SHAPES- Finding Your Place in the Church

SHAPES

Finding Your Place in the Church

I am not a puzzle kind of guy, but somehow I get pulled into the annual Christmas puzzle project. It is sort of a tradition that during the holidays a puzzle is pulled from its high shelf in the closet, dusted off, and placed on the table. Glenda usually starts the project working on it by herself while encouraging us all to join her. Slowly the family is drawn by some mysterious force to the jumble of pieces spread out on the table.

Everyone has their own strategy on finding matching pieces. I always look for the edge pieces to start working on the frame. The process drags on for what seems an eternity. Each successful match is celebrated with glee and each failure is accompanied by a groan. The most frustrating moment comes when there is an "almost fit" moment. It is perfect except for the pointing corner that should be a rounded edge. There is a temptation to just force it to fit. The danger is that you will damage the piece, and at some point there will be another piece that does not fit!

The church, the body of Christ in the local setting, is a lot like that. As we begin the process of putting together a healthy, growing, dynamic church, it is as if the pieces of the puzzle have just been dumped on the table. Each piece has its own unique shape and color. Each piece has its place in what will be a beautiful earthly picture of a heavenly design. Here and there a few pieces are connected almost accidently by shared passion and interest. Some pieces have been sort of forced into relationship because "someone had to do it." We thank God for those who have stepped forward to do what needs to be done.

Now is the time to take a macro view of the table and the pieces. It is time to study each piece thoroughly through the filter of the Bible. Who has what gifts? Are there groups of people who have like passions? How will the uniqueness of each personality fit together to create that powerful force called the local church that will always result in men and women and boys and girls being drawn to God?

That is what this journey called networking is all about. Each of us needs to yield to the rigors of intense study and to be open to self-examination. God will reward our determination to find our shape and use it for his glory. The greatest moments for WAG are just over the horizon. The most powerful moments of reaching out to the community are coming and coming soon. Join with Glenda and me as we reaffirm how it is how God has shaped us for ministry.

Jesus said in John 9:4, "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." The time has come. LET US DO IT!