Amen Chantale! I too believe that each of us has a mission that Christ has called us too and we should seek His will as to what that mission is.

This begs the question, what do we do if we really have no clue what our calling is? We must open the Word and seek out what God has called us to do. Is it possible that there is really only one mission? If that is the case, then the questions is not what is our mission (or shouldn't be) but rather is what is my part to play in this mission? Which leaves us pretty much at the same dilemna, except that if we know what direction we are supposed to be heading, we can start in that direction - whether you go by car, by foot, by plane, by train, by bicycle (you get the idea) as long as you are going in the right direction, does it really matter? As soon as we start, we will be lead into the right path. Sometimes I wonder if we must first show a willingness to work before we get the job.

Okay, I'm done rambling for now, later, I may read this and realize that I have made no sense, but think on these things. How do we figure out what part we play in the body of Christ?

I see Maritime SDA OnLine as a part of my ministry.

Maritime SDA OnLine serves two main purposes:

1 - As an inreach ministry where we are reaching in to one another as members of God's church and family.

2 - As an outreach ministry to bring others into God's church and family.

And then I have my offline ministry which is why I am also so involved with our local church as the Head Elder doing my best to promote all the good things in the church.

With help from people like Chantale, it makes things easier.

I realized that, having started this thread, I never mentioned what my ministries are! Oops, sorry!

My current church ministries are Pathfinders, Youth Sabbath School teacher/sort-of-leader, prayer circle and choir. In addition, I try to have a Bible study group for the youth (even if only 1 shows up!). These keep me busy, but sometimes I must admit that I wonder if I am in the right ministries! God is continually leading me though and I know that He is in control of my life and will lead me into His Path and Will.

I am also looking to start a Suicide Survivors Support Group - hopefully in February, but am not sure how it is going to work, I have a lot of work to do on that one before we can get it off the ground. God willing, it will though because I have a very real passion for it and it lays heavy on my heart that it has not yet begun. Please pray that things will come together to allow this to work out.

Dear Sarah,
After reading your last post, I would LOVE to ask you a bunch of questions. I am the "Head" SS Supt, but, I have two ladies working with me, so, we have to lead out in adult SS once every three weeks. We haven't found a leader/teacher for the Jr./teens since our last one quit, so, I took it on a "temporary" basis. We have a SS counsel meeting for tomorrow (wednesday) night, but, if someone volunteered to teach those young people, I'd think the Red sea had opened again Anyway, there are a bunch of things I would like to ask about the teaching of the youth, getting and keeping their attn. studying their lessons, and, probably most of all, just getting them out to SS, all without having to put on entertainment that seems to be trying to compete with the world.

Maybe Daryl can tell me where would be the right thread to ask (and hopefully discuss) all this and more?

The Sabbath School Teachers & Superintendents forum, or the Church Officers forum, sounds like a good place to go and discuss it.

If a relevant topic doesn't already exist, all you need to do is to begin one.

Thanks, Daryl!
I have wished that there is more information, communication, etc, on those threads & topics, so, I suppose instead of "wishing" I will try to do something to start some "support system for workers." Maybe everyone doesn't feel the need for it, but, I SURE do!! Many times, with those young people, I find myself saying, "What do I do next, Lord?"

I created the Sabbath School Teachers & Superintendents forum, and more recently the Church Officers forum with that in mind, however, it may take some time to draw the thoughts out of people lurking around those forums.

If you think posting it in this forum will be beneficial, then be my guest.

DrD, (I realise this is a lot further down the thread than the statement to which I'm going to refer, but this is the first time I've looked at this topic) you say our ministry will be one we will enjoy - or words to that effect. What about Jonah?

For the new year i started something different and to let people know that the church family cares for them.. I decided to give b-day cards as well as some encouragement and get well cards.
I'm also sending some to the old members or non-attending members by mail.
Hopefully it might touch someones heart!
God Bless!

Chantale, that is an excellent idea.
Most people that leave the church do so because of a perceived disinterest from othe members.
Sometimes we forget that it is the little attentions that brought us into the fold to begin with.
When a person receives a card, a call or a visit, it says that they are important.

All too often we think that a ministry is as an evangelist or preacher or such, what about all the 'ministries' that meet the felt needs of people?
A listening ear, a shoulder to cry on when hurt or even someone to talk to us, that lets us know we are important, needed or just plain loved.

Without all the members doing for and with each other, we would all eventually 'give up and go home', congratulations on your 'ministry', it is especially needed now.
God bless.