“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure to the fullness of Christ.” ~ Ephesians 4:11-13

I watch with envy the body builders whose rippled bodies pump iron in early morning workouts. As I plod along on my treadmill gasping for breath, their muscles bulge. I want to be them but I don’t want to work that hard.

To grow big muscles requires commitment, effort, and persistence. Grit. Actually, success in any endeavor requires grit. According to Angela Duckworth, the author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Persistence, persistence matters most. She makes bold statements like these:

• As much as talent counts, effort counts twice.
• Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.
• Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.
• Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it.
• Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.
• Grit is sticking with your future day in and day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years.

 

 

 

Of course we believe that grit mixed with the good gifts that God gives creates an unstoppable combination. In fact, our model for ministry is to turn loose people with passion and gifts so they can bear the fruit that God desires in our congregation and community.

The top priority of our staff is to equip people to this end. To raise up gifted passionate people, train and empower gifted and passionate people, turn ministry over to gifted and passionate people. We see paid staff primarily as equippers not doers. We are called to “equip God’s people for works of service.”

Cedar Hills is committed over the long haul to follow our passion, use our gifts, and transform the corridor. We have grit. I can’t wait to see what God does next!

 

The Lord be with you,
Pastor Kent