I originally submitted this article in response to a request from Gateway Life magazine that was sent to choir members for articles about "Passion." While, mine was not selected to be published, I thought my friends might like to read it:
A Passion To Serve, by Jerry Schultz
Our passions, talents and
abilities are gifts from God that give us purpose and a place of service. When
we devote our time and dedicate our gifts to serving, we can experience a
special kind of joy and connection to other believers.
For many years, I
developed my skills and pursued excellence in my career as a music teacher, but
did not use my gifts in the church. I didn’t intend for that to happen, but after
graduating from college, moving around for my career and trying to find a new
church home, it did. I went from being highly involved with church and campus
ministries, leading worship and teaching Sunday School, to being an attender
who didn’t serve at all. I had gone with friends to every revival, event or
Christian concert I could. Now I sat through one service per week, often by
myself, with few meaningful relationships in the church. Eventually, I stopped going.
Gathering together with God’s people had been my favorite thing. Now I felt
disconnected and alone. I had forgotten the importance of fellowship and I
suffered because of it. Hebrews 10:25 prompts: Let us consider how to spur each other on to love and good works, not
giving up meeting together…but encouraging on another.
Interestingly, it was an
invitation to serve that brought me back. After an orchestra gig one weekend, a
fellow musician asked if I would come play for the Easter services at his
church. I received a warm, friendly welcome and instant comradery. I hoped he
would invite me back and when the invitation was extended, I gladly accepted
and soon joined the church. Within a year, I began planning a move to Texas to
attend Seminary.
I am so grateful to have
found the choir here at Gateway. (and the
orchestra at NRH Baptist Church) It has been a place where I have received
healing and ministered to others. I have grown, strengthened my craft, developed
friendships and really connected to the Body of Christ. It’s fitting that our
volunteer ministry is called “Serve,” because serving is the key to unlocking
relationships in the church. I encourage everyone to find a place to plug in,
serve others and connect.
It is important to be good
receivers of God’s gifts. When we are willing vessels, dedicated to His
purposes, God pours into us so that we can pour into the lives of others. Colossians
3:23 exhorts: Whatever you do, work at it
with all your heart, as working for the Lord. We should passionately
endeavor to steward our gifts by developing them to their fullest potential and
using them to glorify God and strengthen the church. Don’t make the mistake I
made. Don’t give up. Keep meeting together. Keep Serving. When we enthusiastically
devote ourselves to finding and fulfilling our purpose, we can truly enjoy our
role in the Body of Christ. Remember the encouragement of 1 Peter 4:10: Each of you should use whatever gift you
have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace.
