April 9, 2019 SHARE: Reading time: two minutes. You’re not alone; we’re in this together. Holy Week is just two weeks away and the burden of having everything ready and as excellent as possible is starting to build, but remember, it’s not all up to you. I’m doing my part. I’m not traveling this week or next, so I’m spending extra time in prayer for you. The whole body of Christ on earth is with you. You’re playing just one part in a worldwide celebration of the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection. Maybe most importantly, you’re part of a local fellowship, surrounded by the many members of the body who are invested in the times of worship and celebration that lie just ahead for you. For you all. For you all together. This would be a great week to enlist a few more members of the body in the tasks of Holy Week. Who’s your Barnabas? We all need encouragement, support and prayer. Everyone needs their feet washed. Who are the members of your church family who are completely committed to the fruitfulness of your ministry? Who are your prayer warriors? The people who love you best would love it most if you made a few quick phone calls this week that began, “I need you and I need your blessing. I want to be at my best in the coming days. Will you pray for me?” Ask them to lift you up in prayer and encouragement. Then hang up the phone and imagine them beaming on the other end, “My pastor needs me! I’m making a difference!” Spread the joy. Who’s your Martha? What special tasks related to your Holy Week celebrations could be handed over to other members of the body? Who would be blessed by being recruited to participate in some small way? Which tasks do you do that someone else could do 75% as well as you? They might surprise you and do it even better! Ask staff members or key leaders or the church secretary to help you brainstorm a list of tasks and a list of Martha’s and then turn them loose. Everybody wins. Calling upon the gifts of the whole body is an act of humility; doing it all yourself is an act of pride. Overfunctioning is a lack of faith in God, thinking he can’t do it without you, and it’s a lack of faith in the Lord’s people. You and the members of your church are climbing a steep hill this Lent, tied together at the waist. The Lord of the Church has given you each other. Show them how much you appreciate them and their passionate service! Thanks for reading. Do you serve on a professional church worker conference planning committee? Our staff has vast experience leading groups of all sizes from every church work background through innovative wellness programs custom designed to meet your needs. Contact Program Director Darrell Zimmerman today to begin exploring the possibilities or visit our website to see some of our ideas for your conference!