How often have you said, "If I can do anything to help, let me know"? I
seriously doubt two things. I seriously doubt any adult knows how many
times he or she has said that. Is there even one of us who has never made
that statement? All of us say that to a friend when he or she is in unusual
need, circumstances, pain, or loss.
Would you say that to this congregation? Would you say to the elders, "If I
can do anything to help, let me know"? Many have. Many do. Many would.
If they asked, "Can you give $1,000,000 to help the congregation address
this situation?" many of us could not. If they asked, "Can you be a
missionary in Southeast Asia?" many of us could not. If they asked, "Can
you take full responsibility in coordinating Sunday morning's children's
worship?" many of us could not. If they asked, "Can you assume full
responsibility in a public teaching role?" many of us could not.
When we make that offer sincerely, we willingly will do anything within our
ability. When asked to do something not within our ability, we sincerely
regret that we cannot help. We want to help, but we literally are not able
to respond to the request.
If you were able to do something significant that blessed the health and
life of the congregation, would you do it? If the congregation or elders
asked for something (1) easily within your ability, (2) of no personal cost
to you, but (3) of immense value to this congregation, would you do it?
Two things are within everyone's ability, of no personal cost, and of
immense value to the health and life of this congregation.
You, or you and your family, can have your picture made for the directory.
A new member or new convert wants and needs nothing more than a pictorial
directory. We all need and want it. The more complete it is, the more
useful it is. It cannot be complete without your picture in it.
We can all pray for God to guide us, our process, and our elders as we seek
additional shepherds for the congregation. We can all pray for God's Spirit
to work freely in our hearts. We can all pray for God to guide us to the
leaders that He wants.
"If there is anything I can do to help the congregation, let me know." Have
your picture made for the directory. Pray fervently for God's guidance as
we seek shepherds.
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell