It is said that 80% of the work in the church is done by 20% of the members. If this is true, the problem lies with those who are discipling and connecting their “ONE”. Sometimes new Christians get the feeling they have done enough when they accept Jesus and are baptized. That is all that is required to get them into heaven. While that is true, it is not all that is required of Christians. Jesus commanded “to teach them to live all that I commanded.” This means they need to live the gospel. That includes finding their spiritual giftedness and utilizing it in serving others.
10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 (NASB)
So two things are found: every Christian has a gift and he or she needs to use it to serve one another.
New Christians also need to know the gift of giving.
7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB)
It is only through serving and giving that a new Christian truly begins to feel a part of the local body of Christ. Part of their giving is to share with others about Jesus and see them come to know Him.
Dr. Mark Yoakum is the Director of Church Ministries for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. He has served as Minister of Youth, Minister of Music, Minister of Education and Executive Pastor in churches in Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas.
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