“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6 NKJ).
Assuming leadership as pastor of a church put me in position to “do it all.” I picked up people in my car to bring them to church, then led the singing, made the announcement, performed the musical solos and specials, preached the message, prophesied over the congregation, laid hands on them, and blessed them.
Then I took them home. At the end of the day, I fell into bed totally fatigued but contented. All this for a grand total of 30 to 40 people. This foolish heart had so much to learn.
Church is for the cultivating and developing of gifts, talents, and ministries. It is not meant to be a “one-man show” in which one person puts on a performance while everyone else fills the role of spectator.
Paul points out that one person is called to plant a seed of faith. Another has the ministry of watering the seed to produce growing crops. The Lord gives the increase.
This Greek word translated increase is auxano (owx-an’-o), defined as “growth and enlargement.” Our word auxiliary comes from auxano.
It was a painful lesson for me, but I had to learn it: If one person dominates a church (it could be a monied person, and influential board member, or the one who pioneered the church), its growth potential is practically nil.
Teamwork is the word. Delegating authority is vital to church growth. Discovering talents and gifts in a congregation and then encouraging and developing those ministries is essential to church enlargement.
Lord, deliver us from the “do-it-yourself” syndrome and give us a teamwork mentality.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.