What is God Calling Us to Do?
The more I get to know the people who make up North Danvers Mennonite Church, the more I am amazed by the way God has brought this uniquely gifted group of people together. The many talented musicians make our times of worship so special. Gifted teachers help God’s Word come alive and become very personal and practical for all the age groups from the nursery to adults. Those gifted with a keen eye and hands ready for work make our building, grounds, and our publications beautiful expressions of God’s grace. Those who have hearts of service and compassion become the hands and feet of Jesus both for those close to home and those far away. God’s love and presence is expressed by those who visit the sick and the shut-ins and help provide for those needs. Those whom God has blessed financially give generously to keep the work of the kingdom of God ongoing in this place. The welcoming and friendly spirit of this congregation is helped along by those with the gifts of hospitality, and through the times of fellowship we enjoy together. Gifted leaders and administrators care for the vision and steward the future of this congregation. It is truly a blessing that God has called Josanne and me to serve alongside such widely gifted people!
That God has brought this unique group of people together in this place at this time leads to a really good question: what is God calling us to do? Let me suggest four items that we can be sure of as God’s calling Biblically.
God wants us to look for those in our community who are far from him, and to extend to them the good news of the grace of Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 2:3-6)
God wants us to be unified with a deep love for one another. (Ephesians 4:1-6)
God wants us to grow deeper in our relationship with him. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
God wants us to help those who have need. (Matthew 25:40, Galatians 6:9-10)
This is not the end of the things that God is calling us to do, but if we want to be a congregation that is obedient to God’s Word, these are some things that we must be doing. So let me ask you: How are you using your gifts in a way that contributes to the items above?
I believe that God has good plans for this congregation, and that he wants to accomplish his good work through us. I am excited to see what God does with the great group of people that he is gathering to this place!
God bless,
Brian