Yesterday was my annual day to offer training to Pastor Parish Relations committee chairs and members. There were about thirty or forty people, all present to learn how to serve God, help their church and their pastor.
Yes, nearly all of them are there because they love God, love their pastor and want to help their church.
Ideally, it’s like being on a team where everyone has common goals and values and everyone pulls together for the ultimate benefit of the team.
We see these kinds of sacrifices clearly every Saturday afternoon as players in college willingly throw their bodies around risking injury and pain all for the benefit of their football team. Even those in the stands give up their time to yell and scream and stomp their feet in hopes of helping their team.
PPR can and should be a team helping you and your church reach a common vision for the future of your church. They are on the committee ready to make sacrifices for the benefit of that vision.
Why do I say this on Sunday, the day you are getting ready to attend worship?
It’s to remind you that you are not alone. PPR is one of many groups within your church made up of people who love God, love their church and want to see our pastors be the best leaders they can be. They can be praying for you, working with you, encouraging you and at times even criticizing you all for the good of your church vision.
John Snyder, pastor of Anderson UMC went through an awful shock yesterday. His wife and dearest love died suddenly and in addition of grieving her loss, he faced the prospect of raising three children.
But he soon found he was not alone. Family, church members, community leaders and pastors in the area quickly descended upon his house and surrounded him. In the midst of it all were several leaders of his church who were very likely on his PPR committee. One was taking care of his two youngest children; others were looking for ways to help around the house.
John was an important part of the team and everyone was willing to sacrifice to help him during his time of need.
You too are not alone… ever. You are a part of something much bigger than yourself, or your church or even your community. You are a part of God’s Kingdom and ultimately a part of God’s vision. You have team members, fellow pastors, family, and more importantly, you have God.
God did not intend for you to be alone in carrying out that vision. God provided a team made up of people sitting in the pew every morning and others out in the community who will soon be attracted to the vision of your church.
They are not perfect but then again neither are you and I.
I will be praying for you and our churches this morning as we boldly yet compassionately set a vision for our team that will ask for sacrifice but lead to the fulfilling of God’s vision.
No comments:
Post a Comment