A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a Basic Lay Servant Ministry class. It has been a number of years since I took my Basic class, and back then it was basically a preaching class. It was energizing to see the enthusiasm of the participants in the class. Each had their own reasons for being there that day, but by the end of the day, were all united in one purpose–to find our individual gifts and discover ways to use them in our ministry settings.

We all go into Lay Servant Ministries for different reasons. Some of us have the desire to serve just in our local churches. Some are looking for opportunities to serve beyond the local church. Some of us are looking to fill pulpits when pastors of small to medium churches are on vacation. Some of us desire to lead a congregation but seminary or Course of Study is not a viable option. Whatever the goal, it all starts with the Basic class.

Perhaps in this season of COVID, we need to use the time, when action is limited, to prepare. When the Israelites were getting ready to leave Egypt, there were preparations that needed to be made. They needed to bake unleavened bread, pack what clothing they could carry and be ready for the call to depart. It could come at any moment–they needed to be prepared. Likewise, before Jesus could celebrate the Last Supper with his disciples–ushering in a new covenant–someone had to prepare the room and the meal.

Too often, I fly by the seat of my pants and don’t take the time to prepare. Yet the best Sunday School teachers are the ones who spend time before Sunday with the lesson. The best sermons are labors of hours and days, not minutes. How can we be prepared to defend our faith if we haven’t taken the time to read our Bible? How can we be sure we are saying the right things and not leading people astray if we don’t take the time to listen and study?

What are you doing to prepare for the next chapter in your life? If you don’t know where to start, find a Lay Servant Ministries Basic class to attend. You may be surprised where it takes you.

Prayer: God of the past, present and future- help us prepare ourselves for what you have in store for us. Guide us down the path you have mapped out and encourage us to be ready for whatever surprises you have in store. In Jesus name, Amen.

– Mary L Brooks, Five Rivers District LSM director