This week we continued our discussion on what it means to have a "mission mindset". We began with a look at 1 Corinthians 12:18-26:

This is where God comes in. God has meticulously put this body together; He placed each part in the exact place to perform the exact function He wanted. If all members were a single part, where would the body be? So now, many members function within the one body. The eye cannot wail at the hand, “I have no need for you,” nor could the head bellow at the feet, “I won’t go one more step with you.” It’s actually the opposite. The members who seem to have the weaker functions are necessary to keep the body moving; the body parts that seem less important we treat as some of the most valuable; and those unfit, untamed, unpresentable members we treat with an even greater modesty. That’s something the more presentable members don’t need.

But God designed the body in such a way that greater significance is given to the seemingly insignificant part. That way there should be no division in the body; instead, all the parts mutually depend on and care for one another. If one part is suffering, then all the members suffer alongside it. If one member is honored, then all the members celebrate alongside it.

These verses are a reminder that each part of the body of Christ is essential and has a purpose and a role that is important.

We have a tendency in Christian communities to exalt some gifts over others. This isn't always malicious, but a reality of which we must be aware. Some gifts are more visible than other but that does not make them more important or better than others.

This often leads to church members who feel like they have nothing to contribute to the body of Christ rather than feeling like they are an essential component that enhances what God is doing in the body.

In the same way, when we serve and minister in it is so easy to focus on what people don't have, rather than what they can contribute to what God is doing in the world.

When we minister, whether in our families, schools, places of work, communities, or in some far off place we want to EMPHASIZE GIFTS.

How can we emphasize people's gifts?

  1. Cultivate relationships.
  2. Emphasize potential instead of plight.
  3. Emphasize empowerment instead of dependency.
  4. Emphasize development instead of relief.
  5. Emphasize asset-based instead of needs-based approach.

These are all related ideas, but they see what God is doing in a person or community rather than what is wrong with them.

When we serve others, the aim should be to be helpers in creating other servants.

When we give to others, the aim should be to be helpers in creating other givers.

When we emphasize needs or plights over assets and potential, we encourage people to be entitled takers. So while we should absolutely see and care about problems and we should meet needs, we must not stop there.

So take some time to see your gifts and the gifts in others!

Upcoming Events

  • Saturday, April 29 at 9 AM - Bed Build for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
  • Sunday, April 30 at 9 AM - Pancake Breakfast (Student should arrive at 8 AM to prepare)
  • Sunday, May 7 after 9:15 AM Service - Graduation Sunday (Registration for Graduates: LINK)
  • Wednesday, May 24 at 6:30 PM - Mission Trip Parent Meeting (in the Social Hall)
  • Sunday, June 11 at 7 AM - Leave for South Dakota
  • Saturday, June 17 at 8 PM - Arrive Back at Church
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