Working together.

BY WAYNE AND JANE SMITH

As believers in Christ, how well do we know our God-given mission and how well do we carry it out? The early Church in Philippi has some ideas for us. Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Paul wrote to the Philippians while he was in prison. He was joy-filled, persevered, and relied on God. The Philippians’ steadfastness in faith, generosity, and adherence to Paul’s teachings made them a model community in the early Christian world. It sounds like they knew their mission and were busy carrying it out.

The analogy of a rowboat, one that takes two oars and two people to make it move, is apt. Congregations and pastors who work together reach their goals. Working alone, they are handicapped and go in circles.

The Pastoral and Congregational Care Team’s (PACCT) purpose statement is “While you serve Christ, our team is standing with you.” We are busy caring for pastors and congregations in many different ways, and our column in the June issue identified some of them. Since then, PACCT members with specific training in conflict resolution have been tapped to help congregations explore methods of improving how they approach conflict and how to work through issues in a productive, biblical manner. Team members continue to help congregations explore calling a pastor, using the Pastoral Call Process Toolkit as a resource and guide.

Caring for each other is a key part of our mission. Much of what we do involves one-to-one contact with pastors and leaders of congregations. We call people. We text people. We write sympathy notes to those who have lost loved ones, and we follow up with them to see how they are doing. We listen to people when they call us. We visit congregations; we have fellowship with them and pray with and for them. We study Scripture to see what it says about how to minister to those with specific needs. We don’t use a onesize-fits-all approach; each of us is uniquely created and benefits from a personal connection to explore needs and potential options. We offer hope. We encourage. Galatians 6:9–10 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Yes, these things sound like what God has called all of us to do faithfully. Often it takes an investment of time and energy beyond what we know we have available! Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” We trust him to provide what we need to help care for others. Rowing together with God provides blessings beyond compare.

Wayne and Jane Smith, members of Christ the King Free Lutheran, Pipestone, Minn., are the PACCT team leaders.