with the new smile, she was unleashed. Well, the man got saved on that day and went on to grow in the Lord. God uses us inside and outside of the church - but we have to be discerning - and the only way to hear that is to spend time with him. Otherwise, we'll keep trying to do certain things over and over again and church can definitely become a distraction or a hinderance when God might be calling for something new, or might even be calling to cease that activity all-together.
I think, if I were to ever have the opportunity to shepherd new believers, I wouldn't push them into activity right away. Instead, I'd try to spend some time with them trying to help them connect with the Lord first, discover their own giftings, getting a good foundation in the word - and just connecting them with community - people who love and care about them. Then, as they are sensing that it is time to serve (which is a natural outgrowth of spending time with the Lord - you just can't help it), I'd try to help them get connected in groups where they feel led to be and where they can learn and serve at the same time. If I had a church, I'd definitely make sure that the leadership had sabbaticals and that the church itself had times for rest and reflection. I knew a pastor who took one month off every year - it was a time for him to reconnect with God and seek the Lord for what was to coming in the new year. And I'm sure that he spent a lot of time with his wife then too. I know another pastor who the Lord clearly told her to rest. She was gone for several months while the Lord just poured into her. When she came back, it was wonderful because she was ready to serve again - with vigor. There has to be time to be refreshed, to reconnect with God, and to move deeper and closer to him.
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/2/2008 5:50:41 PM
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Prairiehiker
Posts: 3273
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Just a quick thought. I wasn't disagreeing with Samson about that we serve God when we serve others and that serving in the church body is one of our duties as Christians. What I"m disagreeing with is this notion that because someone is serving, and is always present in all church activities , that their faith is growing. That's not always true.
I'll elaborate later tonight when I get a chance.
_____________________________
Wishing for a Steelers/Eagles superbowl.
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/2/2008 6:56:43 PM
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makarizo
Posts: 2998
Joined: 4/13/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
Just a quick thought. I wasn't disagreeing with Samson about that we serve God when we serve others and that serving in the church body is one of our duties as Christians. What I"m disagreeing with is this notion that because someone is serving, and is always present in all church activities , that their faith is growing. That's not always true.
I'll elaborate later tonight when I get a chance.
.
a verse of corroboration "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
(mt 7;21)
they thought they had it figured out.
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/2/2008 9:07:53 PM
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Psalms274
Posts: 2246
Joined: 8/13/2005
From: Georgia
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quote:
ORIGINAL: makarizo
quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
Just a quick thought. I wasn't disagreeing with Samson about that we serve God when we serve others and that serving in the church body is one of our duties as Christians. What I"m disagreeing with is this notion that because someone is serving, and is always present in all church activities , that their faith is growing. That's not always true.
I'll elaborate later tonight when I get a chance.
.
a verse of corroboration "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
(mt 7;21)
they thought they had it figured out.
This verse has to do with persons who thought they were Christians (as we call ourselves), but in reality did not have a relationship with Christ. It is not talking about the growth of a Christian, which I believe was the focus of the comment you were addressing.
A better verse that ties into the OP would be Ephesians 4:14-16 where Paul is talking about growing in the faith and functioning within the body of Christ.
quote:
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Paul is speaking about growing as a follower of Christ. In verse 14 we read "then we will no longer be infants" ... to find out when, we need to look back at verses 11 to 13 where he is talking about the different gifts of service within the church body. You will notice he clearly states, "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." The Apostle Paul is stating that in order for the individual to grow he or she must unite with the body and do his or her part.
quote:
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
God designed us to work together within the body of Christ. He did not intend for us to be lone rangers. When we each do our part within our church, we work as a unit that is able to reach the world more effectively. Unfortunately, many within the body of Christ do not contribute, which leaves the few who do so burning a candle at both ends if you will. Someone mentioned the 5 year turnover rate for Pastors. If more of the body did just a little, we probably would not see these Pastors, and many of the workers burn out and walk away from their calling.
God designed us to work as the body of Christ, each doing its part, each piece working together so that we can impact the world for Him. (Look at 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14.) If everyone did just a little, we could really make a difference in this world ... and the byproduct is personal growth, because God designed it that way. Look at verse 16 again ...
"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
You do not need to do it all ... you do not even need to do a lot ... just the part that God has called you to do ... the part He made just for you.
< Message edited by Psalms274 -- 12/2/2008 10:52:39 PM >
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I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.
Linus, my dog, little Kaleigh and Sally!
http://piswa.blogspot.com/
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/2/2008 11:36:13 PM
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SamsonUSA
Posts: 1055
Joined: 10/5/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
Just a quick thought. I wasn't disagreeing with Samson about that we serve God when we serve others and that serving in the church body is one of our duties as Christians. What I"m disagreeing with is this notion that because someone is serving, and is always present in all church activities , that their faith is growing. That's not always true.
