For the sake of the gospel
―Why are you doing this?‖
The question had all of us on the personnel committee silenced for a while
–
for quite awhile actually. It cut to the heart of the matter. Why are we investigating the needs andpossibilities for creating a second ministry staff position? We slowly started to list some of our reasons.We had good reasons. We talked about gaps in our current ministry, ministry loads, changes in the congregation,
investment in relationships, and about the future of the church. What would happen if we don’t do something? Can
we afford not to expand our ministry? And besides, we care about our children. As things are now, no-one iscommissioned to take overall responsibility for discipling and supporting them. And youth ministry done well takestime and commitment. No arguing there.
Then Frances said, ―For the sake of the gospel. You are doing it for the sake of the gospel.‖
Once again she had us silenced. It seems so obvious
–
of course we are doing it for the sake of the gospel. But why
didn’t any of us think about it? Is it really that obvious then? I’m afraid not. Biblical and church history gives proof
that even when they are reminded, people quickly forget what they are about,
replacing God’s gospel purpose with
their own agendas.
That we do it is not obvious, but Frances’ remark is profound and puts things in perspective. We may be able to list
many good reasons for do
ing what we do in church, but if our deepest motivation is not ―for the sake of the gospel‖,
then we are fooling ourselves and others. This is a question we have to ask each other over and over again.Whether we plan for the future, develop and fill out questionnaires, organize ministry fairs, call elders, paint the hall,serve on the board, worship on Sundays, sing in the choir, lead Sunday School, attend Bible studies, make banners,attend group meetings or organize bazaars, our purpose is to seek the Ki
ngdom of God. If we can’t say with honesty
that we do ministry for the sake of the gospel, we have no business doing whatever it is we do.A number of things are happening in the congregation: The personnel committee is discerning the needs andpossibilities for establishing a second ministry staff position; we are calling new elders; the Christian educationcommittee has a task force that is taking our Sunday School and youth ministries under review; the groups are allworking together to put on a ministry fair in the fall and are calling for people to consider their involvement. Are wedoing it for the sake of the gospel?I believe so. Our purpose is not to build a bigger and/or nicer church. Our concern is not comfort. We are concernedabout growing the faith of children, youth, young adults and adults alike; about discipling our youth; about
supporting parents and grandparents in their roles as spiritual mentors for their children; about growing the church’sability to make a difference in people’s lives and in our community; about developing and mentoring leaders; and
about relationships.But let us keep asking each other: Why are we doing this? Is this really for the sake of the Gospel?To God be the glory as we continue to serve Him.Gerard
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