“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” — Matthew 9:35-38
Our church has undeniably been blessed with LOTS of new people. Attendance is at an all-time high. New people are just about everywhere! In fact, over the past six years, we are averaging 856 new people/year, 71 new people/month, and 16 new people/weekend. Assuming half of the new attendees don’t even turn in programs, you can perhaps double that number.
But with these new opportunities also comes responsibility. Jesus would not bring us what He values (people) without expecting us to be faithful and responsible with them. (See Matthew 25:14-20 – Parable of the Talents.)
When Jesus told Peter to cast his net on the “other side of the boat,” Peter initially balked. But once he obeyed, his nets immediately began bursting with fish! Not only that, but he also had to call in reinforcements to haul in the catch. I get the feeling there wasn’t a lot of small talk or idle chatter happening at that moment. It was absolutely imperative that everyone work together (as fast as possible) to secure the harvest! Without a doubt, it was serious business for those fishermen.
It’s Harvest Time
I’m convinced that no one involved in collecting that miraculous catch was concerned that they had stopped the actual process of “fishing” to do so. No one said, “Hey, what are we doing? We should be fishing since we are fishermen. Forget these full nets; let’s go back out and try to catch more fish.” No! It was obviously harvest time.
In the same way, you and I are in a season of “gathering.” We indeed have a godly calling to get the fish/people that Jesus is bringing us into the “boat.” For this reason, we are to work hard and not get sidetracked. Only one thing matters at this moment: Be faithful with the people God is bringing us.
How about you? What can you specifically do to help gather the harvest of souls God brings through our doors every weekend? All hands on deck — we need your help.
We have such a fantastic opportunity. Let’s do our part now to meet, greet, eat/study/hang with, and love all the new people God brings to The Rock.
Simply put, our nets are full; we need your help!
Engaged in the harvest,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor