FUMC Terrell News and Events

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serveone another with whatever gift each of you has received. ~1 Peter 4:10

Last Sunday was Laity Sunday (October 23), a time to celebrate the ministry of all believers and the partnership between laity and clergy in serving Christ. The message time was shared by two members of First UMC, our Lay Leader Joyce Lewis and one of our Lay Speakers, Johnny Trent.

Joyce described the “state of our church” with an explanation of the concept of “blessing” as what we both receive from, and offer to, one another in Christian community. Johnny picked up on this theme of service as he reminded the congregation of the “Great Commission” found in Matthew 28 to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” He noted that it was not the Great Suggestion, but the Great Commission and each of us have been given spiritual gifts to do our part in the task. Thank you, Joyce and Johnny, for your inspiring words!

As I continue to reflect on what was said in their messages, I contemplate what gifts are needed for this Commission. I think about the vows we make when we become members of The United Methodist Church. We promise to uphold the Church by our prayers, our presence, our GIFTS, our service and our witness. I believe that typically when we talk about "gifts" in this context it is translated into giving – money – especially during this time when we are preparing programs and budgets for the new year. And it is true that the church needs these monetary gifts to sustain ministries and missions. Giving our tithes and offerings to the church is evidence of our commitment to the ongoing work of the church both locally and abroad. It is also evidence that we take our membership, or more importantly, our discipleship seriously. After all, the Church is not a service club, it is the Body of Christ alive in the world!

However, I would like you to think about upholding the church with another type of gift. Think about the value of your spiritual gifts. Think about the wide reach and effect of those gifts on the world! What wonderful and powerful things might happen if each member used their spiritual gifts, not only in the church, but in their homes, workplaces, schools and communities?

God has gifted each of us differently and has given the exact gifts that are needed in each congregation. If there is something lacking in our congregation, perhaps someone is not using their God-given gifts. So, as you think about "transforming the world" as a disciple, what gifts do you have that could lead to transformation? Remember that the world is not only those far-away places that we hear about or visit; it is the places outside your doors.

Every believer needs to understand spiritual gifts, discover them, and use them to build up the Body of Christ and to transform the world. "For we are what (God) has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." (Ephesians 2:10)

Both types of gifts – money and spiritual – are needed to equip the saints for the work of ministry and to build up the Body of Christ. And each believer should use their gift according to the grace that they have been given. What transformation could occur in our congregation and in the world if each member offered their gifts of money and spirit?

Of course, all of us are at different levels on our faith journeys. Are you a seeker – trying to understand who this Jesus really is? Or, are you an explorer – having a commitment to Christ, but still not sure where the journey is taking you? Or, are you a guide – you’ve been on many journeys of faith and now desire to help others along the path of experience? We are all at different levels and we all need each other on this climb to our spiritual summit!

Whatever your path, I pray you will find a “blessing” in the upcoming series of  messages, Serving from the Heart, as we consider our unique gifts, talents, resources, and dreams that we bring to the Christian experience of First United Methodist Church. We will discover how we all have our own “S.T.R.I.D.E.” in our walk with Christ:  

S piritual gifts T alents R esources I ndividuality D reams E xperiences

“Spiritual gifts discovery offers us an opportunity to create a different way to organize and be in ministry… Frederick Buechner reminds us that God’s will resides at the meeting place of our deep passion and the deep hunger of the world. The church is most effective when it attends to the needs, identity, and call of individuals, then helps link them together in community and service with one another.” – Equipped for Every Good Work, Building a Gifts-Based Church by Dan R. Dick and Barbara Miller