Friday, April 16, 2010

What A Ministry Leader Needs

I just got a good scolding from the Father, and I need to write about it before I forget it.

I've been bemoaning my poor, sorry self and the struggles I'm having with this drama ministry. Mainly in terms of people power. I have a list of actors who are members of the drama team. But I'm learning over time that 1) the majority of them want to be used only on an occasional, as-needed basis -- drama isn't a priority for them either for lack of time or lack of "calling" (which is understandable - I don't begrudge them that) . . . 2) the majority of them are "personality" actors, meaning roles must be adapted to them rather than their being expected to adapt to the roles (not unusual in amateur church drama) . . . 3) few of them are as easy to get a hold of as they seem to think they are . . . 4) all of them have much busier schedules than they think they do . . . and 5) most of them are content, it seems, with their level of ability and level of involvement as it stands, and don't feel a need to work on their skills or open up their schedules to be more available. And again, I understand this. People need to be where God has called them and not be where God has not called them.

But all this means I am constantly struggling to find actors who can do the roles I have who are available on the dates I need them. And this is very, very draining and discouraging. So, I was telling God today all the things I need to make this drama ministry work. How I need him to ignite the actors in my group . . give them a passion for the ministry . . and how I need more actors . . highly gifted actors . . committed to the ministry . . committed to working on their craft . . committed to be available when needed.

And he immediately "rebuked" me, to use an annoying churchy term.

I humbled a Pharoah through a stuttery Moses, he said. I defeated a huge Midianite army with a couple hundred men and a wimp named Gideon. I used a handful of uneducated fishermen to change the world. You don't need what you think you need -- all you need is me. Stop whining over the lack of a feast to feed your crowd with; thank me for the loaves and the fish I've provided, and watch me multiply them!

So now I'm with Job -- despising myself and repenting in dust and ashes. Amen, Lord -- so be it. To your name be the glory.

4 comments:

Nancy B said...

This post reminded me of something I read recently - really soothed a difficult day. "Father, I thank you for the people in my life who seem to being more pain than joy, for I believe You have let our paths cross for important reasons. Thank you for the good things You want to do in my life through the things that bother me..." Ruth Myers in 31 Days of Praise.

GJK said...

I have that book, too, Nancy -- love it!

Vianelli and Eastin said...

Uh....... are we talking about books or religion here?

KK said...

Yeah, c'mon, figure it out. What is it, books or religion here?!?!

ha ha

Eastin rocks!