Last Friday, I loaded up on my pain meds and had my mother taxi me to the local Michael’s craft store. Sunday morning loomed on the horizon, and I needed a few Christmas activities to keep young hearts and hands engaged. I took my time, making sure to pick out things I would like to do, knowing that my enthusiasm as the children’s Sunday school teacher would translate over to them. Over the next twenty-four hours, I read my lesson, made notes, and photocopied the corresponding papers to go along with the day’s activities. I even purchased McDonald’s gift cards for each one of them and stuffed them inside cute little stockings from the Dollar Tree. Sunday’s lesson was well-prepared, thought out, and greatly anticipated by my teacher’s heart. I just knew it would be a hit with everyone.Sunday arrived, and I suppose it was a hit with the two kids that showed up. My two kids, per usual. Occasionally, another child will trickle into our midst to bolster our numbers, but not yesterday morning. It was just me, my kids, and Preacher Billy (a.k.a. their dad) working on cute crafts, eating delicious snacks, and hearing, once again, the story about the good news given to some unsuspecting shepherds on a night some 2000 years ago. And while my heart hungered for more kids to come and be a part of my plans, I wasn’t surprised by the turnout. I’ve come to expect it since our ministry move here this past June.
We (I say “we” because ministry life is so much more than my husband’s paid position) pastor a small congregation on one of the busiest streets in Fayetteville, NC. Our facility is dated, but it is large and could easily hold 400 people on a Sunday morning. Mostly, we average around 75. We came here in sort of a missional capacity—to revamp and revitalize this church with a fresh witness of God’s Spirit. Over the next few years we’ve been charged with the church’s growing and its re-establishing itself as a self-supporting, vibrant house of worship.
I suppose we thought that growth would be automatic. After all, it was clear to both of us that this was the place of God’s choosing for our next. On the front side of our arrival here, the challenge intrigued us, and we were ramped up for watching our God work a miracle in and through this little church. We’re still waiting for that big miracle—one that says on paper and with numbers that God, through us, has accomplished huge growth for the kingdom. In small ways, we’ve seen some growth. Not so much in numbers, but in the interior work of our collective hearts. We’re getting to know our new people, and they are getting to know us. It takes time to grow a church, and it takes the right motivation—love for God and love for his people.
And we certainly do love… love God and his people. But despite our loving, growth has been minimal. Thus, we wait for the movement of God, realizing that in our own strength, we can do nothing. We hope. We pray. We move forward, planning for a crowd, but being content with less. Sometimes with a less that includes only two kids who look a whole lot like my own. Who’ve heard the story of the shepherds a hundred times over. Two who are used to seeing me as their mom throughout the week and would, more than likely, desire to see someone else take the lead on Sunday mornings. Two who are still willing to humor me when it comes to my teaching style and to “craft” alongside me, even though they would prefer the company of their peers. Two who are stuck with me and their father, regardless of the ministry twists and turns that lie ahead for all of us.
Ministry life is hard at times, especially when it seems all you’ve got is the two. I know many of you attend large churches with tons of programming, a rockin’ band, and a collection plate filled to overflow. Some of your churches have two or three services, a large amount of volunteers to equip your programming, and a plethora of Sunday schools/Bible studies from which to choose. It’s not about if you have anywhere to plug into at your church, but rather, which outlet to choose. I understand. I’ve lived that life previously. But now I’m here, with my husband and with the two and with the few others who come together on Sunday mornings for worship at Christ UMC, and there are times when I wonder about it all. And I hope that it’s enough, that we’re enough. That the simple acts of obedience we follow through with on a daily basis will some day make their marks on our congregation… on our city.
But that’s an “unfolding” for another season. I’ll have to wait for those answers and that revelation, and mostly I’m OK with the waiting because I understand that Rome wasn’t built in a day and that God’s kingdom isn’t built solely through big churches and big programming. Rather, I believe that the kingdom of God is most solidly built one brick at a time. One hug at a time. One prayer at a time. One kind gesture at a time. One dollar at a time. One well-planned Sunday school lesson at a time, if only boasting the audience of the two.
