So a new fiscal year begins here at Providence, and we are blessed to be debt free again. Yet also sadden to see a couple full time folks and part time folk’s leave, as well as some hours getting cut. None of this is actually a result of the economy, but a result of to much personnel, for the size congregation we have. Yes even my wife had her hours cut. There could be 2 ways to view this one be bitter and question the leadership, or 2 be thankful that in this tough time, we are debt free, and most of us still have our jobs and can continue to serve the Lord. This brings to thought another question, why do we serve, yes Tim and I are paid to be here, but we also are faced weekly with going beyond what our normal work hours are, and still striving to get our jobs done. You see some one in ministry once told me, if you are doing this for the money, you are in the wrong business. We do not keep track of what we are paid for and what we give to the church above and beyond what we are paid for. The amazing thing in all this, is you all, you receive no monetary compensation for serving here at the church. I know serving for 13 years as a volunteer back in Florida that it can be frustrating some times, because you are always being asked to do more. I know you have all heard this from others, and me but we will never be able to say thanks, or could never even compensate you for all the hours you put in here. My philosophy is this, if it is with in my scheduled hours, or well beyond I want to serve GOD with all my heart, and all my soul, and with excellence in every thing I do. It is so easy to become complacent in our tasks here on the team. This goes beyond the service times. What are you doing to prepare for the services, are you looking over the tech sheets, planning what is next, is everything ready to go, are you anticipating issues that could happen. It is easy to get in to a relaxed mode and just go with the flow, and what ever happens, happens.
Are you cleaning up after the services, or events, turning off all the equipment, and putting it away, or do you find it is easier to get out of here as quickly as possible because we are tired, or have plans. Believe me I am the first one, ready to leave, but there are things that must be done before it is time to go. You see serving goes beyond the service times, there should be a period of planning that includes looking over the tech sheets, thinking about what is next, executing that, and then cleaning up, putting away, and shutting down the equipment we use each week. Serving with excellence also means wanting to learn more, get better at what ever positions we are serving in, getting a better understanding of what we do. It affects so many people, Imagine a bad lighting cue in the middle of a very special moment, or a bad shot during a time that some one may be reflecting on what it would be like to accept Christ in to their life. Yes we will make mistakes I do weekly. However my goal is to minimize those errors, and learn from them.
My challenge is simply this, why do we serve, to what level of commitment do we serve, and to what level of education and understanding do I want to have in serving. We all have busy schedules, and I am not asking any one to complicate them with another thing to attend. We do have an incredible opportunity for training and projects each Wed. evening, and are going to be introducing more topic specific classes in the near future, and each quarter. Thank you all for serving, and being a part of our team, I trust God does and will bless each of you for your commitment and time you have vested here at Providence.