Job or Ministry ?


Some people have a job in the church; others involve themselves in ministry. 
What’s the difference?


If you do it just because no one else will...it’s a job!
If you do it to serve God….it’s a ministry!
If you quit because someone criticized you...it’s a job!
If you kept on serving in spite of the criticism….it’s a 
ministry!
If you’ll do it only so long as it doesn’t interfere with 
other things...it’s a job!
If your committed to staying with it, even when it means letting other
things go….it’s a ministry!
If you quit because no one ever praised or thanked you...it’s a job!
If you stay even though no one notices your efforts….it’s a 
ministry!
If you do it because someone else said it needs to be done...it’s 
a job!
If you do it because you sensed God saying it needs to 
be done….it’s a ministry!
It’s hard to get excited about a job
It’s almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry
An average church is filled with people doing jobs!
A great and growing church is filled with people involved in ministry! 
 -Christ Episcopal Church Greenville**


   I hope that each of you will continue to be prayerful about where God 
is calling you into ministry through His church and to continue to be 
diligent about seeking ways to fulfill that calling. Each year, we ask 
persons to look through the stewardship form (time/ talent blue sheet) 
from the church and to consider three primary places of service through 
the church. We also have spiritual gift inventories available through 
the office or as a link through our church web site. Sometimes in the 
ministry of the church, we can get bogged down in areas that have turned 
more jobish than ministryish and we might need to make a change. This is 
OK!  Other times we might find ourselves being lazy about our calling, 
other times overburdened and yet other times, we need to consider beginning 
the process. I would be more than glad to discuss with you, or send you in 
the right direction to find meaningful places of service for Christ through 
His Church.
   The above quote helps me to focus on what ministry is and how we are the 
recipient of the blessings when we learn and discipline ourselves to be a 
part of the work Christ has set before us. The work of Christ should always 
be more than a job and that always begins with attitude and the spirit we 
bring to the work. We at RBUMC ask people to limit the number of primary areas 
of service to help with church burnout and increase our effectiveness as a 
church body.
   I look forward to preaching and discussing with you our August Theme 
“The Church Family” that will address some of the above subject 
matter and would covet your prayers in this endeavor. Illustrations you might 
have on this theme or ideas for Worship would be welcome. 
* If you have ideas you would like to see incorporated into the series, please 
send them by email or drop them by the office during the month of July.

* All suggestions for the August theme of “The Church Family” will 
be considered by the Pastor, but not necessarily used during the series.

P.S. Thanks so much for your overwhelming support of the Souls 4 Souls ministry 
and the giving of your shoes to those in need around the world. We collected 
some 6.5 boxes and about $327 in donations for shipping. Thanks also to Ron 
and the Missions Team for their support and effort in collecting, packaging 
and shipping the boxes


Joy and Peace ~ Tommy Wilkes