How We Win Together
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Synergy
synergy - noun - The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
We find this description of synergy in The Bible:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV
What about four, five, six,..etc cords? Take a close look at a shoelace, or rope: many little threads, weak alone, but woven together have great strength. We see this synergistic principle is exponentially multiplied for every additional person in aligned unity.
We find this description of synergy in The Bible:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV
What about four, five, six,..etc cords? Take a close look at a shoelace, or rope: many little threads, weak alone, but woven together have great strength. We see this synergistic principle is exponentially multiplied for every additional person in aligned unity.
The local Church Body is God’s Idea!
We are living in a dangerous time when many who may consider themselves "Christian", have personally re-defined that word. Many today have abandoned Scripture and regular church membership altogether.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" Hosea 4:6
"Therefore my people go into exile for lack of knowledge" Isaiah 5:13
A lack of solid Bible knowledge, and not intentionally incorporating its wisdom to establish one's life on Scriptural foundations, has caused many to "throw the baby out with the bath water ", under the guise and excuse of avoiding "organized religion".
The result has been that the Kingdom has suffered. Christians are living in exile from their Promises. Precious children of God suffer and often succumb to an ineffective and unfulfilled life, and even premature death, simply as stated here in these Scriptures: "...for lack of knowledge"
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" Hosea 4:6
"Therefore my people go into exile for lack of knowledge" Isaiah 5:13
A lack of solid Bible knowledge, and not intentionally incorporating its wisdom to establish one's life on Scriptural foundations, has caused many to "throw the baby out with the bath water ", under the guise and excuse of avoiding "organized religion".
The result has been that the Kingdom has suffered. Christians are living in exile from their Promises. Precious children of God suffer and often succumb to an ineffective and unfulfilled life, and even premature death, simply as stated here in these Scriptures: "...for lack of knowledge"
To complicate things…
Not every denomination or organization labeled "church" is healthy. Some are not even a part of Jesus's Body!
Unfortunately, there are destructive, unscriptural and even some outright evil and idolatrous systems and social groups labeled "church".
Even within some good Bible based churches are kinds of manipulation and control for personal gain, selfish agendas, abuses of authority, the sad list goes on…
Motives of control - even for the best reasons - have violated the individuals' free will.
There have been many hurt by these in the process, and as already stated, caused many to abandon "church" or "organized religion" - and truly, some ought to be avoided!
These precious children of God, feeling that they only need their personal relationship with God, and that they have no need for the local church, overcorrect and head into the ditch on the other side of the road. Their heart hardened by hurt perhaps, they miss or ignore much teaching in Scripture. They don’t see the "one another's", the family of God, the benefits, purposes, roles and functions of the local church in His Kingdom.
Though technically possible to “make it into heaven when you die”, this is not God's way clearly taught in Scripture.
What God does, and Why, is always from the motive of His unselfish agape love! All His plans and ways are for our benefit, and the benefit of others.
Jesus's Body is beautifully made up of many wonderful, colorful and unique parts that are intended to function together in synergistically effective and mutually beneficial ways.
Unfortunately, there are destructive, unscriptural and even some outright evil and idolatrous systems and social groups labeled "church".
Even within some good Bible based churches are kinds of manipulation and control for personal gain, selfish agendas, abuses of authority, the sad list goes on…
Motives of control - even for the best reasons - have violated the individuals' free will.
There have been many hurt by these in the process, and as already stated, caused many to abandon "church" or "organized religion" - and truly, some ought to be avoided!
These precious children of God, feeling that they only need their personal relationship with God, and that they have no need for the local church, overcorrect and head into the ditch on the other side of the road. Their heart hardened by hurt perhaps, they miss or ignore much teaching in Scripture. They don’t see the "one another's", the family of God, the benefits, purposes, roles and functions of the local church in His Kingdom.
Though technically possible to “make it into heaven when you die”, this is not God's way clearly taught in Scripture.
What God does, and Why, is always from the motive of His unselfish agape love! All His plans and ways are for our benefit, and the benefit of others.
