Team-3 Delivered Beyond our Abilities

We trusted God.  We pulled together.  We were spirit filled and effective.

Imagine the challenge for anyone that speaking before a full church represents.  Some have natural abilities.  Others will freeze up and choke.  Our team has roughly half speakers and half freezers.    Through spirit filled empowerment we all not only spoke but spoke most effectively.  We delivered. 

We were invited to attend Sunday services on October 7, at the Christian Family Church in Soweto with pastor Tony Mamarigane.  The church is now three years old with more than 100 attending members.  Tony describes it as “standing on one leg” because it survives solely upon a high quality of worship.  The membership needs to grow in spiritual maturity and to come into balance with the other purposes for sustained growth.

Our trip leader Dan Siems volunteered to give the sermon message for the 11 AM morning service.  After much prayer and a restless night Dan rose to the challenge.  He delivered above his normal human abilities.  He was dynamic and animated.  He described in practical and down-to-earth terms how a church grows to fill and balance the five purposes.  He stated that the entire team will present at the afternoon service.  Dan asked the congregation to return for the 4 PM afternoon service.  They needed to hear the stories about how ordinary people like themselves grew and performed good works of ministry.

Dan’s message and request evidently made an impact.  The evening service was well attended.  My wife Beth, who normally avoids public speaking, presented the introduction to finding your S.H.A.P.E. in ministry.  The presentation was clear.  It was understandable.  It was a revelation for the congregation to hear.  The Holy Spirit had taken over.  Each team member followed by describing how they learned of their S.H.A.P.E. through the Saddleback 301 class, and the particular ministries that they each are involved in.  The rich diversity represented by nine team members drove the point home.   Every member of the body has something to contribute.  I illustrated the concept that passions and abilities not normally associated with church work can make powerful contributions.  I described how the hobbies of photography and surfing when  surrendered to service in Christ can add a new dimension, attracting more souls to the body of Christ.  All ministries described by nine team members painted the picture of a vibrant church making a difference in the community.