Today we continue talking about the church and the teams of the church here at meridian woods.  The first week we talked about administrative team or finances, last week we spoke of discipleship team and what it takes to grow in Christ, which I hope and pray is all of are desires.  Today I want to share about the ministry team; Ministry is serving others for the kingdom.  We were shaped to serve the Lord.  Rick Warren in his book Purpose Driven life says shape is:  Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and experience.  So as you think about your shape today, remember that are to serve like Jesus served.  So what does it take to learn to serve the way Christ served in his time on earth?

Philippians 2:6-7
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

  1. Be Ready
    1. Isaiah 6 :7-8 With it he touched my mouth and said, See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?  And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
    2. Jesus was willing to stop and heal people on the road.  Blind Men, lame, mute.
    3. Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
  2. Be responsible
    1. Galatians 2:4-6 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.
    2. Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death  even death on a cross!
  3. Be  Reliable
    1. Proverbs 13:16-17 All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
    2. John 17:4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.
    3. I Corinthians 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

You can download the PowerPoint presentation: Ministry