Jesus's Body is beautifully made up of many wonderful, colorful and unique parts that are intended to function together in synergistically effective and mutually beneficial ways.
We have His Mission and Kingdom Cause to fulfill.
There is Scriptural leadership structure (Eph.4:11-16, 1 Tim 3,4,5,6: qualifications and responsibilities clearly explained); operations of the Spirit, gifts, administrations, mutual encouragement, security, strength, benefits, (See 1 Cor.12-14; Rom.12,.. numerous other places as well.)
Simply ignoring these parts of Scripture is not the solution. If we want to experience His intentions for our lives and fulfill His call, we have to do it His way. That is, after all, what we do when we make Jesus "Lord" of our life. We enter His Kingdom and choose to submit our lives and will to His authority.
At LakeHaven, we want you to feel that you're in a safe place to unburden, grow and fulfill His Cause. We are certainly not perfect, we know we have not arrived, but we sincerely endeavor to be intentional to follow Scripture in All His ways, including His model of the local church.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Cor 12:4-8 ESV
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Rom 12:4-13 ESV
Simply ignoring these parts of Scripture is not the solution. If we want to experience His intentions for our lives and fulfill His call, we have to do it His way. That is, after all, what we do when we make Jesus "Lord" of our life. We enter His Kingdom and choose to submit our lives and will to His authority.
At LakeHaven, we want you to feel that you're in a safe place to unburden, grow and fulfill His Cause. We are certainly not perfect, we know we have not arrived, but we sincerely endeavor to be intentional to follow Scripture in All His ways, including His model of the local church.
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Cor 12:4-8 ESV
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Rom 12:4-13 ESV
You have VALUE in your TRUE IDENTITY in Christ - NOT in a ROLE
As foremost importance, know this with surety: ROLES or positions at a local church do not have ANYTHING to do with your individual IDENTITY and VALUE as a Child of God!
Our Identity as His Children, first and foremost, makes each one of us just as loved by Him, and of equal value!
"...to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph 1:6 NKJV
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Gal 3:27-28 ESV
Our Identity as His Children, first and foremost, makes each one of us just as loved by Him, and of equal value!
"...to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph 1:6 NKJV
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Gal 3:27-28 ESV
ROLES
Many people have helped or served in churches where that have felt hurt or been stretched beyond their willing participation. This has happened so often, that many who come to "The Haven" are wary of committing to serving, afraid of being hurt, yet again.
We understand. We encourage people to first rest in His unchanging Love, grow established in their New Identity and constant value, and then find a functional place to serve in joyful Kingdom purpose. As one grows, these roles, positions or functions may change over time.
Our “philosophy of leadership” here at LakeHaven:
We understand that a variety of Roles are necessary for the local Body to function, but for these to be healthy, require Children of God who first know in their heart that their true value is realized in their Identity In Christ (and not from function or performance), then willingly fill these functional positions of serving “as unto the Lord”.
These are "good works" that we are created for! (Eph 2:10), not "dead works" (Heb.6:1) to try earn one's right standing or inheritance.
Serving the Lord, like love and worship, really only has true value when it's offered willingly from one's heart and is directed toward the Lord, and for His Kingdom. Not from coercion, manipulation, ulterior motives, selfish agendas, or to derive value or recognition from people.
[Truly serving the Lord, here in context, should not be confused with some Christian tradition that has equated simply going to church, singing songs, enduring a message, and giving money as "serving the Lord".]
We understand. We encourage people to first rest in His unchanging Love, grow established in their New Identity and constant value, and then find a functional place to serve in joyful Kingdom purpose. As one grows, these roles, positions or functions may change over time.
Our “philosophy of leadership” here at LakeHaven:
We understand that a variety of Roles are necessary for the local Body to function, but for these to be healthy, require Children of God who first know in their heart that their true value is realized in their Identity In Christ (and not from function or performance), then willingly fill these functional positions of serving “as unto the Lord”.
These are "good works" that we are created for! (Eph 2:10), not "dead works" (Heb.6:1) to try earn one's right standing or inheritance.
