Changing Roles

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16, NASB)

So what's my part in the body of Christ? Ephesians says that I have a part to play. But what is it? I've discovered that it changes with time. It's not always the same. For a season, God uses me in this way - and in another season He uses me that way. What I struggle with is when the situation changes, I begin to ask God - was what I was doing not good enough or what You wanted me to do? If God asks me to play a different part (or play my current part in a different way), why do I suddenly find myself doing things that don't build up the body in love?

If you haven't already gotten the email update, then you'll hear here first that Matt McElravy (who has been doing a summer worship arts internship with us) will be coming on staff in a part-time role as Assistant Music Director. Matt brings to the table strengths that were currently our weaknesses. Some of the weaknesses are mine (it takes a man to admit his weakness, but an idiot to post them to the world). Everyone has weaknesses. If you don't admit you have weaknesses, then that might be one of your weaknesses. Anyway, Matt is a gifted musician with excellent technological skills. He has a much more laid back personality than the task driven one I've been blessed with.

My role at Grace is changing with Matt coming on staff. This will be a new experience for Matt. New for me. New for Grace at large. I could respond with envy of Matt's strengths. I could begin to question whether God will use me at all.

Bottom line, God is using Matt and me, both, to build up the body of Christ in love. I'm so glad that Matt is here. Without him, there are some other new initiatives that I couldn't tackle without freed time. I'm looking forward to this year with Matt on board, and can't wait to see what new directions God will take Matt, me, and Grace.

God, thank you for Matt's part at this local body of believers. I thank you for all of the other WAM paid staff who make up this incredible team - Gail, Tim, Sheri. And, God, the unpaid volunteer staff - I thank you for them too...they are an incredible important part to our body. It is a honor to even be used by You. Help us to be satisfied with where you are calling us...make the call clear...and give us a loving spirit as we pursue the greatest cause in eternity.