Thank God for the Annual Congregational Meeting and session election last evening. The participation of each member, every vote that was cast and every prayer offered show the support of the congregation to the matters of the Church. For the newly elected session, we should pause and ponder upon the words of our Lord saying “not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Mark 10:45). 

Have the right focus

We must have read or heard news reports on general elections in other countries. The election processes are complicated and the competition fierce. Candidates use various strategies in order to win a seat in the government. Once elected, their status would be enhanced.  Little wonder even the disciples were arguing who should be the greatest. Our Lord gave them a lesson: servants are “not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” 

Our Lord Jesus was born in a manger, without fanfare or servants to serve Him. Jesus came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. When Jesus started his ministry, He “went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matt 9:35-36). 

We see that the focus of Jesus’ ministry was on man, not things. Jesus ministered to people whenever the opportunities arise, seeing to their physical and spiritual needs. Likewise when we serve in the church, we have also to focus on the needs of others. 

Focus on giving

Jesus gave His life a ransom for many, a ransom not for the righteous, but for sinners like us. Jesus stressed that we should give our all when we serve, and at times having to sacrifice while serving. “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matt 8:20). Jesus went to the cross for the ultimate sacrifice for sinners. 

For the newly elected session members, they have their daily lives, work and family to care about. Now, they have taken on the added responsibility to serve in church. All these responsibilities require effort and time. Apostle Paul encouraged us by saying “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). 

For the congregation, this is the beginning after the election. We must remember to uphold our leaders before God for they also have weaknesses which require your prayers. We must also encourage them and give them our support, just like you need to be encouraged and given support at times. 

Dear friends, brethren and church leaders, let us all remember what our Lord has taught us. We must focus our service on the needs of others and on giving our all. I pray that the Lord continue to bless Calvary BP Church as we build the next chapter of our church together.

Top of Page