no guts, no glory

June 11, 2010

I have recently been mentoring a leader who has just "stepped up her serve." She had decided to follow God's prompting to step out in faith to lead an area of ministry. I see someone who wants to chase after God's plan even though it is hard. One of the most rewarding things I have seen is the way she wants to pass on her knowledge to other leaders. This is a huge step. The light bulb has come on so to say in this area of leadership. All of the experiences God has blessed us with are to teach us and are for us to teach others. We are to equip the saints and this is one way to do that!

As you enter a classroom you probably notice your room is ready to serve children. The lesson materials are all carefully counted out and placed in your room, the toys have been sanitized and placed in inviting areas for children to see as they walk in, snacks and supplies are restocked and ready for use. Each environment is carefully created to provide the best possible opportunity for children to draw closer to God. This past week as I talked with this leader, she knew all of this was happening, but she didn't quite see the big reason behind it. The sparkle in her eyes told me that now, she does! Each room is a tool for ministry, not just a place for kids to play. Everything has a purpose and a place. That was just the first breakthrough of the day, the big breakthrough was next.

Watching her serve brought to my attention that she tries to do everything herself. We talked about building a team approach. Instead of labeling volunteers as "teachers and helpers," we would like volunteers to have ownership and serve as a team with specific roles (small group leaders, worship leader, large group leader, etc). We talked about replacing ourselves and allowing our knowledge to pass to other leaders with the hope of growing the team members we come in contact with. That's when I saw her holding back emotion. She knew God had blessed her with a unique gift to teach children, it was just dawning on her the new responsibility she has to pass along that gift. "Can you do this? I know it's different and difficult and it's going to take time and effort." She looked at me with the most serious face and said; "Yes, I can do this." That takes guts my friends!

Mark Batterson wrote a book; "IN A PIT WITH A LION ON A SNOWY DAY" and in his book he says this; "When we don't have the guts to step out in faith and chase lions, then God is robbed of the glory that rightfully belongs to Him."

This team is full of amazing gutsy leaders!! To God be the GLORY!!