Hope that endures in a world full of darkness sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s vitally important that we as the Body of Christ remain focused on the hope that lies within us. Taking our eyes off Christ, the one who has supplied our victory in every area, can lead to depression, victimization, and hopelessness. Regardless of how dark things may appear, in Christ there is abundant hope. Our Savior lives! He will make right all wrongs. We have His Word on it!
Disciples indeed were followers at some point. Many people in the Body of Christ desire to lead. I believe this desire to be strong leaders is God inspired. However, those who desire to lead must first do time in the trenches. A lot of this “trench time” is done as a follower. Jesus is the ultimate leader. In John 8:31-32 Jesus said “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”. A key element to leadership is experience and experience can only come by spending time following a leader. Disciples indeed (true followers), know the truth, and that truth has made them free. Those who choose to follow you need to see the freedom that only Christ can give working in you.
Ye shall know them by their fruits…Matthew 7:16-20. How do we know who anyone is in the workplace? Enter any business, particularly any retail business and you’ll find employees wearing name tags. These name tags readily identify to the consumer who the employees of the businesses are. As Christians, what is our identifier to the world. Surely they’re looking for help. How will they be able to identify us? The bible says that our identifiers are the fruits that we bear as members of the Body of Christ. It’s not carrying our bibles. It’s not our cross necklaces. It’s not our bumper stickers. It’s the fruit, born out of a Christ-like, Christ-centered heart which should identify us. So when we leave the house each morning, are we wearing our ID badges?
Access to Pastoral Staff ranks very high among the list of characteristics of a good church. People are hurting right now. We’re going through tough times right now. Physically, socially, financially people around us are in need. The pandemic has caused increased levels of depression, and even suicide in the world as well as within the Body of Christ.
Part of the church’s responsibility is to minister to it’s people. A great part of this ministry includes accessibility. As a church member you should be able to reach a member of the ministerial staff 24/7.