Over-watered Church Members

October 8th, 2009Serving, personal growth 5 Comments

Hey Friends, 

 

We at FPC are currently in a sermon series on spiritual growth. This is such an important topic to us that we cover it annually. Each year we approach it differently. This year the “twist” has been to use horticulture.  One of the problems with plants is over-watering.  When the soil and roots of a plant are not allowed to dry out they develop diseases and die. After watching church members for 27 years, I see some that are over-watered. They take in the water and never give any out.

The giving for Christ-followers is service. Most church members could teach lessons on service. The question is, do they live the lessons? As leaders it is our job to help them get in the game. No one can grow and reach their potential if they are not involved in serving. The Lord modeled it while He was here. One of the reasons that so many saints are stunted in their growth is a lack of service.

Very few see service as a tool for spiritual transformation. We see service as giving and not as a growth mechanism. In God’s economy you can’t give without receiving. Bill Hybels calls it the “Helper’s High.” As we serve we are open to hear what God is saying or trying to teach us.

Josh Whitehead pointed out to our staff that Zacharias heard God’s plan for Him while he was serving. Serving can put you in a place to hear what you need from God. As leaders it is our job not only to serve ourselves, but to help others experience the joy and personal growth that comes from serving.

Just a thought.

Pastor

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5 Responses to “Over-watered Church Members”

  1. October 8th, 2009 at 6:27 am
    Lee Easley Says:

    Pastor,

    Thank you for the thought. When i first came to FP Kirk Patterson invited me to MSM and then told me I would be a good small group leader. It has changed the way I do life.

    I work with students instead of astronauts (my original plan)

    I have a feeling of worth (from getting to serve students)I really “found my calling while serving”.

    Your point is true even in students. The Fuel Ministry leaders (student leaders) have began to serve weekly in some area within MSM. Its amazing to watch them come alive “through serving” their peers.

    When i say “come alive” i mean it has sparked something in them to where they are starting their own bible studies at school, starting “quiet times” for the first time, and really just raising the bar for everyone around them. Impressive to watch.

    Can it really be as easy as serving others to find where God wants me???

  2. October 8th, 2009 at 9:39 am
    Sherri Johnson Says:

    Thank you so much for this note. I’m not in a corprate leadership position, but I am a mommy which is a leadership roll that I take very seriously. I need to make it a point to “overflow” onto my kids everyday!

  3. October 8th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
    Josh Says:

    Great, great points. I feel like we fall into the routines of life so much sometimes that we do lose focus on areas like service, particularly in serving those who do not know Jesus. I know from my own experience, it’s easy to get bogged down in Christians serving Christians. That can be some of the best watering we can get as plants. But what about the plants that are dying and thirsting for God’s water? We need to commit to serving those people more. Just my take, and I know for a fact that it applies to me. I need to get out of my bubble.

  4. October 8th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
    sabrina Says:

    I am learning to play the cello and my lesson today was primarily on technique. It is awkward to say the least. Then I see on tv when I get home that Yo Yo Ma and friends are playing. There he was lounging back instead of leaning foward. His cello was resting comfortably against him and I’m like….WHAT!!! “Soloist”…same thing and here I am thinking …am I missing something? Why am I having to contort myself and these people who are genius are so at ease, so comfortable. I have been going about my day mulling over these things, Pastor’s blog, and conversations with God of late, as well as a book on the topic of God’s creative flow in us…in all areas of life, not just art. I see that we MUST serve the disiplines, including service in ministry, to learn the comforts of God and then to hear Jesus say: I call you not servants but friends. Lightning!!! or Eureka, if you prefere. We must be contorted in discipline to understand that commitment gives vision to dedication. Becoming comfortable in the presence of God in the sense that we are among friends. In my close friends home I make myself comfortable because I belong there because I am trusted and loved and cherished. That’s what Yo Yo Ma demonstrated. I know you, you are my friend. That’s where we as followers eventually realize through contortion: to learn to KNOW our Lord and passionately give, because we want to. It is pleasure to say to Him, as we make ourselves at home in service….I know You, You are my friend. I am moved by desire to honour YOU in anyway I can. And then find HIM resting comfortably against us because we took the time to understand proper technique which produced skilled hands and trustworthy hands. We are HIS Tabernacle, make me a resting place for My God, I pray. Thank-you Pastor.

  5. October 8th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
    Rob C Says:

    Follow ME is what Jesus asked? Follow ME is what Jesus expects, Follow ME is what Jesus demands of his true Christ followers. THe life changing question we must come to terms with is…are we willing to truly FOLLOW HIM and HIM only. A journey that few are truly willing to do…are you? AM I? Strange we find ourselves asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and we feel Him guide us, yet we go the other way…doesn’t think sound crazy, yet we do it. Everyday we must desire and commit to follow Him!!

    What will your day be like Friday? Will you live in Christ and die to gain? Will I?

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