A Fun, Full Few Days
On Monday, we planned the calendar.
On Tuesday, we talked about youth ministry.
On Wednesday, at least in the morning, we talked philosophy and training, and ate some Epic Wings to end the fun, full few days. Our brains hurt, but our souls are full.
We stayed in town this year, and with the Saldanas leaving for a church planting internship soon, we wanted to use our Staff Planning time to mentor Bro. Zack and Mrs. Shae in this new phase they’re about to enter. Going from three staff to two will be a big adjustment, yet I believe it will be a good one. Bro. Christian set up so many sturdy pillars (as I’ve been calling them) on which we can now continue the ministries in his absence. For example, he built the livestream and our entire media ministry from the ground up, purchased all the equipment, trained all the servants and leaders, and has helped them become self-sufficient. Bro. Christian used to do it all, but now we have amazing teams of people that run the livestream (cameras, sound, titles, etc.) and the screens (front and back) every service. To LEAVE a ministry in a self-sustaining place is no small feat.
Bro. Christian has been able to do that in many of the ministries he oversaw, so we are in a good place now where other leaders can step up in each ministry to fill in the gaps that he is leaving. I am excited for that, actually. I am eager to see who takes the initiative to serve in ways they can see the need and take the lead.
So, on Monday when we planned the calendar, it was obviously much more than that. I’m very proud of Bro. Zack for shouldering everything we threw at him, and it was everything.
Church, this will only be sustainable if you are on board. And I am so thankful you are. I don’t know who did it, but last Wednesday after the Missions Revival, you just cleaned up and set up without anyone even asking. It just happened. Most of the staff was out of the room doing sound checks, and we came back later, and everything was clean in the gym, the floor was swept, and the Fellowship Class was all set up! Amazing! THAT is the kind of wonderful service that you’re known for, and I love it.
Calvary Baptist Church could never function if you expect others to serve you, but we will be a healthy family when every member of the body does its part. Here’s what I mean:
Church staff members equip the body to serve. I believe that’s the intent of Ephesians 4, and it’s the body that edifies itself in love. Of course the staff does work, but their greatest contribution will be to multiply themselves through the many leaders of ministries that they work with.
Church staff members are an extension of the pastor. All authority is delegated, as the Centurion understood when he was talking to Jesus, so the pastoral guidance of a church is enhanced by the staff. Because Bro. Zack is closest to me through our daily interaction, he might sometimes be tasked to take oversight of a ministry that you’ve been running for three decades! No Christian servant is on an island. We have been given spiritual leaders for the good of the whole church, and the staff is here to help us all.
Our church staff members are dedicated. I promise you, if the church staff enlists your help, delegates a job to you, or doesn’t complete a task when you thought they might, it is not because they are lazy. “Why are you asking ME to work here! That’s what YOU are here for.” Please banish that unbiblical and uncharitable thought. That is not like Christ.
However, our church staff is NOT too busy. People sometimes say, “I know you’re busy…” While I appreciate your understanding, our staff is NOT too busy for you. Serving on church staff is such an incredible privilege, and we appreciate the opportunity to do what we get to do. Don’t fear being a burden. You’re not. You’re a blessing. Thank you for letting us serve like this. It makes us even MORE passionate to do our absolute best. I love you, church. – Pastor Ryan