Fidelity

We had our annual budget meeting today. About 70 people from a congregation of almost 600 families showed up. Normally I'd be a little bitter about that wondering why more people don't take an interest in their congregation. But today I've been moved in another way.

I looked around at who showed up. They were young and old, those with kids and teenagers and others who have long sinced retired. Just a small group compared to the over 200 people who were there just moments ago in the same sanctuary for worship. They went about their work quietly, listening to the budget presentation, asking a few key questions and then voting to approve next year's ministry funding. I think God's work has always been done by a small faithful group.

ORLC is their church, they are the body of Christ making a difference in the world. That little vote will pay the salaries of 9 people including mine for the purpose of telling others about Jesus. Everything we do as members of the church staff is made possible by this quiet work of 70 people. Highschool students will have the gift of Kathy for another year, kids and sundayschool teachers will be blessed by Julie. Pastors will preach, the sick and lonely will be cared for, worship will be carefully crafted. Hundreds of people will hear the gospel this year, some for the first time, because of this tiny little action that most people avoid.

I don't know why I'm overcome with it this time. But I see the Church at it's best in the small quiet ways it goes about being Christ's body in the world. Everything Our Redeemer's is or will be owes it's success to a small body of Jesus followers, led by the Holy Spirit, doing work that they don't get paid for, and are rarely thanked for. It's not just ORLC, but every church and in fact the whole of Christianity. I'm humbled by the methods God chooses to make His difference in the world. -PT