The two serve as the why behind my mid-week planning for Sunday services. They are the reason behind my Friday trips to a craft store. They are the rich soil for the ministry of my heart in this season, and while I might not always feel like I’m enough for them, they are always enough for me. Accordingly, I’ll keep to it, even as I commission you to always do the same. I’ll keep planning for the crowd, expecting the crowd, but never feeling unsatisfied by the two. For with the two, a world can change.
In fact, I think my Sunday morning lesson with my two wasn’t so far off from that Bethlehem lesson for the shepherds all those years ago. We don’t know how many of them showed up at the manger (whether two or four or an entire passel of sheep-tenders), but we do know that they left that moment “spreading the word concerning what had been told them about this child and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
Indeed, a small beginning—a tiny gathering of recipients—for the greatest revelation known to mankind. I don’t imagine that God ever wondered if it was enough. Instead, he was content for truth to fall into the hearts of a few, knowing that in seasons to come, truth would expand its witness throughout the ages to include the hearts this generation. Our hearts. Yours and mine. Christ kept to his plan; he keeps to it this day… one brick at a time until the kingdom is fully built. I’m so glad that he didn’t get hung up on numbers back then but that, instead, he got hung up on a tree… for me, for you. His ministry may have been collective in scope but it remains personal in priority and nature to each one of us.
May we always be found willing to follow his lead by reconciling our ministries and our hearts to the one or two who show up for the receiving. In the end, we will probably be surprised by the far-reaching effects of our simple acts of obedience therein. Keep to it, sweet friends, keep planning for God’s more in the midst of your seemingly less. He is faithful to complete that which he began in you. And while you might not always be aware of what your single, simple faith is yielding in others, he is. And for that you will be richly rewarded. Have a blessed walk to Bethlehem this week, and as always…
Peace for the journey,
Elaine, many years ago my father, a pastor, was a church planter in the Northwest…places our particular denomination did not have many churches. (The NW not being the Bible belt.) Our first services were held in our home. Saturday nights, under Mother's direction, we all scurried around to clean up our "church." The Sunday School classes were held in my and my brothers' bedrooms. Fortunately Mother is a pianist so music went forth in the living room around her piano. I was often the soloist!
In reference to your Sunday School students, Jesus sent the 12 out "two by two."
Such an important reminder for all of us. We serve – we must.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this a hundred times! I know exactly from where you speak! I share in your sometimes disappointment in planning, working, and putting your whole heart into something and then only a few kids show up. But I keep to it, knowing that in the BIG picture, I am making a difference for the Kingdom – one or two at a time! God has RICHLY blessed the Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group here at the church where Eric and I are serving (They had none. – This age group seems to be our niche.) We are praying for more little ones though! We continue to plan things that will draw families to the church – last Saturday for instance – Breakfast with Santa – 150 showed up! Only a few families from this church, with the majority just from the community. I prayed the night before that all I wanted was that SOMEONE who had never heard of Jesus would hear of him that day and THIS Christmas. I pray that this was accomplished with something as simple as a few pancakes, sausages and a Veggie Tale movie!
Thanks Elaine for reminding me of why I continue on, especially during those times when it would be so much easier to give up!
Love you my friend! And…I am sure those two children will ALWAYS remember their mom making Sunday School an important part of their lives!
Lori
Oh Elaine,such a poignant post today! It reminds me of Hab 3:17-19…
"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights."
Praise Him …He is the Lord of the Harvest! Love you and pray for peace rest and joy this week!
Although many of us are not in "the ministry" as you are, yet we are all "ministers" as God has called us and I believe that in one way or another, we all can relate to what you have shared. Simple wisdom, simple obedience.
I hope you are feeling well, and pray for your health.
It's a hard lesson, especially in this age of mega-churches and huge ministries, but what you are doing, reaching one heart at a time, is powerful too.
Powerful obedience. You plant & water & tend; He gives the increase. "Due seasons" are difficult to predict when mortal souls are involved.
