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To grow properly, climbing roses, grapevines, and pole beans all need some kind of support structure. Shorter plants get support from digging their roots deep in the soil, and ground cover plants are supported by the earth itself as they creep across the soil or over rocks.
Sunday school teachers are a lot like those plants. Without support they’ll dry up, wither away, and disappear. Sounds pretty harsh, right? But that’s the way it is with ministry. Jesus said, “I am the vine, and you are the branches.” In other words, if we want to bear fruit, we need divine support—and a human support system as well.
- We need to be connected to God, the source of all life and strength. Without God, we cannot bear fruit. Nothing can replace a living, growing relationship with God. Though you’ll experience times of dryness and feelings of discouragement on your faith journey, know that God will never disconnect you from his love and support. If you’re in a dormant stage right now, cling to God and you will, in time, discover new sap running through you.
- We need to be connected to a spiritual community. The church as the body of Christ has a role to play in supporting our ministry. Each of us is just one small part of the greater body; we need others to complement our gifts and keep us accountable. Your congregation should be supporting you with soul-refreshing worship and sacraments, prayer, financial and physical resources, mentoring and training, and great love and gratitude for you and your contributions. If that’s not happening, ask for it! You need this kind of support.
Continue reading for more tips for finding the support you need. »
Reprinted from Dwelling with permission. © Faith Alive Christian Resources
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