Tag Archives: ministry team

Who I Am… Not What I Do

Posted on September 13, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I first became introduced to Casting Crowns by a group started by teenagers at Red Lion Christian Academy. Faith on Fire was formed under the leadership of Jim Walls and evolved into a ministry team. One of the members was Kaylyn Warren, one of my students that I taught over my ten-year teaching career. Despite losing her battle to cancer at age 18, Kaylyn was a gifted singer who regularly led worship at chapel services. The words of one song often sung reminds me of Who I Am in Christ, not what I do.

 I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me, Galatians 2:20.

At any social gathering that you attend, one of the first topics men discuss is “what do you do” and “where did you go to school?” If you’re in between jobs or not proud of your current position, you may give a brief answer before changing the subject to something more comfortable. While I have been blessed to hold several great positions like Store Manager of Michael Jordan Golf at O’Hare International Airport and Regional Staff Writer for Travel Golf Media, this is not who I am today.

[Therefore, I do not treat God’s gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous,] Galatians 2:21.

I’m a humble servant of Jesus. I have been crucified with Christ like the apostle Paul explains in Colossians 3:1-4. I walk by faith, not by sight, 2 Corinthians 5:7. I have been saved by God’s grace, Ephesians 2:8-10. Who I will become is yet to be determined, but Philippians 1:6 claims that God is preparing me so that I can accomplish God’s will for my life. While I still have aspirations to become a full-time screen writer and complete the television series that I have in my head and on my heart, James 4:13-15 reminds me that I need to live life one day at a time. Do your best and let God take care of the rest.

by Jay Mankus

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It’s Time To Get Involved

Posted on October 9, 2018 by expressyourself4him

During the first century, thousands of people followed Jesus.  Like a grass roots movement, many were eager to become a disciple.  Unfortunately, Jesus already chose 12 men to become his disciples and another 72 to serve as a ministry team to prepare towns for upcoming visits.  Thus, when a man healed by Jesus in the passages below wanted to get involved, Jesus sends him to the next logical place, his home town.

Jesus did not let him [come], but [instead] He said to him, “Go home to your family and tell them all the great things that the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you,” Mark 5:19.

In my first decade as a parent, I was too consumed by other interest outside of my home.  During these initial years, I played in a competitive men’s softball league, coached high school golf and spent a majority of my free time grading papers.  One night I was able to watch my son play baseball.  In his first at bat, James hit a homerun.  During his second at bat, he doubled, but was left on base.  His team lost 2-1.  When I saw he was batting 10th, I asked a neighbor who knew James’ coach.  I found out that James was punished for using an expensive bat without asking.  This event inspired me to finally get involved, spending the next 5 years coaching youth baseball.

So he [obeyed and] went away and began to publicly proclaim in Decapolis [the region of the ten Hellenistic cities] all the great things that Jesus had done for him; and all the people were astonished, Mark 5:20.

One of the things I have learned over the years is that you need to become great in your home before you can have an impact on your community.  As I have heard several pastors proclaim, “happy wife, happy life,” getting involved starts in your home.  When your family begins to notice a transformation within your own life, you can move outside into your community.  This is easier for a demon possessed man who is now is his right mind.  Yet, as the Holy Spirit begins to move within your heart, mind and soul, God can use you if you’re willing to get involved.

by Jay Mankus

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