Somebody once said that the heart of ministry is simply finding a need and meeting it. I have discovered through the years that usually the need that is found is found by someone who has a heart for that kind of thing. They see it when others may not. It doesn't mean they are more spiritual and that those who don't see it are insensitive. It just means that their giftedness is working like an antenna. What is in our hearts is what we tend to see. An English teacher might pick up a misspelled word in the bulletin when the rest of us wouldn't catch it. A singer would more likely pick up a missed musical note when the rest of us wouldn't even think about it. A mechanic might hear a noise that the rest of use wouldn't hear.

All of this is why a gifted ministry is so important. As each of us function the way we function, we add a dimension to the church that would otherwise go unfulfilled. Some are good in finances, others aren't. Some are good with people, others aren't. Some are good up front, others aren't. Some are comfortable to work behind the scenes; others function well in front of people. Some make great ushers, others don't. Some are great singers, others aren't.

What I am contending for is that the pastor must do what he is called and gifted to do. Each member of the church must do what they are equipped to do. Working together, under the power of the Holy Spirit, it is then that the church is best equipped and prepared to offer a redemptive ministry to a hurting world.

So, the clarion call is to FIND A NEED AND MEET IT. As the pastor seeks to keep the community attentive to God, the Spirit is then free to work in all our lives in such a way that each member of the Body can "use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (I Peter 4:10).