Serving the Lord, like love and worship, really only has true value when it's offered willingly from one's heart and is directed toward the Lord, and for His Kingdom. Not from coercion, manipulation, ulterior motives, selfish agendas, or to derive value or recognition from people.
[Truly serving the Lord, here in context, should not be confused with some Christian tradition that has equated simply going to church, singing songs, enduring a message, and giving money as "serving the Lord".]
Roles are entrusted Positions of Function within the local Body
Roles fulfill a necessary function that are mutually beneficial ("for the common good" 1Cor.12:7) for what God has called us as a church Body to accomplish.
As a result therefore, Roles require Responsibility.
Functional positions at LakeHaven should be clear and upfront with reasonable and fair expectations of the commitment required for each role filled.
(Please speak to leaders or pastors if you ever feel that expectations for a role are not reasonable or fair.)
The required responsibilities of a role/ function or position ought to be thoughtfully considered before being committed to.
As a result therefore, Roles require Responsibility.
Functional positions at LakeHaven should be clear and upfront with reasonable and fair expectations of the commitment required for each role filled.
(Please speak to leaders or pastors if you ever feel that expectations for a role are not reasonable or fair.)
The required responsibilities of a role/ function or position ought to be thoughtfully considered before being committed to.
Responsibility requires Faithfulness
Every Role has “minimum requirements” but the person serving Jesus and His Kingdom from the HEART , will willingly go “the extra mile”.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Col 3:23-24 ESV
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rom 12:9-13 ESV
“In everything, work as though God were your boss—for this is always the case. Your work carries eternal significance when you do it for the glory of God! And the way in which you do your work reveals your commitment to serve Him in a real way. Cut yourself off from any alternative except complete excellence in your work. Going the second mile and doing more than the minimum is a powerful key to abundant joy in your walk with God, your marriage, your health, your career, and all other areas of your life. So travel that lonely additional mile. Do far more than others expect. If you are in the business world, you’ll find that doing more than you’re paid for is the absolute fastest way to get paid more in the future. The world argues, “Pay me more—then I’ll work harder.” But that’s like sitting in front of the fireplace and saying, “Give me heat—then I’ll put in the wood.” To become great, first become a servant. Here’s a quote that has really stuck with me ever since I first heard it about fifteen years ago: “If a man only does what is required of him, he is a slave. The moment he begins to do more than he is required, he becomes a free man.”
Tommy Newberry, 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life: Living the 4:8 Principle (pp. 141-142). Tyndale House Publishers.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Col 3:23-24 ESV
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rom 12:9-13 ESV
“In everything, work as though God were your boss—for this is always the case. Your work carries eternal significance when you do it for the glory of God! And the way in which you do your work reveals your commitment to serve Him in a real way. Cut yourself off from any alternative except complete excellence in your work. Going the second mile and doing more than the minimum is a powerful key to abundant joy in your walk with God, your marriage, your health, your career, and all other areas of your life. So travel that lonely additional mile. Do far more than others expect. If you are in the business world, you’ll find that doing more than you’re paid for is the absolute fastest way to get paid more in the future. The world argues, “Pay me more—then I’ll work harder.” But that’s like sitting in front of the fireplace and saying, “Give me heat—then I’ll put in the wood.” To become great, first become a servant. Here’s a quote that has really stuck with me ever since I first heard it about fifteen years ago: “If a man only does what is required of him, he is a slave. The moment he begins to do more than he is required, he becomes a free man.”
Tommy Newberry, 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life: Living the 4:8 Principle (pp. 141-142). Tyndale House Publishers.
Roles / Functions have Servant Leaders
Jesus set the example of servant leadership.
"...Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:1-7 ESV
Jesus demonstrated this in all His ways. Empowered by His Spirit, He is our living example.
But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt 20:25-28 ESV
For each Role or functional position, at LakeHaven we have a servant leader, director or scheduler willing to take ownership and responsibility for the Role needing to be accomplished, to serve our Lord, their team members, and the Body, to accomplish His purposes in the Earth.
