(Image source: Parable of the Hidden Treasure, Wikicommons)
As I continue to re-read Bob Girard’s Brethren, Hang Loose, I find gems chock full o’ wisdom like this one:
“The spiritual ministry of each individual member must be a spiritual ministry — not just more involvement in the machinery of an organization.” (page 45)
This quote really stands out because it contains a vital truth that many of us have a tendency to overlook:
People want to use their spiritual gifts in the gathered Body, not just fill empty cog-spots in the machinery.
Yes, in any gathering, there are always “things that need doing”. That’s inescapable.
But what Girard is saying — and I want to highlight — is that “connecting” and “getting involved” has to be much more spiritually significant that just stacking chairs week-in and week-out.
In fact, if I were a betting man, I’d wager that more people would willingly pitch in to assist with the “things that need doing”, if their spiritual gifts were recognized, valued and able to find expression in the gathering of the Body.