"Empty Slots"

 

“Empty Slots”

 

Recently our community newsletter included a chart listing the many activities available to residents and the contact person(s) for more information. Some of the slots were blank as no one had come forward to provide leadership. The words “no workers, no program” were included indicating people had to be willing to step up if a function in which they were interested was to take place.

I’ve had several discussions with our former Board President and we came to the conclusion that there are many parallels in leading a church or residents’ organization. One is the old principle, generally attributed to economist Vilfredo Pareto, that 20% of a group’s members do 80% of the work. Looking at our community roster confirms the truth of this statement as the same names appear in multiple places.

If we were to develop something similar to that described above in many of our churches the results would likely show that a relatively small percentage of members and attenders carry out most of the ministry tasks. A pastor friend once told me of a business meeting during which a member stated that more evangelism was needed but when asked how he’d participate said, “I don’t want to do it. I just want it done!” Could this attitude at least partially account for this church’s decline over the years?

Our Lord’s friend and apostle wrote, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10, NKJV, emphasis added). So God’s equipped each of us as His people with “…everything we need for life and godliness….” (2 Peter 1:3) to “Serve wholeheartedly….” (Ephesians 6:7). Jesus set the example when He told His disciples, “…The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). So these questions confront all of us: Would I rather be served by others or serve others? Does (or will) my name fill an empty slot in my church?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan