The Church Effective

 

In the book of Acts, the newly established church (now, the New Covenant People of God) begins to run into everyday organizational problems as it grows. What becomes clear is that the solutions to these problems will involve the spiritual gifts and service of others if the early church is going to continue to be effective. One of those needs was the daily distribution of food for the widows among them, who were dependent for survival on others now that their husbands had died.

 

Acts 6:

1 Now, during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2 And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.

 

Many of you have likely heard me say at one point or another: "We as a church will only be as effective as we have people involved using their spiritual gifts". This statement bears my phrasing, but it isn't my idea. It comes repeatedly from Holy Scripture, and it is a truth that influences every family and organization. We are always better when we are functioning together.

 

The situation is rectified in Acts chapter six when people are chosen from within the body due to their spiritual gifts and because they were known for their honesty and integrity. Why would this matter? Those disseminating the food would handle currency and oversee how the provisions would be measured out (and to whom!). In this kind of position, fraud and the manipulation of others could be a great temptation for those of weak character.

 

Hear Acts 6, again:

7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

 

The church continued in its healthy and effective trajectory because the apostles were wise enough to understand their limitations and their need for the entire involvement of the body of Christ. But the people had to choose to serve (and we are very thankful for the many who do so in our congregation).

 

We have reached that time in the church year where we prepare to thank vestry members who are finishing their three years serving on our leadership council, and then calling and welcoming others to serve in their stead. However, because we do not have a large membership, finding others to serve on the vestry can be a daunting task for those of us asking for volunteers. It is a position that is often hard to fill for a host of different reasons and often resisted by a host of different people with different kinds of gifting. This does not mean that vestry will be the right place where everyone should serve, and yet, without enough people, shared accountability for decision making becomes difficult (as a reminder, a year ago we finalized a change in our constitution, moving our necessary number of Vestry members from nine to seven).

 

A person who serves on the vestry will be a confirmed or received member and will have a spiritual and physical commitment to Christ and his church. Like the Biblical story above, it is also a position of trust. The largest part of the requirement is a monthly meeting that occurs on a Thursday evening that lasts between an hour and an hour and a half (not a weekly meeting!).

The vestry leads our church administratively alongside the Rector. It isn't always exciting work, but it is important work in regard to the careful and honorable management of our facilities, our finances, and our programming at every level.

 

Could God be calling you to consider the use of your gifts in this important way? So often, those who serve in so many other places in our parish end up coming forward in the end (often, having served multiple terms before) because no one else is willing. I would like to see this load shared by others who are capable and willing to do so.

 

Our Church has grown significantly over the last four years. In that time, many people have stepped up, engaged their gifts, and found a place to serve and belong in using their spiritual gifts. If we are going to continue our healthy trajectory of spiritual and healthy numerical growth, it can only happen as more people choose to use the gifts and calling that they have been given.

Pray for your Priest and your Vestry. Pray for God's provision. Pray for one another.

See you Sunday!

 

Fr. Tom