If you have ever visited several churches over the course of a month, methods, styles and terminology vary. Some denominations expect priests, pastors or preachers to do the core of the discipleship, evangelism and ministry work. Yet, Jesus tell his disciples a completely different approach. God’s plan involves harvesters.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few,” Matthew 9:37.
In this age of megachurches, spiritual growth is misleading. Visitors often treat facilities like the latest trend, hopping from the old to the new as long as it satisfies your soul. When the crowd begins to move in a different direction, loyalty is pushed aside. This mentality causes individuals to become consumers, not servants. Thus, harvesters are vanishing as a new generation of Christians take center stage in the church.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field, Matthew 9:38.
One of the logical reasons for this void is known as the 90:10 rule. Ten percent of congregations does ninety percent of the work at church. This overuse can wear out willing volunteers. If these harvesters aren’t given a break, burn out can occur. In view of this, discipleship, nurturing and training is essential to unite the body of Christ. When spiritual workers become a rarity in your house of worship, may a spirit of prayer prompt the Holy Spirit to bring harvesters out of retirement and back into action.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 