This article appears in the monthly newsletter of the Centennial Baptist Association.
A Word from Your Missionary:
I was reminded recently of the importance of rest. On many occasions our Lord Jesus insisted that the apostles take the time to remove themselves from the hectic work of ministry in order to just spend time with Him. So often, we think of what we do on Sunday at church as the pinnacle of ministry. Although for a pastor, the preaching ministry should be a priority, arguably the priority, we forget that at its heart, Sunday is meant to be a day to recharge and renew our focus so that we can be effective ministers outside the walls of the church the rest of the week. Too often, our church members also get caught up in the idea that the church and Sunday are the focus of ministry. Don’t misunderstand me here. Ministry happens and should happen on Sunday at church. Each of us uses our gifts to sing, teach, proclaim, serve, encourage, mentor, and a host of other action words that denote ministry. And we do that on Sunday. At church.
But, what if we reminded each other that we do all that, not as an end, but as a means to be rested and refreshed to face whatever ministry God puts in our path the rest of the week? We can learn from Jesus, who not only took time to be alone with the Father, but also demanded His closest followers to corporately take a break to just spend time with Him. Sunday shouldn’t be a day that drains you. I pray that you are able to worship this week, undistracted by your ministry responsibilities. My prayer is that God gives you rest for the work He has prepared for you.
Thank you for your continued support of what God is doing here in the Centennial Association. Our first ENCOUNTER Prep for Pastors and Church Leaders was well attended, and I believe God will use each of the monthly training sessions to prepare us for the harvest revival scheduled for September 12-15. The Youth Team has been hard at work planning EQUIP, and it is shaping up to be the best one yet. I hope your students are making plans to attend. Most of our churches have already requested a State Missionary for the upcoming Bridges Conference, and I know you will enjoy hearing from them. If you have not made that request, it is not too late. Buck Burch and I will be making those final assignments over the next couple of weeks.
I want to thank all of the people who played a role in our first ever Children’s Ministry Workshop. At the time of this writing, we are still a couple of days away from the event. I have been blessed by those who have helped put this together as well as by our guest presenters. This is just one more way that our churches are working together to encourage and help one another. What joy that brings to my heart and I know the Lord is pleased, as well.
In His Name,
Steve Laughman
