I love this scripture. What a wonderful visual picture of the way God blesses His children. Not only does Paul tell us how God blesses, He tells us why. "...to train Christians in skilled servant work...". Read that again...servant work. Hmmmmmm. Keep reading. "...working within Christ's body, the church..." Where? The church. God tells us very clearly that He desires us to use the gifts He gives to be a servant in the church. Does this mean that we should all run out and get full time jobs on staff at a church near us? No. But it does tell us to find a way to plug in and use our gifts and talents, once a month, once a week, paid staff or volunteer. For how long? "...until we're all moving rythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful..." God's design is for all the ministries within the body to work in harmony. He desires that the music ministry works in harmony with the drama ministry. His vision is for the technical arts ministry to gracefully and efficiently with the teaching pastor. It's a perfect model created by a perfect God... handed down to very imperfect children. Are you fired up for the challenge? What about the drama team? How do we fit into this picture?
We serve. We serve as actors, writers, directors, prop masters, set designers and costume designers.
As actors we work to communicate the message of the script, to reach inside the hearts of the congregation and open eyes, ears and minds to hear God's voice. As prop masters, set designers and costume designers we strive to enhance the written word, to bring it to life and enable the congregation and the actors to make the transition into the world of the story being told. As writers and directors it is our job to bring a well thought out and effective script to the actors. We do all of this servant work knowing that in the end, a well executed sketch becomes a small part of the worship service as a whole. It's not our job to be in the spotlight, we are called to be the spotlight shining on Him. If we do our job well, the whole service is a seamless backdrop for God's voice and the Holy Spirit to speak and move. The music works in harmony with the teaching, the technical arts, the videos, lights, ushers, slides, prayer ministry and the drama. God's plan, God's design, God's purpose. Our privelage.
What's the end result? To become "...fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ." ! Amen!!
Looking forward to serving with you in a life filled ministry!
-Misti Simpson
