In Jesus’ Name

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

Congregations in Missouri District are located in large cities, small towns, and in rural communities.  Some are very large, while others have just a handful of members.  The real diversity of our congregations is not about community size, congregational size, or ethnicity of the members.  It is in the gifts that God gives to the individual members where we really see how diverse the Body of Christ is, even in a single parish.

The first congregation I served was blessed with a group of retired men who gathered at the church to drink coffee.  They would meet most mornings to discuss what was going on in the world and drink a lot of coffee.  But these men took care of the church and school properties.  They fixed almost everything.  Electrical, carpentry, masonry, and even plumbing.  Those guys fixed stuff that the pastors could have never imagined repairing.

Both congregations that I served also were blessed with lots of bankers.  The financial books were always in order with the financial acumen that existed in both congregations.  The membership of congregations has a diversity of gifts, talents, and experience that they are eager to share on account of their being able use their gifts in service to the Lord.

Pastors do not serve their congregations well if they give the impression that the pastor needs to be involved in everything.  However, congregations are truly blessed when the pastor and other church leaders value the diversity of gifts that exist amongst the members and encourage the saints to use their talents in Jesus’ name.  Each Christian does so as they serve God in their place of work, at home and even at church.  May God bless our service in Jesus’ name with whatever gifts that God gives.

Prayers -  Lord God Almighty, even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the Holy Spirit, continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan