The “bigger is better” philosophy of our society has permeated the local church. We are often intimidated by the vast array of programs offered by the mega-churches, and wonder just what we can do as individual believers. It is good to remember that our God is greater than all of man’s programs and systems, and that He chooses to bless His Word regardless of the number of saints involved in a given project. HE IS STILL USING INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS!
Do you remember singing, “Shamgar had an ox-goad, David had a sling, Dorcas had a needle, Rahab had some string, Samson had a jawbone, Moses had a rod, Mary had some ointment but they all were used of God”? Recall for a moment the story of the little boy with his little lunch and how dramatically the Lord multiplied that little gift. God’s mathematics lesson is quite striking: i) the lunch was added to the boy by his mother; ii) the lunch was subtracted from the boy (willingly) by the disciples; iii) it was then divided by the Lord Jesus as He broke the bread; and iv) finally it was multiplied as evidenced by the fact that 5,000 men were fed, with leftovers available to the disciples. The proverbial, “Little is much when God is in it” certainly describes that scene well.
Hear Moses questioning God, “Who am I, that I should go?” (Ex. 3:11), or Gideon asking, “Wherewith shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is poor…and I am the least in my father’s house” (Jud. 6:15). We’ve been taught through the years, and it’s true, that God is more concerned with availability than ability. He is looking for the “willing hearted” and “wise hearted” saints (mentioned in Exodus 35) who make themselves available to the Lord and His dear people in the assembly—those who will say with Isaiah, “Here am I; send me” (6:8).
The following are examples of some of the unique ministry and service opportunities which occupy the time and energy of the saints in one area of the southeastern US:
1) One family approached an elementary school principal in an nearby public school about the possibility of hosting a weekly after-school Bible club. The principal, who is a believer, agreed. It is perfectly legal in the US; but strictly at the discretion of local school officials. The club has provided an opportunity to present the gospel on a consistent basis, as well as giving further contact with some of the parents.
2) All area schools close during the week of a major professional golf tournament held in our metro area. One of the assemblies hosts a week long day camp—rather like an extended VBS with lunch served as well. Yes, the assembly is providing free child-care for a week, but is also given the opportunity to present the gospel in a unique setting. It only takes a few families to put together a program of Bible lessons, recreation, crafts, etc., with other saints providing lunch each day, again providing an opportunity of making new contacts in the neighborhood.
3) Area consignment shops usually clear their inventory on a weekly basis, as do several large discount stores. The merchandise (primarily clothing) is tossed in a dumpster if a nonprofit agency is not available to pick it up for proper disposal. Several families in one assembly have taken on this task as an opportunity to minister to assembly missionaries through the good services of CMML in NJ. They also send supplies to another assembly agency serving the native American population in the southwest and to some of the Lord’s people moving in and out of Mexico. Obviously shipping costs are a factor in such a ministry (8,000-10,000 pounds of merchandise are shipped each year), but the value of new and like-new clothing makes it worthwhile when shipped stateside. A large textile manufacturer also has been a source of “seconds” merchandise made available at a 90% discount from the retail price.
4) Another interesting outreach has been a float in the local Christmas parade, with Christians walking along adjacent to the float distributing Seed Sowers packets to onlookers. Local regulation prohibits throwing objects from the floats (such as candy)—everything must be hand distributed—just perfect for gospel literature distribution. Fifteen hundred such packets were distributed at the most recent parade. Another five hundred could have been used if they had been available.
5) Using more traditional areas of service, several saints have served as volunteer chaplains in local hospitals, a VA retirement facility, and in offering gospel presentations in local nursing homes. Though many of these facilities have full-time chaplains on staff, most of them are either overworked or don’t have a real heart for the gospel, so local Christians have found volunteer service a ready open door.
6) A number of brethren have recorded messages which are suitable for use as a fifteen-minute radio program. Though buying air time in large markets is prohibitively expensive, in most small town markets a fifteen-minute time slot is quite affordable for a family or individual to maintain.
7) Many small town newspapers feature a religion page or section each week. It is quite often possible to provide a “what we believe” column or a simple gospel presentation/Bible study column for the paper.
8) The use of the Internet for gospel presentations, Bible studies, explaining assembly distinctives, and offering other resources either for individuals or the local assembly is a area of vast opportunity which has yet to be tapped to a large extent. I recently spoke with a young couple who were disillusioned with the large entertainment oriented church they were associated with, and found a local assembly through its web site ministry. They’ve been at the chapel over two years and are delighted with what they’ve found.
9) The house of Stephanas, known for being addicted to the ministry of the saints (1 Cor. 16:15) is a shining example for many of the Lord’s people. A brother who is skilled in auto repair, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical work, etc., has a real sphere of ministry in helping widows, the elderly, or single parent families with practical needs around the house. Those same skills can be put to use in short-term service in camp ministry as well as overseas. One of the sisters locally serves God’s people as a hairdresser—a very helpful ministry among both men and women.
Here then is the two-fold secret: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Eccl. 9:10). “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).
Written by William Gustafson