I'm reading a book, "Everything by Prayer", that is written by Fred Hartley about Armin Gesswein (Sonja's father). I'm roughly 40 pages into it, and I'm simply BLOWN AWAY by the power conveyed in its pages; power rooted in prayer. I gladly join you in prayer for your little body there. It – prayer – is the insemination that ensures labor, and birth and growth.
Love you,
Kathleen
Funny you should write this now Elaine (God's sense of humor at work again!). On January 6 I will begin leading Beth Moore's study of David, A Heart Like His. I've volunteered to do it twice – at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. My church is large and we will have at least 20 sign up for the day class but the night class….iffy at best. The associate pastor says we can't do it unless we have at least 10. Ten! I'm thinking of the story…what if there are 50 righteous men? 40? etc. I'm not "in control" of this situation though I can have some negotiating room – and yet I know that my night vision is not great, I drive 20 minutes to get there, and if only 2 or 3 sign up… I don't know the answer but I know that 2 are worth the doing. The discussion for those studies really benefits from larger numbers but 2 can talk about a lot. 🙂 I know that God will solve it – and thankfully lots better than my brain can. blessings, marlene
Elaine,
I admire your service to the Lord and how you turn any form of discouragement into hope. Again, I wish you lived closer. I'd make it three:)
What a wonderful lesson for this Christmas season Elaine! I "taught" the Christmas Story to my adult women's Sunday school class yesterday. A story all of us knew by heart. But I think we drew some new depth from it once again. I love how God chose the lowly shepherds to be the first to know about the arrival of the Messiah! And how after they had accepted the invitation to go and see, they were so impressed with Jesus that they went and told others and then returned "glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen". We should do the same at Christmas and every other time of the year. And you, friend Elaine, do a magnificent job of this !!
Love you much!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
Love the title of your post, Elaine. Faith and hope have you always planning for more, but likewise, faith in God's plan has you content with less. It can be hard to wait at times, though. I pray that you and your family stay encouraged as you wait for growth to become more evident. It's got to be a challenge for your kids, too, being the only two to show up for class. God bless you all for serving Him faithfully!
I hear the angst of the waiting here…we sometimes want Rome now, but alas, we must wait. But a God who is Lord of the future Rome's will delegate the time parade…
I pray you have the most blessed CHRISTmas ever, my dear friend Elaine!
I can understand and relate to what you are saying here.
It is the perfect training ground that our Father has designed for anyone He is grooming for the long haul…
Doing my best for an audience of One… the world does not understand this, and oftentimes, neither do we. But God knows it is the only proven way of raising true servants…children… future heirs to His throne.
Blessed indeed is that servant whom the master will find so doing when He returns… He will put him in charge over many cities.
You are so right. It is not just for the here and now, what we have to go through in true authentic ministry…it is for eternity.
And for that reason alone, I am always thankful God knows best.
Keeping you close,
Lidj
These are just a few of the many
Elaine:
This triggered so many thoughts in me. We are in one of the 'mega' churches now, but as you know… I sure didn't grow up in a mega church. Dad did just what you and Billy are doing… he was faithful in the small gatherings that he so often ministered to, all through the years. I think he would be amazed if he were still here, at how far extending the ministry God gave him has gone, around the world now, teaching other pastors the very things God gave to his heart so many years ago.
Faithful in what He has called us to… the harvest is also His call, and the timing. My heart is for the faithful ones, who go to Michael's and minister to the 2, their 2… and what He is doing with these seeds is for eternity. You have blessed me again with your words, and your heart.Keep at it Miss Elaine and Preacher Billy!!
Oh, and I agree with Sassy! Everyone should read Fred Hartley's book "Everything by Prayer" which is about Sonja's father, Armin Gesswein. I t completely changed the way I looked at prayer, did prayer!
peace~elaine
Blessings to you and Preacher Billy as you minister. Trusting God in the midst of the waiting is often very difficult. I feel certain that God is working in the background and you both are touching hearts and lives in ways that only eternithy will reveal.
Leah
Know the feeling to prepare the lesson, have everything all planned out…and one shows up..or none…while we are in the bible belt, our church is small – we actually had 106 in Sunday School this past Sunday!