As such, these individuals carry responsible authority to fulfill their noble duty: to serve one another in love!
Bear in mind, these are Roles - they do not add to a person’s Identity or Value in the sight of God.
Each one of us are “accepted in the Beloved” as we are! (Eph 1:6)
[Note: Gracious acceptance offered in His Kingdom is not approval for all one’s actions. These are not one and the same thing.]
Responsible authority within the context of that Role or position at LakeHaven is not having or exercising control over anyone's life or manipulating their free will. Every person chooses whether to serve the Lord and His Body here in a role, willingly, from the heart, or, they exercise their free will and choose not to.
"...Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:1-7 ESV
Jesus demonstrated this in all His ways. Empowered by His Spirit, He is our living example.
But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt 20:25-28 ESV
For each Role or functional position, at LakeHaven we have a servant leader, director or scheduler willing to take ownership and responsibility for the Role needing to be accomplished, to serve our Lord, their team members, and the Body, to accomplish His purposes in the Earth.
As such, these individuals carry responsible authority to fulfill their noble duty: to serve one another in love!
Bear in mind, these are Roles - they do not add to a person’s Identity or Value in the sight of God.
Each one of us are “accepted in the Beloved” as we are! (Eph 1:6)
[Note: Gracious acceptance offered in His Kingdom is not approval for all one’s actions. These are not one and the same thing.]
Responsible authority within the context of that Role or position at LakeHaven is not having or exercising control over anyone's life or manipulating their free will. Every person chooses whether to serve the Lord and His Body here in a role, willingly, from the heart, or, they exercise their free will and choose not to.
Serving The Lord from Your Heart brings Rewards
"…with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free." Eph 6:5-8 ESV
There are many benefits that come from a sincere heart, willing to serve others. Wholesome relationships with people easily develop in the God ordained environment of serving the Lord together in this Team called His Body.
There are many benefits that come from a sincere heart, willing to serve others. Wholesome relationships with people easily develop in the God ordained environment of serving the Lord together in this Team called His Body.
All God's ways revolve around Relationships!
Church is His idea! And it's a really good one when it's done God's way!
All God's ways revolve around Relationships! With Him primarily, and then with one another.
“...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35 ESV
This is so much more than just giving money. Serving the Lord with all your heart means your Will, Time, Treasure and Talents too!
All God's ways revolve around Relationships! With Him primarily, and then with one another.
“...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35 ESV
This is so much more than just giving money. Serving the Lord with all your heart means your Will, Time, Treasure and Talents too!
New to LakeHaven?
First things first: Have you attended a “Meet and Eat” lunch?
If you haven’t yet, please be in touch with Pastor T or Karin, or text (352) 441-3016 to sign up for the next one.
The Next step:
These and other questions are discovered and discussed in a fun group within a course currently named “GROW” that runs once a week over approximately 11 weeks.
Everyone desiring to be a member, serve, or ultimately lead at LakeHaven begins here.
GROW is where relationships within this Body have opportunity to begin to be formed.
- It is here, over a catered lunch, that you meet the leaders and get an overview of LakeHaven to see if you’d like to pursue a relationship with this church Body.
If you haven’t yet, please be in touch with Pastor T or Karin, or text (352) 441-3016 to sign up for the next one.
The Next step:
- What does LakeHaven believe?
- Is LakeHaven different from other churches?
- Brief overview of the Pillars or Foundations of Faith
These and other questions are discovered and discussed in a fun group within a course currently named “GROW” that runs once a week over approximately 11 weeks.
Everyone desiring to be a member, serve, or ultimately lead at LakeHaven begins here.
GROW is where relationships within this Body have opportunity to begin to be formed.
As a Member of LakeHaven - Discipleship is of First and Primary importance
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20 ESV
Choosing the path and priority of a life journey of personal discipleship, comes before one decides to serve in any Role / Function or Position. (Matt.6:33; Rom.12:1)
If one can only attend one Sunday per month, please come to be personally ministered to FIRST, to be rooted and established in your untouchable Identity and Value in Christ, before one undertakes to serve others from your heart of willing service to Jesus and His Cause!
