Football is ALMOST here.  I am totally excited because I love watching my TEAMS in action.  I love the strategy, possibility and anticipation of cheering for a winning team.  The excitement of being at a game, watching my favorite players, fantasy football, competition, and to top it all off, fall is my favorite time of the year.  The team works when EVERY PERSON PLAYS THEIR ROLE.  I have been on championship teams AND losing teams and I DO NOT LIKE LOSING, neither do you.  Here is the good news: When you join a church team, you have WON.  The idea of church is PURE GENIUS of God.  Jesus died for the church so we would serve it.

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:11-12

Let me tell you about Frank and Annette, friends of mine at 217church.  I’ll never forget the day Frank introduced himself to me and described how you, the church, were so friendly to complete strangers, them.  You have accepted them and changed their life.  You have prayed for them in their sickness.  They love you so much, they moved back to New Jersey recently just to be a part of our church.   Now they are a part of the family.  Frank’s and Annette’s story is one of amazing transformation.  They found Jesus, forgiveness, a church family, and a place to serve and an eternal purpose.  You might meet them this Sunday at our Hamilton Campus.  It is so easy to forget the work we are doing in the church is ABSOLUTELY life altering.  On just ONE Sunday alone the possibility in our community is staggering.  When you the church, greet, set up equipment, play your instrument, run the sound or video, smile, hug, it ALL MATTERS.  There is no unimportant role on the church.

4 “What If’s” That Will Change Our Church

1.  What If…You Get in the Game – Do you serve on a regular basis?

Countless times I have watched people go from sideline spectators to valuable team members seemingly overnight.  We have people preparing to go to minister in prisons, people setting up equipment and signs on the weekend, working with children and youth, greeting people, working in the office organizing the church, counting offering, leading small groups, visiting those in the hospital, praying diligently for those in need, delivering food and clothes, counseling an engaged couple.  The list goes on and on.  You have a gift and it’s time to be used of God.

2.  What if…You Play Your Role Well – Are you in the right spot?

Let’s face it, there isn’t much worse than getting STUCK in some role that you really don’t like and really aren’t cut out for!  Maybe you are in a role and you need a change?  Or maybe the only change really needed is in your attitude?  Which of these gift sets best describes you?  Whichever one it is, use it for the building up of the church.  It’s time to maximize your contribution.  And one more thing, it’s ok if it takes some time to find the “perfect fit”  don’t ever give up!

• Apostle:  Blazes new territory
• Prophet: Tells God’s heart and the intent and future of the church
• Evangelist: Gathers people for the sharing of the Gospel
• Shepherd: Organizes structure of caring for people
• Teacher: Makes plain the principles of the bible

3. What if…You Invite Others – When was the last time you asked someone to serve with you?

Serving alone makes no sense.  We have teams of people that do things, almost everything!  The next time you do any ministry, invite someone to come with you.  This is going to take some intentionality and forward thinking, but you can do it!  How many people are just waiting for a personal invitation to serve?  Lots I imagine.  A healthy team is attractive, you are that attractive force.  When they see you serving, it acts like a magnetic pull for people into the body of Christ, the church.

4. What if…You Forgive Others – Is it ok to disagree with you?

Do you work and play well with others?  You know what I mean.  Are you a “HM Christian?” (High Maintenance)  If it always has to be your way and you have to be the center of attention, and you have trouble forgiving, Now is the time to forgive.  I can almost guarantee you someone in our church will offend you at some time.  But let’s choose to forgive.

IF we do these things, the possibilities are limitless.  it’s up to you church.

This weekend we will renew our covenants as vision owners of 217church together.  235 baptisms later, we are still going strong.  The church will endure!

Josh

Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 10:00am and Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00.  Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, we would love to have you join us.  Don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here