I'll elaborate later tonight when I get a chance.
I didn't know that I presented the notion that just because someone was serving their faith was growing. That's like saying your growing in Christ just because you sit in a church pew every Sunday. Also " always being present at all church activities " isn't what I was recommending either nor that by being present at church activities means someone is serving.
Our faith grows when we are being faithfully obedient to what He asks us to do. If some feel serving in the church is not something they feel led to do that is between them and the Lord. I of all people am the last person that will claim to speak for Him. I believe His word commands us to serve in the body, so I serve. I urge all of us to prayerfully seek His face concerning this to see what He has in mind for you.
_____________________________
Knowledge humbles great men, astonishes the common man, and puffs up the little man
Chubby babies rock!
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/3/2008 8:36:49 PM
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Prairiehiker
Posts: 3273
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Hey, there, Samson, super strong brother!  (I was going to start with my usual, “hello there, big boy” but I’d be misconstrued as flirting with you and we can’t have that again, lol). Anyhoo, I digress. You know I’m not the argumentative type. I avoid debate at all cost. So, this isn’t a debate, so I apologize in advance if it comes across that way? We’re on each other’s side, so relax, big dude. We have some common ground here. We both believe that everyone should do their part in the edification of the church body. Everyone should serve in whatever capacity they can. Perhaps what we need to clarify is the meaning of the word “service”. Maybe what we need to do is widen our vision of what constitute a service in the Christian community to avoid misunderstandings.
1 Corinthian 12:
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
Some services don’t need to be done publicly where everyone can see and recognized (and rewarded). Some don’t require a nametag and a volunteer title. There’s people that serve to edify in ways that are not considered serving, but they become the glue that strengthen the community. They are the people that make others feel that they belong in the community. Do you know someone in your chuch that befriends and makes phonecalls to people, or visits the elderly, or the widows, or the sick in the hospitals. How about prayer warriors. Or encouragers? Or babysitters for couples who need to attend counselling? Some actually provides financial support to other members anonymously. Some give their time whenever they see a need. The list of possible ways of edifying and strengthening the community is endless.
My point is let’s not risk alienating our other brothers and sisters who are doing their services by saying that
“ Christian who are sitting in the nest with our mouths opened waiting for the daddy bird to continually bring us worms without contributing to the edification and service to the church we attend”
because we don’t see them serving in a way that we expect them to serve. However, I know you meant your post in the best possible way to encourage people to serve.  and that, in itself, is a service to believers.
Peace, bro!
Note: I’d post the entire 2 Cor 12 passage but this is getting long. But I'm sure it's in your bible
< Message edited by Prairiehiker -- 12/3/2008 8:52:47 PM >
_____________________________
Wishing for a Steelers/Eagles superbowl.
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/3/2008 11:49:25 PM
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SamsonUSA
Posts: 1055
Joined: 10/5/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
Some services don’t need to be done publicly where everyone can see and recognized (and rewarded). Some don’t require a nametag and a volunteer title. There’s people that serve to edify in ways that are not considered serving, but they become the glue that strengthen the community. They are the people that make others feel that they belong in the community. Do you know someone in your chuch that befriends and makes phonecalls to people, or visits the elderly, or the widows, or the sick in the hospitals. How about prayer warriors. Or encouragers? Or babysitters for couples who need to attend counselling? Some actually provides financial support to other members anonymously. Some give their time whenever they see a need. The list of possible ways of edifying and strengthening the community is endless.
My point is let’s not risk alienating our other brothers and sisters who are doing their services by saying that
“ Christian who are sitting in the nest with our mouths opened waiting for the daddy bird to continually bring us worms without contributing to the edification and service to the church we attend”
because we don’t see them serving in a way that we expect them to serve. However, I know you meant your post in the best possible way to encourage people to serve. and that, in itself, is a service to believers.
Peace, bro!
Note: I’d post the entire 2 Cor 12 passage but this is getting long. But I'm sure it's in your bible
Sorry PH but I went back through my post and I just don't see where I said that anyone who did the things I bolded weren't serving. I also couldn't find anything I wrote where I pointed fingers at people because " I don't see them serving in a way that I expect them to serve " . In fact, I don't see anywhere in my post where I listed what I believe constitutes serving and what doesn't. I stand by my comment that you quoted, that we are commanded by scripture to serve ( and yes, what you listed are a few examples of what we can do in the body to serve)
After we are out of the baby Christian stage not using the gift He has given us and just expecting to be fed and not used as a vessel for His glory is like being a baby bird with it's mouth open. Especially living in the age that we are currently living in, where every prophecy that needed to be fulfilled before His return has been completed.
