We had another great RLA outreach to the Rosemary neighborhood this past Sunday evening. During the event I was reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthian Church, “We are laborers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9). That verse is actually a threefold statement.
Paul said, “We are laborers.” Ministry doesn’t just happen. It requires effort. The Rosemary Outreach involves transporting and setting up a sound system, staging, lighting, tables and chairs. It involves canvassing a neighborhood, coordinating activities, and cooking countless hot dogs☺! It includes singing, dancing, preaching, and praying. The ministry is spelled W-O-R-K. But as Paul told the Thessalonian Church, it’s a “Labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:3).
Secondly, “We are laborers together.” Rather than a group of isolated parts functioning independently of one another, we are a team of individual people working together in unity of purpose. As I watched some 60 – 70 team members from RLA working together last night, I thought of the little song I learned as a child in Sunday School, “When we all pull together how happy we’ll be.” That’s how God wants us to do ministry – together.
Thirdly, “We are laborers together with God.” The privilege of serving together is one thing. But to understand that we are working in partnership with God is a greater honor still! The work of the ministry is God’s work, and yet He gives us the opportunity to be involved. It’s like Paul told the Corinthians earlier in c3, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” While Paul and Apollos were busy going about the tasks of planting and watering, God was there all along producing the results.
Whether it is the Rosemary Outreach, or the Estero Christmas Celebration, or week-to-week ministry at RLA, I encourage you to engage and get involved. As the saying goes – one team; one dream. “We are laborers together with God”
Pastor Todd Weston
Paul said, “We are laborers.” Ministry doesn’t just happen. It requires effort. The Rosemary Outreach involves transporting and setting up a sound system, staging, lighting, tables and chairs. It involves canvassing a neighborhood, coordinating activities, and cooking countless hot dogs☺! It includes singing, dancing, preaching, and praying. The ministry is spelled W-O-R-K. But as Paul told the Thessalonian Church, it’s a “Labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:3).
Secondly, “We are laborers together.” Rather than a group of isolated parts functioning independently of one another, we are a team of individual people working together in unity of purpose. As I watched some 60 – 70 team members from RLA working together last night, I thought of the little song I learned as a child in Sunday School, “When we all pull together how happy we’ll be.” That’s how God wants us to do ministry – together.
Thirdly, “We are laborers together with God.” The privilege of serving together is one thing. But to understand that we are working in partnership with God is a greater honor still! The work of the ministry is God’s work, and yet He gives us the opportunity to be involved. It’s like Paul told the Corinthians earlier in c3, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” While Paul and Apollos were busy going about the tasks of planting and watering, God was there all along producing the results.
Whether it is the Rosemary Outreach, or the Estero Christmas Celebration, or week-to-week ministry at RLA, I encourage you to engage and get involved. As the saying goes – one team; one dream. “We are laborers together with God”
Pastor Todd Weston
