communications , prayer , and pastoral residents
One of the great joys of the past year has been seeing volunteers step into the work of the church . In Communications , we have developed a working team of five people who regularly meet with our director . This team advises , prays passionately for the Spirit ’ s intervention and utilizes their vocational skills to help ministries communicate more effectively . In a season where God has called us to rely less on paid staff to carry out His vision for our church , this team has been an immense blessing .
In addition to creating a greater need for volunteers to serve in the church , the experiences of this year have also helped many of us become more faithful in prayer . In addition to seeing greater participation in opportunities to pray , volunteers have come alongside and assisted with our monthly elder prayer times What a joy to have our congregation using their gifts to both lift our body before the Lord and to facilitate prayer for healing and hope .
Finally , this past year has offered opportunity to continue equipping and training pastoral residents . It is a joy to see God raise up volunteers in this area as well . He continues to provide enthusiastic and willing people who assist residents in carrying out His vision for their ministry . It is exciting to consider how He might use this effort to advance His kingdom around the world .
1 Peter 4:10 implores believers to , “ use whatever gifts you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God ’ s grace in its various forms .” Whether they are gifts of shepherding , communicating or praying , we have seen God ’ s grace stewarded well this past year and we hope this encourages you to persevere in your own faith .
Tom Olsson , Associate Pastor
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