Your Mission . . .
In the United Methodist Church we have a tradition that all members are ministers of the church. Wesley taught that all Christian people are called by God to ministry. Ministry is not only the role of ordained clergy but it is the work that each of us do as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Some ministries are set apart by the church for service, word, sacrament and order such as ordination as Elder, some ministries are set apart for service to a community such as ordination as a Deacon. These professional ministries are not the only place ministry is performed in the life of the church.
It can be one of the most intimidating steps toward ordained ministry, talking about your “call.” Instantly images of Moses, comes to mind with a burning bush. Rarely is a candidate for the ordained ministry blessed with such clear call. If only God sent us a tape with clear instructions and a self destruct mechanism, now that would be cool.
So how does one discern a call?
Listening: Each of us must be attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. What is God placing on our hearts? What do we have an urge to attend to? Are you spending time in prayer to listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit?
Experience: What do you have a passion to do? What life experiences give you a unique skill you can share with the community?
Confirmation: Have others recognized God’s movement in your life?
Each of us are called to be Volunteers In Mission. It is up to each of us to discern God’s call for where, when and how.
Devotions for the First week of Lent
Monday Read Deuteronomy 26:1-11
God commands that the first fruits are to be given to the temple (the place where God dwells.)
What first fruits can you bring to God today?
Pray for your stewardship and sharing of gifts.
Tuesday Read Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
The people of Israel by now know that the Temple will not always be there. They begin to search for other places that God dwells with them.
In what way does God dwell with you?
Pray for those who have no home.
Wednesday Read Romans 10:8b-13
Paul proclaims that we need to believe with our hearts.
Your Mission . . . (UMVIM awareness Sunday)
When does the belief of your heart make a difference in your life?
Pray for those living with questions.
Thursday Read Luke 4:1-13
This passage is often called “the temptation of Christ.”
How does knowing that Jesus faced temptation inform your faith?
Pray for your struggle with the temptations in your life.
Friday and Saturday
What action is God calling you to take? What is your mission?
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