Serving Within Your Passion

Yesterday began another season of Track and Field.  For me that means getting the great opportunity to work within my passion.  Not that working in the realm of "church" isn't working within my passion, but working with young athletes in the sport that is my first love is always an amazing experience for me.  The sights, the sounds, the atmosphere of the track makes my brain create a rush of endorphins which in turn gives this small town pastor/coach a sense of well being and purpose.

So today, after demonstrating a bunch of jumping drills, my legs and gluts are sore.. . but it is the best feeling in the world- that soreness that comes from working the body.  It is the best feeling in the world to be teaching and coaching the sport that I competed in myself for over 10 years.

In the church, why do we fill ministry positions with people who have no interest or calling to serve in those capacities?  We are simply asking for burn out, frustration and anxiety.  When we think about how the Holy Spirit calls us into ministry through the waters of baptism, that means the Spirit calls us to work within our passions and giftedness.  (Okay God did call Moses to speak and he wasn't such a good orator but God gave him the words eventually!)  What I mean is that as the church we might want to help folks discover their giftedness and point them in the direction of serving in those areas.  Along the way they will find other places that they are gifted, their confidence will grow, they will be more willing to take a risk at something new but it is a process that I think needs to start in their area of comfort.  If we thrust them into an uncomfortable position then we risk eliciting emotions of fear, insecurity, even anger.  (They might even get so frustrated that they disappear for awhile!)

There is something for everyone to "do" in this ministry of the kingdom.  How can we help disciples embrace their "discipleship" in meaningful ways?  When the baptized are working within their passions they are sensing a greater fulfillment, a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.  And I for one believe that with that spark will come greater opportunities to serve that they never imagined they would be engaged in!  But the path of discipleship is trod one step at a time and that first step is often the most difficult one to take.

So what is your passion?  
Cooking?  Then help in the kitchen with the next meal or figure out a creative way to use your cooking skills to serve the kingdom.
Handy-man kinda stuff?  There are many possibilities here for service- inside and outside of the church building.  (Our goal is to get outside you know.)
A sport?  Do something similar to what I do. . . coach your kid's team and do it in the name of Christ Jesus.
An art or craft?  Create something that helps others connect to the heart of God.

Get the idea?  But first, your passion has to be uncovered!  Once you identify it, then it's time to share and we do this in the name of and for the sake of our Lord and Savior!

Image credit: joecrazy.com