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Then I heard
the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send,
and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I;
send me!" Isaiah 6:8
“Whoa! Send me?!?!
What could I possibly do? I didn’t go to seminary.
I’m not ordained. How about whatsis face? Now
there’s someone who could really do some of that
ministry stuff!”
Sorry, there’s no
getting off quite so easy. The Lord created each
of us as unique individuals with something to
contribute to his work in the world. Every, single
one of us. Perhaps we feel a bit inadequate
compared to beautiful churches, and talented
clergy people, and the size of the task. But
remember, God knows you. He created you. And God
does not make mistakes.
What does the
Catechism, An Outline of the Faith, have to say on
the subject. On page 855 of the Book of Common
Prayer we find:
What is the ministry of the laity?
The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ
and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever
they may be: and, according to the gifts given
them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation
in the world; and to take their place in the life,
worship, and governance of the church.
“According
to the gifts given them.” There are two important
understandings within that simple statement. God
gives gifts to each of us to carry out his work,
and they are different for each person. Secondly,
what the Lord expects of us is within the
abilities that he has provided us. With that
understanding, with confidence we know that there
is work that the Lord has in mind for us, and we
can do it because he has equipped us for it.
But what? What is it
that I can do? Reread the quote from the Catechism
and think about how that might look in terms of
your life. Where can you represent Christ and his
church? Everywhere! How can you represent Christ
and his church? Start with simple acts that carry
the light of Christ into the world. In your club,
community, or neighborhood, host a group that does
Morning, Noonday, or Evening Prayer, or Compline
together once a week. Serve as an acolyte. Serve
as an usher. Tell everyone you meet about the
wonderful Sunday worship services at your church.
There are many simple things that you can do.
Perhaps this excerpt from
Daniel L.
Schutte’s hymn, "Here I am, Lord", will provide
some inspiration.
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Chorus:
Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart. |
