Discovering Your Church’s Strenghths
As it is written in Exodus 36:8, "Every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded." This sacred verse is a reflection of God's desire for us to use our unique talents and abilities to fulfill His purpose. Let us embrace this divine guidance and willingly deploy our strengths to accomplish the work He has set before us.
Embrace the power of positivity and faith in our lives -- a potent force that transforms our perspective and strengthens our resolve. Each one of us is blessed with unique talents and abilities, a divine gift that empowers us to overcome obstacles and reach lofty heights. It's easy to become entangled in the web of can'ts, allowing our weaknesses to overshadow our strengths. But remember, in the book of Exodus 36:8, we are reminded of our inherent ability to accomplish great things. As we embark on this journey together, let us shift our focus from our limitations to our capabilities. Let us not be deterred by the things we cannot do but be driven by the things we can. Through this approach, we can harness our strengths, let go of our weaknesses, and unleash our true potential.
Small and rural churches often find themselves ensnared in the cycle of "can't do," a mindset perpetuated by perceived limitations in resources, manpower, or opportunities. It's understandable, given the vast responsibilities they shoulder and the unique challenges they face. Perhaps the congregation size is small, or the budget may be limited. There may be a lack of trained staff or modern facilities. All these factors can seem overwhelming, leading these churches to focus more on what they can't achieve instead of recognizing what they can. Yet, we must remember that our faith and abilities, bestowed upon us by God, surpass any worldly constraints. We must shift our mindset from a focus on limitations to a focus on possibilities. We need to embrace the God-given talents that lie within each of us, using them to serve our congregations and communities in the best way we can. The size of our church, the depth of our pockets, or the number of our staff does not limit our ability to serve. Our ability lies in our faith, our commitment, and our willingness to use our talents to the fullest.
The size of a church, as we have seen, does not determine the strength of its congregation or its influence in the surrounding community. The effectiveness of a church lies not in its physical dimensions, but in the spiritual vitality, unity, and commitment of its members. A smaller congregation could indeed have a more significant impact if its members are tirelessly committed, unified in purpose, and passionate about serving their community. This is because the strength of a church is not measured in numbers or physical resources but in the spiritual strength, faith, and compassion of its members. This dynamic community of believers, regardless of size, can effect profound change within their community, transforming lives through acts of kindness, love, and service. Remember, as reinforced in the Gospel of Matthew 18:20, where it is written, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." This biblical truth serves as a reminder that the presence of God and the effectiveness of a congregation is not dependent on its size but on the unity and faith of its members.
6 ways a church can use its strengths and talents within its congregation and in its community:
Engage the Congregation: Encourage active participation from congregation members in church activities and decision-making processes. Their unique talents and abilities can catalyze unforeseen growth and progress within the church and the community. Let each member feel valued and needed, and they will be more likely to use their talents in service. Take time to discover what each person's talents are. Create opportunities for them to use those talents within the church and community.
Collaborate with Other Churches: Small and rural churches can often benefit from working together with other churches in their area. By pooling resources, sharing ideas, and collaborating on projects, they can achieve more than they would alone. This also provides a way for individual talents to be utilized in a larger context. By working together, churches can create a stronger impact in their community and overcome limitations.
Community Outreach: A small church can use its close-knit community to build stronger relationships within the neighborhood. Volunteering, organizing community events, or providing support to those in need can enhance the church's reputation and influence. One of the best ways for people to discover a new ability within them is to start helping others. There is something about helping broken and hurting people that brings something out in them that maybe they never knew existed within them before.
Leverage Local Resources: Use local resources to their maximum potential. This can be as simple as utilizing a member's professional skills for church maintenance or as creative as partnering with local businesses for fundraising events. People want to feel needed, if there is a need ask the professional plumber or auto mechanic in your church if they would help in a family or individual's need. Sometimes people just need to be asked.
Focus on Personalized Services: Use the small size as an advantage to offer more personalized, intimate services that larger churches may not be able to. This can help strengthen the bond among congregation members and foster a sense of belonging.
Digital Presence: Use technology to reach out to a larger audience. Creating a digital presence through social media, live streaming services, or maintaining a church website can help the church connect with a broader community, share its mission, and attract new members. The youth of the church can be a well from which to draw from for this area. Or it could be a way of drawing a young person into the church. Let them take ownership of this area.
Remember, what may seem like limitations can actually be opportunities for growth and innovation. By focusing on our strengths rather than our weaknesses, we can achieve great things in service to God and our community. As Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Let us walk with faith, embrace our talents, and use them to their fullest potential in service of God. Let us leave behind what we cannot do and focus on what we can do, knowing that with God's guidance and strength, all things are possible. So let us not limit ourselves by focusing on our limitations but instead be empowered by our strengths and the limitless potential they hold.
Go! Change the world within your fingertips.
