Have you ever wondered what goes on in Staff Meetings? Did you even know your Staff meets regularly together at all? Here’s an “inside look” at last Tuesday’s meeting, which of course felt like a Monday due to the Labor Day holiday!

First of all; we meet every Tuesday at 9:30AM and begin with prayer offered by me or another staff member. We usually share any personal news we’d like to with each other and pray for each other’s needs. We then transition to the prayer requests people turn in on Sunday and we pray for all the families listed in the worship folder each week (Frank and Donna Sisson faithfully supply those names). Next we take turns sharing a devotional or leading a chapter discussion of a book we’re reading together. Currently we’re reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan (I’d encourage you to get a copy and “read along” with us)!

On the first Tuesday of the month, all the available staff gather together; so I offer a devotional thought. This week I shared from Richard Stearn’s excellent book, “The Hole In Our Gospel” which I am currently reading. He was the former President and CEO of Lenox China who left that incredible position to become the President of World Vision. He speaks about the vast difference between a “calling and career”. He quoted another great Christian author John Ortberg who writes…

"American society does not talk much about calling anymore. It is likely to think in terms of career. Yet, for many people a career becomes the altar on which they sacrifice their lives. A calling, which is something I do for God, is replaced by a career, which threatens to become my god. A career is something I choose for myself; a calling is something I receive. A career is something I do for myself; a calling is something I do for God. A career promises status, money or power; a calling generally promises difficulty and even some suffering – and the opportunity to be used of God. A career is about upward mobility; a calling generally lead to downward mobility.”

Stearns goes on to say, “Discerning our unique calling in not always a simple thing. We need to be quiet enough to hear God’s still, small voice. We must also faithfully read the Scriptures, pray diligently, follow the Lord’s teachings, listen to wise friends who know us, and consistently make ourselves available to serve. Finally we have to remain open to God’s possibilities, always willing to take the outrageous risk and do the unpredictable thing.”

When I asked our Staff if they believed that had a calling or career, all answered a calling! Praise God! That’s not always the case in word or deed. What about you? Do you have a calling or simply a career? Life is short. I trust you are investing yourself in the Kingdom every day – no matter what else you do!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Mark

PS – I hope you will join me beginning next Wednesday, Sept. 14 for our new Wednesday Night Study, “Becoming a Contagious Christian.” You’ll be blessed, have fun, and grow in your walk with Christ – Guaranteed! Get your Participant’s Guide this Sunday!

PPS – I almost forgot, the rest of staff meeting is hearing reports, looking at the calendar and talking candidly about First Church’s Mission, Vision and Process - usually along with a few good laughs too! See you this Sunday as we remember 9/11.