This week marks the halfway point in our journey through the Spiritual Disciplines. In recent weeks we have focused on Mediation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, Simplicity, and Stewardship. During the next six weeks we will highlight Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration. A few of you have speculated on which disciplines are the toughest to preach on or to practice, and the usual assumption is that Fasting and Stewardship must be among the top two. Actually I am thinking that Submission may be the toughest to deal with in a sermon or to practice in our daily lives.
From early childhood, our fast food culture indoctrinates us with counter-Christian mantra, “Have it your way!” Rather than pressing to get our way, the Discipline of Submission teaches us to follow God’s way. It is necessary, but not at all easy, to forego our personal ambition and submit to God, submit to our spouse, submit to our leaders, and to submit to our spiritual community.
On Sunday morning we will tackle the discipline of Submission: Knowing When to Follow. Many of us are surprised to learn in our Bible study that Jesus focused more on the importance of being a faithful follower than he focused on the role of being a leader. Perhaps Jesus knew that the key to becoming a good leader in your area of giftedness or expertise, is to first learn to be a good follower.
On Sunday afternoon we continue Ministry Madness with an equipping workshop from 5-7 in Chipley Hall. Bob Bumgarner, a gifted facilitator in the area of spiritual gifts, will lead us in Building Powerful Ministry Teams. All church members are invited. Deacons and ministry team members will certainly not want to miss the training event. If you have not yet signed up for a Ministry Team, you will have an opportunity before and after the workshop.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study.
