(Eccl. 9:10 NIV)
You have a talent that your pastor and your local church need to help reach your city. Each church has a vision that is given to the pastor by the Holy Spirit, and the pastor should take the time to share that vision with his church. Then members of the congregation should seek the Lord Jesus Christ to discover where they fit into that vision.
Opportunities to get involved are unlimited. Most local churches have departments, activities, or outreach ministries into which church members can fit. Listed below are some of the departments often found in a local church:
| Benevolence (Food/Clothing) Bookstore Children’s Ministry Christian School Counseling Counselors in Service Disciples Training Classes Evangelism Ministry Financial Counseling Greeters Hospital/Shut-in Visitation Seniors Singles 1 (20–24) Singles II (25–39) Singles III (40–50) Sound Ministry Tape/CD Duplication |
Housekeeping Intercession Ladies Bible Study Maintenance Marriage Builders Men’s Ministry Music Ministry (Choir/Orchestra) Prison/Jail Ministry Publications School of World Evangelism Security Temporarily Impaired Television Ushers Visitor Center Youth |
Churches may offer more or fewer avenues of Christian work, but there are always opportunities available, which require people who are willing to release their talents. Without those who get involved, the church cannot function and the Gospel will not be preached to our cities. Pastors and leaders in the majority of churches have been bearing the brunt of the work of the ministry. That is why you hear of so many ministers “burning out.”
Pastors and other spiritual leaders should be breaking through, not burning out. Spiritual and natural breakthroughs will happen as the Body of Christ decides to do its full part. Are you doing yours?
- Do you sense a stirring to get involved in one of the areas of ministry listed above? Is there an area of need that this list doesn’t cover?
- Ask yourself some questions:
- Into what area(s) would my gifts fit best?
- In what way will my involvement lighten the pastor’s load?
- Am I willing to be committed over a long period of time? Or does a short-term commitment fit my present situation in life?
- Whom else do I know who might be interested in getting involved
Heavenly Father, thank You for the good plans You have for me. Help me to recognize my gifts and talents, and show me where I can put them to good use in my local church. Show me what I can do to assist my pastor and lighten his load. I want to contribute to his breakthrough and help him avoid burnout. Help me develop my gifts to their fullest potential so that the most people can be reached with the Gospel. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.
