When quality matters

Good help, especially when it comes to the ministry can be hard to find. Just today I met with some pastors and leaders about the quality of our student leaders. We came to the conclusion that just like students we can classify our leaders into different categories from fringe to committed to core. (Maybe I'll make a fancy diagram and sell it like Doug Fields did with his student one) The sad thing is we have more uncommitted, apathetic leaders, then committed ones. Don't get me wrong, we have some amazing leaders and I'm sure in your church you do too, but there are those that show up on Sunday morning, if that and do nothing else. And because of this kind of leadership it decreases the level our kids develop spiritually, emotionally, and socially. It also increases our work load. The point? Good help is hard to find. 

Consider this passage.. 

"Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men." - 1 Corinthians 16:15-18

The household of Stephanas had devoted themselves and taken upon themselves to minister to others. They took the initiative. They were committed followers and ministers. By devoting themselves in this manner "they supplied what was lacking" and thus they helped remove some of the burden Paul and the church in Corinth was facing. The word supplied in the Greek literally means to fill up or make full, like filling in a hole with dirt. So what was lacking in others, the ministry of Stephanas' household made it possible for those in the ministry to be less burdened and as a result everyones spirit was refreshed. They filled in the hole instead of making it deeper. They filled in the gaps and took charge. They were refreshing and encouraging. Paul even says that these people should be commended. Rightfully so. 

Paul basically uses the same type of Greek word in Colossians 1:24: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of his body which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions." 

I think what Paul is saying here is that he is willing to do his share of work even if it means he suffers for it. Paul was filling up what was lacking even by suffering so that there would be less suffering for his converts and fellow Christians to bear. 

Could you imagine if all of our leaders committed themselves to our ministry in such a way that our spirits would be refreshed and the burden of ministering to people lifted, if only for a moment?  Just think, if our ministries doubled their effectiveness what would be accomplished. If every leader would devote themselves to the church like the household of Stephanas I think Jesus would come down himself to see all the work that was being done!