Mishap or Ministry

Excitement is in the air this week at Carthage Full Gospel Church.  We are only a few days away from our most anticipated event of the year.  This Sunday evening will be our 6^th Fall Harvest Carnival and puppet show, complete with a full stage black light show.   Preparation for this event began in late August and since then there have been over thirty puppets made. By the time Sunday night is over, between 50 and 60 of our regular church attendees will have volunteered to help make this event happen (significant because our attendance averages about 120).   Visitors are often bewildered by how a church our size can pull off such an incredible event. 

If it sounds like I’m bragging, I guess you’re right.  I’m very proud of how involved our church is in this ministry.  However, I’m not writing this article for the purpose of bragging, I’m writing it to encourage you to search for your niche. This event kind of happened by accident.  Let me explain:

In summer 2005, one of our Sunday evening teachers suddenly quit, creating an empty spot and great need.  It seemed we often found ourselves in this position.  Our Sunday evening attendance was already struggling because of a large void in children’s ministry.  Finding another teacher for this age group (5^th to 8^th grade) would be no easy task since most of our ‘qualified’ leaders were stretched and responsible for one or more areas already. 

           

In desperation, we considered anyone to temporarily fill the spot, gifted or not.  Finally, after a few weeks of not finding anyone, my wife said she would start a puppet ministry as a Sunday evening class to fill the void.  At the time, she did not feel particularly called or gifted, and was certainly already busy with other church roles.  However, something needed to be done, and she was willing to do it. 

In early fall of 2005, she started Big Image Puppet Productions, and the rest, as they say, is history.   This class performed their first show in October 2005 and became a permanent part of our Fall Harvest Carnival.  The puppet ministry has surpassed anything we ever imagined in effectiveness.  Not only was the immediate need for a class met, but our youth went from simply being taught to teaching others; from simply consuming services into serving others. 

Many have simply refused to graduate out of the class.  We now have high school and college age students along with the original target group.  The results of this ministry with such humble beginnings have been immeasurable and astounding:  Sunday evening attendance has increased; New families have been impacted; Outreach opportunities have been developed;   A large percentage of the church participates and invites others to the show;  Last but not least: The largest crowds to attend any of our church events have been for puppet shows (a pastor’s dream).  I’m sometimes reminded that more people come to see what my wife leads than come to hear me preach. 

The thing I want you to realize is that this ministry did not start from a thus saith the Lord.  Through the years I’ve noticed that many effective ministries have seemingly started by accident, or by someone willing to fill a need. John Maxwell wisely once said, “Activity breeds opportunity”. Obviously everything we try will not turn into an overwhelming success.  Some will actually fail.  Yet, success rarely, if ever happens for someone unwilling to fail.   Anyone who knows my wife and observes her talent and passion for this ministry immediately recognize this is well within her God given giftings for life.  When she began, however, no one knew, including her.  

What needs done in your church today and what are you brave enough to attempt?   You could temporarily minister to someone and fill a short term spot.  Or who knows?  You could discover a gift of grace for a lifetime that impacts your church and community seemingly ‘by accident’.   

P.S. - If you live in our area, (or even if you don't)come enjoy our Fall Harvest Carnival and Blacklight show "Notes of Love" October 31st @ 6:00 p.m. or our our encore show November 7th @ 6:00 p.m.   Come early to ensure seating.  It will be full!