Consider, then choose, what kind of follower of Jesus you will be:
A Student: Students seek cerebral information only. Students want to know what the Teacher knows.
Disciples: Are children of God who desire to know Him, live in His Love, under His direction, in loving relationships with their God and church family, desiring to experience the abundant life their Lord intends for them.
These are not legal or expected requirements for church membership, but they are essentially necessary for healthy disciples in loving relationship with God and His Church Body.
Choosing the path and priority of a life journey of personal discipleship, comes before one decides to serve in any Role / Function or Position. (Matt.6:33; Rom.12:1)
If one can only attend one Sunday per month, please come to be personally ministered to FIRST, to be rooted and established in your untouchable Identity and Value in Christ, before one undertakes to serve others from your heart of willing service to Jesus and His Cause!
Consider, then choose, what kind of follower of Jesus you will be:
A Student: Students seek cerebral information only. Students want to know what the Teacher knows.
Disciples: Are children of God who desire to know Him, live in His Love, under His direction, in loving relationships with their God and church family, desiring to experience the abundant life their Lord intends for them.
- Attending Sunday, Wednesday and special services, to learn, receive, participate and contribute.
- Being a part of a healthy Life Group - growing in relationship with one another
- Serving the Body willingly
- Growing in loving relationship with God, and with your brothers & sisters
These are not legal or expected requirements for church membership, but they are essentially necessary for healthy disciples in loving relationship with God and His Church Body.
Volunteer Communication Guidelines
It’s no secret that any successful relationship or endeavor hinges on clear, free-flowing, open-hearted and respectful two-way communication.
We’re living in an age that there are multiple avenues of communication available to people.
Apart from how one personally prefers to communicate, the leader of every Department, Role, Position or Function fulfilled at LakeHaven has established methods of communication with their team.
Be prepared to commit to stay in close contact with your group and leader, using their communication platform, whether:
Good two-way communication requires that we always reply to every message from your team or leader promptly. (Even if it’s just a thumbs up emoji, a short: “Message received" or "I don’t know, I can let you know by __”)
Please, don’t go “radio silent” so people have to keep asking for a response. They are left wondering if you received the message; whether you will still fulfill your responsibilities, or if they need to try find someone else.
Please be faithful to your committed schedule. Be on time. In fact - arrive 5 minutes early!
- Serving schedule
- Time, date, plans, preparations
- Training or other meetings:
- Special events / requests
- etc…
We’re living in an age that there are multiple avenues of communication available to people.
Apart from how one personally prefers to communicate, the leader of every Department, Role, Position or Function fulfilled at LakeHaven has established methods of communication with their team.
Be prepared to commit to stay in close contact with your group and leader, using their communication platform, whether:
- Texting/ SMS
- Emails. (document/ attachment/ calendar appointments/.. )
- Social groups: Facebook groups, Instagram,
- Specific apps: Planning Center, WhatsApp / FB Messenger / etc…
- phone calls / voicemails
Good two-way communication requires that we always reply to every message from your team or leader promptly. (Even if it’s just a thumbs up emoji, a short: “Message received" or "I don’t know, I can let you know by __”)
Please, don’t go “radio silent” so people have to keep asking for a response. They are left wondering if you received the message; whether you will still fulfill your responsibilities, or if they need to try find someone else.
Please be faithful to your committed schedule. Be on time. In fact - arrive 5 minutes early!
Volunteer Can't Make It?
Besides planning your time away with the scheduler, there may be occasions of emergencies or sudden changes of plan beyond your control.
Speak to your leader to establish the action protocol when you join the team.
Most leaders prefer that you arrange to trade out with your fellow team members.
Inform the scheduler and leader (not necessarily the same person) of your trade out in the schedule so the whole team will be kept aware. (Don't keep the trade out to yourselves.)
Please avoid causing the “Domino Effect”.
Try do this as early in the week as possible to avoid gaps where people are relying on you to cover your responsibilities at the scheduled time and place.
If they don't know you traded out, they won't know who is covering that area, who to call, and will wonder if you are ok,.. etc.
