Pastor’s Corner May 2011

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

Did you know Redeemer currently has something like 38 different ministry efforts going on? From Children’s Church to the Christmas Pageant, Breakaway to ushering, sound booth ministry to nursery, communion preparation to property maintenance, special needs to missions, and the list goes on.

These ministries have come into being because of needs being revealed and people answering the call of God to use their gifts to meet them. Every one of the existing ministries serves to build up the body of believers here at Redeemer and reach out to a needy world. I want to encourage each member of Redeemer to seek God’s will about how you might use your gifts to edify our church family for God’s glory. The Apostle Paul encouraged the members of Churches he wrote concerning the use of their gifts:

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

These gifts are not just talents. We might think of spiritual gifts as sanctified talents. God gifts you with a special ability that, when exercised, builds up you and your brothers and sisters in Christ. A “spiritual gift” is a way of describing the supernatural origin of the gift, and the intention that it be used to strengthen people spiritually. Every believer has a spiritual gift or several.

On Sunday morning, May 15, there will be a ministry fair in the gym from 9:00-11:00am. Each of the current RPC ministries will have a representative with materials for you to look at and consider. You will have an opportunity to volunteer for service in these ministries. Please prayerfully consider how you might jump in and serve.

Recently I preached about being a faithful steward of spiritual gifts and the great benefit that we (as a church) gain, when members use their gifts to serve. Once again, here are the main points of that message-

• By each of us serving, the church community is built up and people are strengthened spiritually (discipleship)

• By each of us serving, we are able to reach outside the church with the gospel.

• By serving, you will experience satisfaction and joy

• By each of us serving, our church brings glory to God

In the Lamb,
Tony Felich