Full Service

Every year at this time of the year or a little later in churches all over the country, recruitment for ministry service hits a fever pitch. The harvest is plentiful; the workers are few (Lk. 10:2). Feels like the challenges are not unique to this era and space!

From the story of the one-two punch of the Elijah (Yahweh is my God), Elisha (God is my salvation) saga, we can pick up some important take-aways concerning God and recruitment to ministry roles.

1. God knows who you are, where you are, and what you are, and the Holy Spirit does the advance “head-hunter” work of recruitment sensitivity. Sense the call

“anoint Elisha” (19:16)
“What have I done to you?” (19:20)

2. It always costs to follow (serve) God. Count the cost

“twelve yoke of oxen” (19:19)

3. Serving God requires turning your back on earthly affections. Cut your ties

“slaughtered his yoke, burned his plowing equipment...” (19:21)

4. People are the means to God’s ends; succession is God’s way. Prepare to be trained before you are in charge. Different people advance different purposes of God.

“he set out to follow Elijah and become his attendant.” (19:21)

5. “Know how” comes from preparation and experience, but empowerment comes from the Lord.

Therefore, everyone can contribute something.

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