The members of Washington Assembly came together for the Annual Meeting last night. What many people see as just a legal necessity required by our church's constitution was a holy time of inspiration. Various ministries within the church reported their efforts. I wish critics of the church could have listened in. Our little church is an active force in this community working to do what Jesus told His Church to do here in our corner of the world.
Pat reported that about a half ton of food passes through our food pantry to feed 35-40 families a week!
Lisa reported on our cooperative work with Family Promise, when about once every 10 weeks, we turn the lower level of our Family Fellowship Center into a home for the homeless, loving them, feeding them, keeping them safe for Christ’s sake.
Cindy reported on the 165 children that find a home away from home in our schools, a place to be nurtured in God’s ways while learning their academic lessons.
Bob’s work in keeping our grounds attractive was noted, too. And, is that not spiritual work, too? Yes, of course, we do the ‘normal’ church work of coming together to worship. From that place, we go out to do the work of God’s kingdom!
I opened our meeting with a reminder of the importance of ALL the work, the ‘up front’ stuff and the hidden services in His Name. In speaking of the Church and those who part of it, the Word says, "Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!" (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, The Message)
Bill Hybels, pastor Willow Creek Church, Barrington, Ill., writes, "Imagine a church where leaders lead, educators educate, worshippers worship, singers sing, givers give." I don't have to try to imagine. I see it every day! Last night I did not sense a lot of competing to be the 'greatest.' Nor did I sense a room where people were burnt-out by doing things for which they have no calling or passion.
As I went to bed, thinking and praying about the reports and those who presented them, the Spirit reminded me that there is no way this side of Heaven to grasp the full impact of the work that is being done for Jesus Christ. We simply cannot know which of those who received a bag of groceries was also touched by Christ's compassion. We cannot know which boy that Rangers took on a wilderness experience met God in the woods in a way that kept him from drifting into delinquency. We cannot know at what moment, in our Christian school, a child was profoundly influenced by a godly teacher to become a true disciple of Jesus.
But God knows! And His rewards for those who use the gifts of the Spirit He has given to the Church will find a wonderful reward in eternity. The Word tells us that "God doesn't miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you've shown him by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it. And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don't drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them. "
(Hebrews 6:10-12, The Message)
Do YOU know the joy of service?
Are you finding opportunities to feed the hungry, care for the sick (physically, emotionally, spiritually), help someone who is hurt, teach someone the Way, point someone to Christ, say a word that reflects the love of Christ?
Then you share in the inheritance that is set aside for those who serve the Master. Steady on, disciple: Not for fame, nor earthly glory, but for the eternal prize that will never fade.
When Paul was imprisoned in Rome and facing his execution, he sent this benediction to Timothy, a young pastor he had trained for service. His reminder is a call to faithful service.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—
and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-9, NIV)
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For a glimpse of Washington Assembly at work, see our websites:
http://www.washingtonag.com/ and
http://www.gscacademy.com/
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