But while we have and abundance of "adults", we lack in the younger children…but God is Faithful and we much keep on keeping on, for Him! And He will grow the crops…we'll just plant the seeds!!
~Beth
I so wish I could come be at your church and work with you!! It would be a long drive…so I will watch in amazement at how God is going to work through you and preacher Billy. Look where you came from…greater things…greater numbers are just ahead for this kingdom work you have been called to. Keep the servant attitude!!
Love you friend and continue to pray without ceasing for you. Now I will add your church and ministry to our prayers.
Believing Him~Pamela
God is moving in the midst of your two…praying that more people will come to know Him as a result of their time spent with you in your Sunday School classes.
I finally posted on my blog. Hop on over to check it out AND enter a giveaway!
Love you…
It's always worth the one or two! I recently taught a 7 week new believer's class of '1'. Some people questioned why I didn't reschedule but it just felt right to continue. That '1' is a thriving, active part of our body who actually accepted and played a role in our Christmas musical yesterday. Was is worth 7 weeks for the '1'? Yes Ma'am !!!
Bless you for continuing with the two~~precious they are~~and a mighty example you set!!!
Love you, Cindy
I am having a down time in the nursery as well. Some Sundays of late I am in the nursery without any little ones. Different for me. I have always had atleast "one" little one. I can view the 11:00 service in the nursery now. I love it. I will not question "why" but still prepare for that Sunday when I have more than I can handle. God Bless!
I think of the verse, "where two or more are gathered, there I am." He is in the midst, working, watering, growing and will bring the increase. He will bring the fruit in its season. As I say many a day, Onward I go, for it is all for Him. Keep pressing on and in. You are doing an amazing work. An ultimately, we are serving an audience of ONE! 🙂
Praying for you each time God brings you to mind (which is a lot!). Praying this chemo recovery went quickly and the pain was manageable and minimal. Praying that you have a blessed Christmas, as you said…..On your walk to Bethlehem this week.
Love you sweet friend,
Stacy
Warmest Greetings Elaine!:) A very merry Christmas to you too, I read this post and watched your video. The Lord used you to inspire me, I will have to say. Also, I loved your Christmas letter.
Blessings to you today,
katiegfromtennessee
wifeforthejourney:
Since we learned of our move from the secure and familiar surroundings of our last church, you have so been the embodiment of faithfulness. Certainly we have both had our weak moments in this time of transition – but you have never waivered in your love and support of me.
When we made our wedding vows and we spoke of "in sickness and in health" most people would say the promise is if one of us gets sick the other will be a worthy caretaker. But the depth of your promise has been so great that even with cancer and all you have suffered, with surgeries and chemotherapy, YOU have continued to take care of US.
Even on those days when anyone's first impulse would be to crawl away and hide, you continue to wake up early and make sure our daughter's hair is fixed right, to oversee the evening's homework, to balance the checkbook, to teach Bible study and Sunday school, to council our college-age boys in making good decisions, and to keep as normal a rountine in this season where it is anything but normal.
Whatever God has planned for us here, you can and should rest in knowing that by His grace you are showing our "two" (and anyone else who is watching) what true faithfulness looks like.
How thankful I am that when it came to "Billy finding a wife," though I would have been content with less…God had a plan for so much MORE!
Love you, and all the "more" you are each and every day!
~ Billy
Much love and many prayers for you sweet one.
I too Elaine have found myself involved in both the mega church and the small group meeting in a home. The Lord works of course in huge numbers, but He works just as powerfully in small. I will join you in prayer for your flock, and know He will do great things!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. May the Lord richly bless you all.
Hugs, Debbie
I always find such a sweet challenge and encouragement here! Praying for you every monring, as I work through "Peace for the Journey:in the pleasure of his company". Have a restful christmas, dear one 🙂
PS. you were right about all the packing material i need!! thx! You are such a help and encouragement!
Sounds like you are a wonderful teacher…. so they will come!!
That Preacher Billy of yours is just as eloquent with words as you are. What a team the two of you make.
