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Everyone Plays

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Last Saturday, during our Elder and Staff retreat, Pastor Paul received a text message that his son had scored a basket in his youth basketball game. We all joined him in celebration for his son's two points!

I wasn't as successful in my youth sports career. Once, during a similar game, I jumped up, got a rebound, dribbled the ball once or twice, and somehow - miraculously - tossed it in the basket, scoring TWO POINTS!

For the other team.

I can still remember the look of disappointment from my father who was courtside!

No wonder the majority of my sports involvement consisted of running cross county and track & field. It's much simpler, really. You just run.

During last Saturday's retreat and at other times in recent months, I've heard a troubling statement from elders, staff members, and covenant partners (members) of Good Shepherd. At different times, and from different people, I've heard the perception that our ministry teams are closed. That is, they're not open to new members. 

And nothing could be further from the truth!

In fact, one of my greatest hopes for Good Shepherd this year is that we would increase the level of participation in our many ministry teams. To borrow a phrase from American Youth Soccer Organization, AYSO, "Everyone plays."

What would our church look like if we took seriously that "Everyone Plays" - that everyone used their gifts in ministry and mission!? I am convinced we would continue to be - and even more so become - the church envisioned in the New Testament.

As we saw during our Welcome Home series last fall,

To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it... Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his 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. Ephesians 4.7, 11-13

As we each join a team to use our gifts, we will indeed "become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." And unlike my dad's reaction in the gym that Saturday morning, our Heavenly Father will look upon us with pride, seeing good and faithful servants joining together in the work of His Kingdom.

If you're interested in learning more about a particular ministry or mission, a good place to start is with those led by our Elders and Deacons. Please contact those listed below to learn more!

Children and Families, Elder Jim Megorden
Evangelism, Elder Sue Nelson-Brown
Facilities, Elder Mark Malbon
Human Resources, Elder Candice Cordova
Membership, Elder Milt Houghton
Mission Affinity, Elder Roberta Ramont
Spiritual Growth, Elder Dan Krehbiel
Stewardship, Elder Eric Dicus
Student Ministry, Elder Cathie Severin
Worldwide Mission, Elder Phyllis Spielmann
Worship, Elder Julie Varley
Local Mission, Elder Carol Wasson

Benevolence, Deacon Christie Parker
Card Ministry, Deacon Gina Biri
Care Calling, Deacon Carol Bestead
College/Military Ministry, Deacon Ginney Elmgreen,
Courtesy Meals, Deacon Chris Zato
Home Communion, Deacon Kay Pitsenberger
Hospitality, Deacon Judy DiPiazza,
Memorial Receptions, Deacon Susan Appleby
Memorial Receptions, Deacon Diane Jones
Memorial Receptions, Deacon Barbara Kelley
Prayer Ministry, Deacon Marc Draper
Visitation, Deacon Diane Bernard

 

1 Comment

Sounds like you are motivating your people to serve -keep it up!

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