Encouraging someone to serve ... and those who serve

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow ... For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building" (1 Cor. 3: 6, 9).

None of us works alone; we all have work in God's field.

Sensing God's calling never happens in a vacuum. It is nurtured by people who see and encourage the gifts that make for good church workers. It's as simple as..."You have some wonderful gifts. Have you ever considered a career in ministry?" Your purposeful encouragement will put them on the way to making an eternal difference.

Those who now serve in full time church work also need regular affirmation and encouragement in their service. They need to hear personal "thank-yous" and expressions of appreciation and support from the organized congregation, school or ministry.

If you are not serving full-time in a church career, you also have an important part to play: Consider yourself a recruiter, an encourager, a supporter of those who will be - and who are - serving full-time. You can help them treasure the joy of serving in the Lord's name.

You can do it. You should do it. Consider it part of your vocation.