This is the first time I realized you were in the other 'Fayetteville" of this fine country. You in NC – me in AR.
I identified with this post – growing up in small country churches with my dad the preacher man.
Also, My daughter and son in love are about to embark on a new pastorate in the Seattle area – small older church – wanting and needing a fresh young leader to help them change what needs to be changed to open themselves to the world beyond their doors. They haven't accepted yet – but the position is theirs, if they want it. Much prayer goes into such a move, as you know…prior to the offering and even now as we seek God's will. (I have to discern if it is God's will that I join them there, as I did for the church plant here in Fayetteville AR…. or embark on my own God appointment.I am currently seeking His will for my 'next'.)
Ultimately, it is God's will that makes the difference. You were obedient and the Lord finds you faithful. He is growing you and your family every day of the journey. His plan hasn't changed. You and preacher Billy are still His #1 choice in this journey at Christ UMC.
"Keep to it"…
hugs for a blessed Christmas
Patrina <")>><
I have decided to read Anonymous at least once a year. This post has reminded me about how valuable it is to have that concept buried deep within.
In regards to being part of a "larger" church… how often I hear of people who don't volunteer because they think the church is so big and wouldn't need their help… or that they couldn't measure up.
How the Lord loves us to be humble. How He wants us to know how He loves each and everyone of us. How important just one life is to Him. Or… just two lives as it may be. It matters to Him.
Thinking of you and thanking ABBA for the strength and love He is lavishing upon you today.
Love and holy hugs *** kt
Praying for you, your family and the church family. Stay strong in the LORD and in the power of His might.
Christmas blessings to your family and thank you for the newsletter in the mail.
Prayers over you…
Elaine, I realize my visits have been sparse but I want you to know that I continue to lift you in prayer and you are on my mind often. You and your journey have blessed and encouraged my heart so!
Praying that you and your family have a richly blessed Christmas and new year filled with His wonder.
Love and Big Christmas Hugs!
Jackie
PS…It's funny…I thought about you as I headed out in the dark early morning hours to power shop on black friday. I recall your video from last year and how similar it was to mine…: )) I'm believing you get to shop 2011 black friday and are blessed with double the great deals!! : ))
Elaine, as always your postings never fail to enlighten, embolden and inspire me. Love in Christ is an exponential growth… You teach and inspire two, they each two more, and so on. And as far as that goes, through your words and example, you bring His Kingdom to far more than those two in a Sunday School room. Thank you for all you do, and God Bless you and your family on this most miraculous of weeks.
Oh, Elaine. This touches me today.
Thank you, as always for your beautiful words. I think of how delighted God is when we draw near to Him and when we include Him in all the plans. Sometimes, our zeal to reach out to many gets in the way. Sometimes, sitting with one, giving of our time; really listening and showing that we care can result in more good (just reminding that person of their value). Thinking of someone who may not know the Lord, but is saved because of time spent with them by one faithful servant of God…then in turn, does the same for someone else…we just never know who we might be reaching…one person at a time.
Thanks for the reminder that He is aware!
Praying regularly for you and your health…Wishing you a beautiful Christmas! xo
Elaine~ This was such an encouraging post! I soaked in every word you shared, and could relate to it well. Our move has been much of the same thing. This was a good reminder that we serve the Lord and those He chooses to bring into our lives, leaving the results and numbers to Him…knowing He will produce fruit from our humble obedience.
May the Lord bless and encourage you and your husband as you faithfully serve Him, Elaine! I pray for you often. Merry Christmas to you and your family~
Jennifer
Elaine, I can't add a thing to what has already been written here in the comments, except I wish I could have been there as your student.
We also have been in the very small and the very large congregations. Remember that God is THERE…Some of our best "growing" was done in the smallest of settings…and that is the Gospel Truth!
The example you are showing your children is priceless and will reap benefits for eternity.
When I first saw the title of your post, I thought it would be about the fact that you would be more limited as to what you could "do" this holiday season. I could just "feel" the effort you put into your preparations…how you were loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and STRENGTH! May you be blessed abundantly!
ps where can I get the book?