Serving on a church board can sometimes be discouraging as we must make difficult decisions and deal with disheartening issues. Being on any kind of ministry team or church committee can get frustrating at times as we won’t always agree. Sometimes people are on the team rub us the wrong way. We may question if it’s worth the time and effort.
The reality we must face when ministering with a group of people is just that. — They are a group of people, human beings who like us aren’t perfect. We come together, diverse in our backgrounds and perspectives. We may need to deal with issues that are the results of someone’s sin. On top of that, Satan will use these things to try to divide and conquer.
Yet, we have power to overcome these obstacles. Difficulties don’t have to weigh us down. Because of the resurrection we can confidently proclaim, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57)
The Resurrection Provides Overcoming Power for Church Boards and Committees
At the end of one of the chapters in the Bible that really expounds on the resurrection, we find the word “therefore” which lets us know that what comes next is based on the verses that came before. We have victory (v. 57), because Jesus overcame death and sin having been raised from the dead. That has implications for us now … therefore.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)
We must first note that this overcoming power due to the resurrection doesn’t mean our difficulties or issues will disappear. Jesus clearly warned that we will have problems in this world (Jn. 16:33). Rather, the verse is basically telling us what to do despite, or in the midst of, obstacles and struggles.
- Stand firm. Don’t let the difficult people and problems move you.
- Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord. Don’t let what other people do determine what you do. We are each personally accountable to and dependent on the Lord.
- Know, remember, that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Don’t be shortsighted. God has ways of using even the negative for the good (Rom. 8:28).
We may not always see the fruit of our efforts, but when we’re doing our work on the board or committee “in the Lord”, we can be assured that He is working. He accomplishes His purposes as seen in the resurrection.
For More, Go To: Resources about Resurrection Power
All Posts about Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams:
- Purpose in Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams
- Healthy Church Boards Exercise Body Life
- Agendas Versus Relationships
- Contributing in Committees, Boards, Ministry Teams
- Differences of Opinion Don’t Have to Divide
- Division of Responsibilities
- Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams Need Focus
- Boards, Committees & Ministry Teams Need Accountability
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Purposeful
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Servant-Oriented
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Team-Oriented
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Upward-Focused
- Christ-like Boards, Committees, Ministry Teams: Process-Oriented
- Effective Church Committees or Ministry Teams
- Understanding Needed about Team Members Contributing
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Possible Due to the Gospel
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Because of the Holy Spirit
- Pulling on Spiritual Gifts of Board, Committee, Team Members?
- Spiritual Gifts of a Board or Committee Chairperson
- Christ-like Boards & Committees a Result of Grace
- Coming Together Because of the Name of the Lord
- Christ-like Boards & Committees Keep His Word Central
- Overcoming Power for Church Boards and Committees
- Spiritual Alertness Needed in Boards and Ministry Teams
- Praying for Unity on Boards and Committees
- Leader Qualities that Promote Peace on Boards and Teams
like last paragraph about “in the Lord”
Bill, “in the Lord” truly is the key. If serving on a board or team is about me, my agenda, my feelings, my convenience, etc., it’s going to be very difficult to stand firm and keep this kind of perspective so we don’t give up. But, when it’s about the Lord and doing what we do “in the Lord” then we can have that confidence that our labor is not in vain. We can overcome because of the resurrection power of the One who works in and through us.