Bethel Baptist Church High Prairie
PO Box 387, 4944 - 55 Ave T0G1E0 High Prairie, AB, Canada

A quick diversion from our discussion on Leadership... Perhaps a thought for High Prairie Christians. No judgment here, just something I (Aaron) was reading this morning that hit pretty hard. Isaiah 58:6, 9b-11 NKJV (God speaking) ... "Is this not the fast I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." I wonder........

"How can the Church build into the local community of believers, but also impact the surrounding community as well?" This question is one that should be ever-present on the hearts and minds of all Church leaders. And before we all start thinking about our various pastors of whatever Church we attend, let me be clear: this applies to ALL Church leaders. Whether you are on a Board, committee, or Ministerial Council within a Church, this question must be asked, and answered. I...f a leader is not passionately pursuing means and ways by which to teach the Church attendees more and more of how the Bible applies to their lives TODAY, training and giving opportunities to young and growing leaders, and then helping them spread their wings and encouraging them on to greater training and roles of leadership, then that leader is not a leader. And as I stated before, this is not pointed at pastors (though they would fall into this category as well). This is a call on all Church leaders, wherever you are, to step up to the plate and serve your congregation and surrounding community. That is what we are called to do. If you are "just a member" or "just an attendee", I also want to be clear that you are part of this calling! Once you scoop your jaw up off the floor, you may be wondering, "But I'm not a leader!" Next post.....who really are the Church leaders?