May 2, 2010

"I Have Gifts for Ministry…"

Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Introduction

      Not: what are you doing here this morning? Not: why did you come to church? But, what did you bring to church today? What gifts do you have to share to build up the body of Christ or to use in the ministry of the church out there in the world?

Scene I. The Coach Plays the Game Alone

      _________ the Jazz will play the Lakers in LA. Imagine arriving at the Staples Center. You find your seats as the teams come out onto the court. As the national anthem is sung, you realize there’s only one player on the court with a Jazz uniform: and it’s Jerry Sloan, the Jazz’ head coach. The other players are on the bench watching. The game begins with the center tip. The Lakers score right away. Jerry Sloan brings the ball up by himself, tries to get close enough for a shot; stops; no one to pass to; heaves the ball toward the hoop; and it goes in! The Jazz bench cheers. The Lakers come down court and score easily. Jerry tries again. This time he doesn’t get past half court; ball stolen; Lakers score; again and again. At the end of the first quarter the score is Lakers 88, Jazz 2.

      Ridiculous, of course. But this is how many people view the church. The pastor is “the” minister. It’s my job to do the ministry. Many people come to church as spectators, not as players or participants. A great coach of days past would describe a real NBA playoff games as “10 men in desperate need of rest and 50,000 fans in desperate need of exercise.”

  God’s plan for the church is that pastor and people form a team. Together Engaged in Authentic Ministry: TEAM. Someone said, “The typical congregation does not need more members; it needs more ministers.” The members and friends here at First Presbyterian Church who are actively engaged in some form of ministry are the ones who grow the church. When Paul wrote to the Ephesian church he said that “Christ himself gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Scene II: The Bench

      After that disastrous first quarter, the team lets Jerry Sloan know they want to play. They want to jump in help. So, they gather together on the bench; Jerry gives them a pep talk, names the five “starters” and goes over some strategy.

      When buzzer sounds to start the second quarter, problems arise. Darren Williams was named starting point guard but Carlos Boozer thinks he should have a chance at it. In fact, if he can’t play point guard, Carlos is going to take his ball and go home. Paul Milsap hates the color of their baby blue away-game uniforms and decides to play “shirts and skins.” Kyle Korver says he wants the ball every time down the floor because he knows he can make a three pointer every time. “It’s the only way we’re going to get back in the game.” Finally, Coach Sloan manages to appease everyone and the disgruntled team goes out there to play.

      Now, these things never happen in the church! We come to church most Sundays, sit on the bench, hear a great pep talk, and then what? Are you out there playing your position? Involved in your ministry? Giving the Lord your best efforts?

      Which brings us to the last of four FILL IN THE BLANKS surveys. So take out that baby blue Jazz colored piece of paper in your programs and fill it out with me.

1. I have a handle on what my gifts for ministry are: ____ yes; ____no; ____ somewhat;

                                                                                    ____ I’d like to.

2. I am able and enjoy encouraging people who are going through a difficult time:  

____ often;      ____ occasionally; ____ not really.

3. I love when people come to my home spur of the moment

    for a meal, to hang out, or even when they need a place to stay:  

      ____ always;     ____ once in a while;    ____ not really.

4. I have enjoyed long-term friendships,

    sharing personally in their successes and failures:  ____ yes;   ____ no.

5. I find it easy to work with people with physical or mental

   problems and help alleviate their suffering:____ yes, it’s easy;

                                                   ____ no, that’s difficult;    ____ no, but I try.

6. Others have told me that I’ve been helpful for their faith and

    Christian understanding:  ____ often;    ____ once or twice; ____ never.

7. When a group is lacking in organization, I tend to step in to

   fill the gap (usually effectively):  ___ several times;  ___not me.

8. I share with comfort and joy in a meaningful way

    how Christ brought me to faith: ____often; ____ sometimes; ____never.

9. I don’t have many special skills, but I do what needs to be

    done around the church:  ____much;  ____some;  ____not much.

10. I regularly pray for sick people because I know that

    prayer makes a difference for comfort and/or healing:

      ____ a lot;   ____ on occasion;    ____ rarely.

11. I want to discover, develop and use God given gifts for

      ministry in and through 1st Pres: ____ yes;  ____ no;   ____ not sure.

Name (optional)      

Phone/Email        

      These are just a few questions that probe what may be your gifts for ministry. The Bible mentions several gifts that God gives to specific people in the church so that many areas of ministry are covered. Here are a few (there are many others): the gift of Encouragement, the gift of Hospitality, being a Pastor (I think there are several members of our congregation who have this gift). Here are a few others from the FILL IN THE BLANKS: the gifts of Mercy, Teaching, Administration, Evangelism, Service, Helps, and Prayer.

Scene III. No Equipment

      Amazingly, Korver makes 15 three-pointers in the second quarter, Boozer and Williams combine for 20 and they play tenacious defense. Half-time score? Lakers 102, Jazz 65. But there were problems with a few players. Kirilenko was back but he forgot his sneakers! Playing in bare feet was really tough under the boards trying for rebounds. Milsap wore the powder blue uniform but the pants were too big and kept falling down around his knees. It’s awkward to play with one hand holding up your pants and the other trying to catch and shoot.

      Ridiculous, of course! But in the church, how many times do we give the pep talk, ask people to teach or organize or serve in some way but not equip them for the job!

Conclusion

      I don’t know about you, but I’m one who likes to win. When it comes to the church and its ministry, God has provided a winning strategy, a master game plan for his church. As we grow in our understanding of the Lord’s plan, prepare for works of service, and engage in ministry together, 1st Pres will grow up, grow more, grow together in Christ.

      Why did you come to church? To be part of the team (Together Engaged in Authentic Ministry) or did you come just to watch the game? What did you bring with you to church today? You have gifts for ministry. I sure hope you will come out and play.

Let us pray together.