Clergy Appreciation Month: Laity Serving

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethern, I would not have you ignorant.  ….  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.”

(1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-5 KJV)

October is here a time set aside for appreciating our pastors and all they and their families do—the sacrifices they make to care for the people in their charge.  Of course, we should appreciate them the other eleven months of the year!  October is Clergy Appreciation Month, with this in mind, I will be sharing (with some editing) what I posted last two Octobers.

To read the first and second posts in this series, please see:  Clergy Appreciation Month and Clergy Appreciation Month:  Pastor Appreciation Sunday.

In the United Methodist Church the third Sunday in October is designated as Laity Sunday, this year the special day falls on October 15. This is a Sunday in which the ministry of the laity is celebrated.  As Christians—as members of God’s family—we are to be exercising the gifts God has so graciously given us.

Personal Photo

Each Christian has at least one spiritual gift and sometimes a gift mix—a gift that God expects us to use for His glory and the benefit of His people.  Have you taken the time to discover your spiritual gifts?  If you have not done so, please consider doing it soon. 

If you know your spiritual gifts, it is your responsibility to use them.  By using your gifts, you will bless your pastor (and others) more than you will ever know.  One of the greatest gifts you could give your pastor is the voluntary use of your gifts.  You just might make his or her day (and year!), by going to him or her with an idea about how you could help and/or serve.

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A couple years ago a pastor stated this regarding the ministry of the laity: “Pastors are always delighted to see laity that takes ownership of areas of ministry.  A good example is leading children and youth ministries and teaching the Bible.”

Remember, there are no bad gifts (see Romans 12:6), just different ones.  Spend some time thinking and praying about how you can serve others as a lay person—lay ministry is not just reserved for specially trained lay leaders or lay speakers of the church.  All laity are to be in some form of ministry within and without the church.

If you know your spiritual gift(s), what gift(s) do you have and how are you using them?

Where do you feel that God is calling to get involved?

What ways are you already serving—giving of your time, talents, energy?    

Remember, the Lord expects us to be salt and light in the world (see Matthew 5:13-14).  The people around us should see something different about how we live our lives and how we interact with and treat others!

Who can you share Jesus with today?

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord, inspire us to use our skills and our gifts to be a blessing to others.  We desire to serve You humbly, along with our pastor.  Remind us that all gifts are important within the church and Your kingdom; encourage us to use them to glorify You.  Persuade us to not only encourage our pastor but others, as well, in using their gifts for Your glory.  May we all use our gifts for Your glory not ours.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.   

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Special Note: Faith Journey with Kim: Growing in Christ Jesus has a Facebook page.  To get to the site, please click on the grayish text above or here.