Sisters’ Keepers

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?”
Genesis 4:9

There is much on which we can reflect regarding Cain’s sins.  Jealousy, hatred and murder are all sins that Cain commits.  So is simple selfishness.  Cain withholds from God as He offers His sacrifice.  He is the first of a long line of siblings who are not concerned for the good of their brothers and sisters.

There are many opportunities for congregations to support one another through sharing of resources and even a pastor.  At times though, some congregation leaders will verbalize words that seem vaguely reminiscent of Cain’s attitude.  “I want my own pastor.”  “We want our pastor to take care of us.”  “We don’t want to share our pastor with another congregation.”  I have heard these words spoken when another congregation needed a vacancy pastor or inquired about interest in shared ministry.  Those responses do not focus on faithful view of the rich and abundant blessings of God for His Church.

However, I have also heard congregation leaders inquire about how they can help their sister congregation during a time of need.  I have marveled at congregations’ willingness to move service times (and days) for the sake of the needs of another congregation or mission opportunities.  Recently, two different shared ministries have been formed by congregations where much of the impetus flowed from the congregational presidents.  In one case, the two congregational presidents were friends and neighbors, whose desire to support one another was shared among the congregations.  In the other case, the two congregation presidents met over the possibility of partnering together and struck up a supportive and trusting relationship that helped bring them together.  Across the District, there are growing numbers of shared ministries that are focused on helping one another to be growing in Christ and reaching the lost.  May God bless our congregations so that they may truly be their sister congregations’ keepers!

Prayer – Almighty God, we give You thanks and praise for the unity and fellowship that we share in Christ.  May Your Word dwell in us richly so that congregations might demonstrate loving concern for one another and a zeal to reach the lost with the good news of salvation in Christ; in His name we pray.  Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan