Friendship is a church filled with great, God-gifted potential. I strongly believe that God is bringing together the right people to accomplish His greater mission for us. The people who are here and those a’coming have great potential. It blows my mind. And, I’m not just talking about talent. Potential is everywhere I turn.
We have potential leaders needing to pop out of their cocoon and allow God to use them to lead. And, with what’s ahead I believe leadership is more critical than ever. It’s amazing to me how people want to be led – to be challenged – to give their lives to something greater than themselves. So, potential leaders, step up, and do what God has gifted you to do – LEAD!!!
We have potential teachers everywhere. And, God is bringing more. Starting this month we have more small groups starting and continuing than at any point in Friendship’s history. And, if you have the gift of teaching – TEACH! Don’t sit back and complain. Get in the game. TEACH! We need you.
We have potential workers all among us. If you haven’t found your niche of ministry yet, I wish to ask you: why haven’t you? You are needed! I am tired of people sitting on the sidelines missing out on God’s blessings when they could be in the game, touching people’s lives in powerful ways with the gospel. Find your ministry and work for the Lord. So, workers, WORK!
We have more potential givers than ever. All of us are blessed to be a blessing. Those of us who trust God and tithe know we cannot out give Him. If you are having trouble financially, tithe. Trust God. Learn the joy of giving, instead of always hording or taking. Yes, I believe more and more Friendshippers are stepping up to tithing and I wish to encourage everyone to GIVE.
We have more talented people than I can comprehend. God has brought us and is bringing us people with significant talent musically, organizationally, technologically, relationally, and in so many other areas. The potential is enormous in this talent area. And, if God has gifted you with a talent and you’re not using it, shame on you. The blessings you are missing and those you could bless are tremendous. If you have talent potential, use your TALENT.
The days ahead for Friendship are bright. Yes, we will have struggles and we will have difficulties. But, when we trust God, keep the main thing the main thing, and are not afraid to take risks, we will continue being part of something special – this body of Christ called Friendship.
Until next time,
Calvin
2 Comments:
Calvin.
I've not attended your church and I've only listened to one of your sermons. I listened to that sermon following my research of churches in the Athens area. I am anticipating moving my family and I to your area and wanted to look around to see what to expect in the way of ministry in the area.
I won't go back and read all your posts but I did notice frustration came up in your previous post. It's hard to lead especially when you have so many minds that should be following and each of them is independent to themselves. Organized churches have created a need for democracy in churches and in turn a bit of an upset in correct order at times. Additionally Todays churches and possibly those of long ago tend to put the pastor in a position where he MUST do everything right or be judged harshly for his humaness.
I want to encourage you that what I have seen gives me great peace that you are doing what you know to do to reach the lost and lead the church. Your church appears to be very productive and active for the lord. I see a lot of outreach to the people and that matters today. In your ministry there will be times when you will stand alone. There will be others you will stand in the midst of a mob. And with much prayer and submission to Gods guidance there will be times when stand in front of the mob and that mob will be whole heartedly following your every word as pastor.
Keep God first and When you look back you'll know you have fallen short at times but at those times God lifted you up to make up the difference. God will continue to make of the church what we allow him to make of it. If we keep our perspective on God and his leadership all will work out as God wishes even following the frustrations.
Don't ask why I'm writing. I just saw a couple previous comments and thought encouragement was in line. I'm not sure if this qualifies but please take it as such.
I hope to visit your church in the future God willing.
Les
Hi Les,
Thanks for your comment to my blog. It was a thrill reading your uplifting comments. I do hope that before you move to this area that you will let us know. One of our unofficial visions is to be the church of choice for newcomers. That is prodominatly who we are here. Friendship is an exiting church that seeks to be real, refreshing and relevant to reach our community and county. God has recently enlarged our vision and I am excited about whom we are specifically being called to minister too. Also, if we can help make your move easier, please don't hesitate to contact us. I hope to meet or at least chat with your soon.
Calvin
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