Volume 11 Week 48 November
27, 2005
We Move
Forward in 2006 Without A Coordinator of Christian Service!
We Are The Body Of Christ And He Works Through Our Humble Efforts!
It's not always easy to understand the economics of the kingdom of God. Our Lord calculates things differently than we do. When told to gather an army to fight the Midianites, Gideon met the Lord at the spring of Harod with thirty-two thousand men. "Too many" said the Lord, and twenty-two thousand went home. "Still too many" He told Gideon. After an episode of getting a refreshing drink of water, God told him, "With the three hundred men that lapped the water and did not kneel down to drink I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands" (Judges 7:7).
I'll never forget the boldness and faithfulness of this congregation when we met four years ago and chose to move aggressively forward by calling a full-time staff person. We had identified as our most critical need as a congregation a movement into lay ministry, the fulfilling of our mission to share the saving love of Christ that transforms ordinary people into extraordinary servants.
Cory Smith was called to fill a very creative and extremely challenging position we titled, "Coordinator of Christian Service." We knew full well that it would mean extending our annual ministry spending plan way forward, putting a high priority on personnel at the expense of mission giving and ministry support. That's exactly what happened.
Our hope that increased giving over the years would offset the cost of a larger staff was not fulfilled. We’re currently going through some of our smallest increases in annual giving in recent memory. Last Sunday, after many hours of prayer and deliberation, especially by the leaders of your congregation, we followed what we sincerely believe to be the Lord's leading to move forward in our mission, but without the leadership of Cory among us.
This has been a most difficult and challenging time. It would be easy to say that the work of the kingdom will be impossible without Cory's help, but we won't say that. It will be harder. It will be challenging, but the work of the kingdom always is. We will follow the example of those who've gone before us, who've looked at the resources God has provided and, in faith that it is the power of God at work in and through His people that makes a difference, we'll move forward.
Since Sunday's decision, I've heard three important responses to our new situation. First, I know that you believe in the direction God is leading this congregation in ministry, because you have so faithfully offered your reminders that God is indeed at work among us. Our active membership is only growing slightly larger as years go by, but you've pointed out how, over the years, we're growing deeper. God is at work building faith and showing through your actions the signs of faith, love for others in service to one another and the world.
What a wonderful testimony of faith that six of our members, both youth and adults, would drop all responsibilities to spend most of a week camping out in a church in Florida to lend their aid, and that at the drop of a hat (or the passing of a hat!) you would so generously support them. (Gifts are still welcome, by the way, to defray the last of the expense!) This is a great sign that you are exactly right, God is at work here at Mount Calvary.
I am concerned for those who have not yet shown the signs of a maturing faith: weekly worship attendance, regular study and giving and service. Our ministry of spiritual growth for every member of the church family needs to continue. But so many have shown the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s working that we are certain of His promise of blessing in the future.
Second, I've heard repeatedly from you of your concern for Cory and Becke and their family. A transition to new adventures of faith is never easy. Your prayers and your loving encouragement will make all the difference to them. And I was pleased the Board suggested and you approved an offer of housing, medical insurance and salary into the new year if they need it during their transition. They came to us in faith and we need to be committed to helping them as the Lord leads in new directions.
Your third response is especially encouraging. Already I'm hearing from members of the congregation who immediately began a time of prayerful consideration of how they can more faithfully live out their calling as the Lord's extraordinary servants.
We still believe in the model for ministry that God has given us in His word. 1 Corinthians 12: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." Romans 12: "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith…" John 15: [Jesus said,] "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.... You did not choose me, but I chose you to bear much fruit - fruit that will last." And Ephesians 4: "It was God who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, 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."
God is building his Church. Our calling is still to share the saving love of Christ. None of us can do it alone. We still need every member of the body of Christ to discover their gifts, develop them through study, prayer, worship giving and service and deploy them into service for the kingdom of God.
Each one of us is a witness to the love of Christ that has made such an eternal difference for us. Each of us knows someone who is still missing from the family of God who needs our invitation and witness. Each one of us has something to offer to others as a thank offering to God for all He's done for us. In 2006, our purpose will not have changed. With God's help we will discover how we fulfill our calling without Cory's presence among us. And we'll move forward.
Cory has been a great blessing to the teens in our church. It won't be easy to replace his influence and presence among them. One of our first orders of business will be to continue what we're doing in youth ministry and to reach out with Christ's love to youth from the congregation and community who haven't been involved. I believe that God has provided us with the people to do so. A fine foundation has been laid. We always build on the efforts of those who've gone before us. Cory's impact on youth ministry won't be forgotten.
Hardly a month goes by without a farewell in our congregation. Heidi and Kevin moved to Atlanta. Chuck and Julie bought a house off of Page beyond I-270. Jim, our congregational President moved to Phoenix. Gene and Jane are helping launch the mission work of a new worshipping community at Meramec Bluffs. It's sometimes hard to understand God's economics, why He calls and sends, why He gathers and scatters as He does.
But He does. So we wonder, we can’t help it, and we question why. And like Gideon's army, we move forward where He leads. "So Gideon returned to the camp of Israel and called out to the three hundred men, 'Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hand'!" Let's see what great things God has yet in store for us!