Speak to your leader to establish the action protocol when you join the team.
Most leaders prefer that you arrange to trade out with your fellow team members.
Inform the scheduler and leader (not necessarily the same person) of your trade out in the schedule so the whole team will be kept aware. (Don't keep the trade out to yourselves.)
Please avoid causing the “Domino Effect”.
Try do this as early in the week as possible to avoid gaps where people are relying on you to cover your responsibilities at the scheduled time and place.
If they don't know you traded out, they won't know who is covering that area, who to call, and will wonder if you are ok,.. etc.
Attitude
It’s essential that anyone who serves does so with the Grace and Attitude that it is JESUS Himself that we are serving!
[It's not only what we say, but how we speak that people hear and feel. Tone and non-verbal /body language play a large part.] The Fruit of the Spirit is ours! (Gal.5)
As a disciple first, we know that we are LOVED, and as a child of God, we serve people from this heart of LOVE, in His name!
Because this is a willing commitment, we should spiritually & mentally prepare by remembering why we are doing this in the first place:
We are not serving to earn value, favor or acceptance from God. We are serving from a heart flooded and overflowing with His love & acceptance. We serve to fulfill His mission and live for His Cause to accomplish His goals.
Whether anyone notices or not: Jesus does!! And He is our Rewarder.
[It's not only what we say, but how we speak that people hear and feel. Tone and non-verbal /body language play a large part.] The Fruit of the Spirit is ours! (Gal.5)
As a disciple first, we know that we are LOVED, and as a child of God, we serve people from this heart of LOVE, in His name!
Because this is a willing commitment, we should spiritually & mentally prepare by remembering why we are doing this in the first place:
We are not serving to earn value, favor or acceptance from God. We are serving from a heart flooded and overflowing with His love & acceptance. We serve to fulfill His mission and live for His Cause to accomplish His goals.
Whether anyone notices or not: Jesus does!! And He is our Rewarder.
Outward vs Inward
Be aware that some Roles require more than others.
We are a casually dressed community where some members might come in shorts, T-shirts and flip flops, but some positions require a higher presentable dress code at certain times. Please check with your team leader.
It's good to consider others and your own minimum level of presentable appearance, cleanliness and personal hygiene. These are outward things that people observe. And it's people who we get to love and serve, as Jesus would.
God sees our heart. People cannot, they see our outward appearance.
Read Titus chapters 2 and 3. It gives us great pointers on how to live and love to make this Good News attractive to all.
Love others, as we are loved! We are His Body.. His mouthpiece to speak, His arms to embrace, His hands to serve, and His feet to go! We get to be Jesus with skin on to this World around us!
..as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:17 ESV
..even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:17 ESV
we are ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV
We are a casually dressed community where some members might come in shorts, T-shirts and flip flops, but some positions require a higher presentable dress code at certain times. Please check with your team leader.
It's good to consider others and your own minimum level of presentable appearance, cleanliness and personal hygiene. These are outward things that people observe. And it's people who we get to love and serve, as Jesus would.
God sees our heart. People cannot, they see our outward appearance.
Read Titus chapters 2 and 3. It gives us great pointers on how to live and love to make this Good News attractive to all.
Love others, as we are loved! We are His Body.. His mouthpiece to speak, His arms to embrace, His hands to serve, and His feet to go! We get to be Jesus with skin on to this World around us!
..as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:17 ESV
..even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:17 ESV
we are ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV
As you consider and decide…
Know that you are loved! Serving Him, in serving people, is a high calling. Perhaps the highest…
The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11,12 ESV
It'd be our honor and privilege to serve the Lord, and one another in His Kingdom Cause here together with you! You are unique and a precious part of His Body!
We are less without you, as you are less without each one of us. Synergy.
We are truly so much better together!
The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11,12 ESV
It'd be our honor and privilege to serve the Lord, and one another in His Kingdom Cause here together with you! You are unique and a precious part of His Body!
We are less without you, as you are less without each one of us. Synergy.
We are truly so much better together!