Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes

Hello Friends 

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

There are many things I love about church, one of those things being its synergy. And though I’d be overjoyed if suddenly everyone decided to serve in Kid’s Ministry (shameless plug), I celebrate the diversity of skills within the Body of Christ. We have greeters, prayer warriors, coffee-makers, 1st-grader whisperers, and soundbooth peeps to name only a few! 

The Church has been operating this way since its origin, with Paul describing it like this in Romans 12:4-8: “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;

I find it easier to give grace to others when I’m appreciating and highlighting the gifts that God gave to them. In order to be a diligent leader, one must recognize the gifts that set someone apart from their neighbor, and then to lead that person toward the part of the Body that honors that gift best. We do this by asking good questions, cultivating an encouraging and welcoming enviroment within our teams, and having an ever-curious interest in others as God created them. 

That is synergy. Many diverse parts collaborating and cooperating to form a well-oiled operation.

So here is my encouragement: Honor the gift(s) that God has gracefully placed upon you. Be curious— try new things with confident enthusiasm. Notice and say out loud the strengths that you see in others. Appreciate the differences that set apart the shoulders from the knees and the knees from the toes… all for the Glory of the One who is the Head (Ephesians 1:22-23). 

Ellie Fehlen

Children's Pastor