It is here. The next step in the evolution of University to better serve the God who has saved us. When Bob Turner came to University to help streamline the work and focus of the church, he left us with several recommendations. One was to organize Focus Groups that would muster Christians to serve the Kingdom.
Since brother Turner was here, the elders have sought to follow his advice and organize the Focus Groups. Eight areas of focus have been identified: Community Outreach, Education, Missions, University Family/Worship, Campus Works, Youth Work, Technology, and Facilities. Each of these areas of focus contain several works or ministries designed to serve the church and help fulfill its mission.
Today, our Ministry Fair kicks off the next phase of our Focus Groups and gives each of us an opportunity to find our place in the ministries of the church. Every Christian is called to serve in the Kingdom. Nobody has been given a “Get Out of Duty” pass from God. Sometimes we feel inadequate for God’s service. Or we make our lives too busy, and don’t leave time to serve our Creator. Some are absent from roll call because they cannot find a place to serve. Others do not put a priority on working in the Kingdom. Excuses abound, some better than others, but none excuse us from God’ service.
Paul addressed those who were out of service in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Some Christians had cut others off from serving in the church because they had different gifts. Others felt unnecessary or inadequate to participate in the church’s ministries. Paul explained, “The body is one and has many members…there are many parts, yet one body.” He compares each individual Christian to different parts of the same body. Each part has its own purpose or function within the body. But when all the individual parts perform their particular function, the body is able to function as it needs. Some of those parts are “weaker” or “unpresentable,” but they are still vital to the life of the body.
Paul even listed some spiritual gifts. Some of them were only active during the age of miracles, but others are gifts of natural talents and abilities like helping, administrating, and teaching. Then he admonished, “Earnestly desire the higher gifts.” These are gifts we would use to promote and support the church. This is all motivated by the “more excellent way.” Paul spends chapter 13 describing love, the more excellent way. Love spurs each Christian to find their place in the work and put their hand to the plow. There is no higher gift or talent than the one being used to serve the Master.
So, today, find your place to work in the University family. Share your talents and skills with the Lord. Join us at the Ministry Fair and find a way to get your hands dirty by being “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:58). Sam Dilbeck
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