Now is not the time to " sit on our faith " and go along on the Christian cruise ship as a passenger where our every whim is met. If indeed we are in the final days leading up to His return our cry should be " All hands on deck!"
_____________________________
Knowledge humbles great men, astonishes the common man, and puffs up the little man
Chubby babies rock!
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/10/2008 6:50:37 PM
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Grace-N-Mercy
Posts: 6041
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SamsonUSA
This is something that has been weighing heavy on my heart for some time. I come across many people who love the Lord who have big aspirations to someday serve the Lord in far away mission fields around the world. Yet when I ask them in which ministry they are currently serving in at their local church many are not serving at all. Why is that I ask? I believe before He sends us off to the African jungles or any other faraway place He wants to see us faithful in little things first in preparation for larger responsibilities He may choose to bestow upon us in the future.
So singles where are you currently serving? If you aren't currently serving in your local church what has kept you from serving? How can we ( your CW brethren in the Lord) encourage and help you to find a ministry to serve in where your gifts can best be utilized for His glory?
I think it was Billy Graham who was sitting on a committee interviewing potential foreign missionaries. He asked one lady how she was serving locally. If she wasn't serving here, how effective would her service be overseas? I agree that we have much work to do right here in our own back yards. In fact, other countries have sent missionaries to America!!
Right now I'm admittedly not doing much within the church, but I'm studying for Christian service. I'm also ministering to people every day through the work I do... but that's work.
_____________________________
<-- When did Hollywood go from classy to 'cheap & easy'?
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/11/2008 11:32:54 PM
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SamsonUSA
Posts: 1055
Joined: 10/5/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Grace-N-Mercy
quote:
ORIGINAL: SamsonUSA
This is something that has been weighing heavy on my heart for some time. I come across many people who love the Lord who have big aspirations to someday serve the Lord in far away mission fields around the world. Yet when I ask them in which ministry they are currently serving in at their local church many are not serving at all. Why is that I ask? I believe before He sends us off to the African jungles or any other faraway place He wants to see us faithful in little things first in preparation for larger responsibilities He may choose to bestow upon us in the future.
So singles where are you currently serving? If you aren't currently serving in your local church what has kept you from serving? How can we ( your CW brethren in the Lord) encourage and help you to find a ministry to serve in where your gifts can best be utilized for His glory?
I think it was Billy Graham who was sitting on a committee interviewing potential foreign missionaries. He asked one lady how she was serving locally. If she wasn't serving here, how effective would her service be overseas? I agree that we have much work to do right here in our own back yards. In fact, other countries have sent missionaries to America!!
Right now I'm admittedly not doing much within the church, but I'm studying for Christian service. I'm also ministering to people every day through the work I do... but that's work.
I agree 100% G-N-M. I have several friends at church that have never served at home or through the church in any capacity yet they claim that it is their calling to someday travel halfway across the world to serve in overseas missions.
Obviously I'm not saying going on an overseas mission is not serving God. The purpose for this thread was to encourage people to start serving somewhere, in any capacity. According to His word He wants to see us be faithful in small tasks before He gives us bigger ones to faithfully heed His call to.
_____________________________
Knowledge humbles great men, astonishes the common man, and puffs up the little man
Chubby babies rock!
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/13/2008 7:37:17 PM
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gaylel1
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To me, service in the church body is getting to know your fellow brothers and sisters in the faith and working within the community of believers. We in the body need to know one another and at the same time, serving alongside each other. To me, this is where we get support, perhaps asking those we are serving with to pray for us or a need within the servants.
And yes, this is where we do grow in the faith because we get encouragment from the community of believers.
_____________________________
Hear "The Truth" with the "other" Jeff Johnson(http://www.calvarydowney.org)
Visit me at http//:www.gayleplace.blogspot.com or http://www.myspace.com/gaylel121
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RE: Encouragement for singles to SERVE thread - 12/23/2008 1:14:45 AM
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SamsonUSA
Posts: 1055
Joined: 10/5/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gaylel1
To me, service in the church body is getting to know your fellow brothers and sisters in the faith and working within the community of believers. We in the body need to know one another and at the same time, serving alongside each other. To me, this is where we get support, perhaps asking those we are serving with to pray for us or a need within the servants.
And yes, this is where we do grow in the faith because we get encouragment from the community of believers.
Amen Gayle!
_____________________________
Knowledge humbles great men, astonishes the common man, and puffs up the little man
Chubby babies rock!
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