An Effective Layperson

[Johnnz]

I have just returned from a memorial service for a 93 year old. Apart from a 2 year period as an assistant pastor he was fully engaged in 'secular' activities. He had a lifelong passion for the interface between Christian belief and the marketplace - all those areas where we interact with our society as Christians.

There were some hundreds at the service. We heard testimony from many. Three generations testified to him as a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and all were committed Christians. His influence resulted in many finding encouragement and support in various business ventures. He inspired and supported several Christian specialist groups that bring Christian thinking into politics, education, mission, education and church life. There are people with national and international ministries who began under his guidance and encouragement.

At the beginning of the charismatic renewal in the 60's and 7's he ran a house group that influenced thousands of people over a decade and developed many in ministry.

He is an example of why I am so supportive of the house church. He is an outstanding example of how professional ministry and church structures can inhibit talent and deny gifted Christians contributing in areas of knowledge and expertise outside of the scope of the typical religious 'full time' worker. We are all full time workers in God's kingdom with varied contributions to make.

John
NZ

 

[ezeric]

What a testimony, what a legacy of revelation and life, he continually shared with the many who he touched.

I am reminded of the command of JESUS to "go into all the world" where the original is more accurately portrayed in "As you go into all the world".

There is something about getting us "called out" ones actually OUT!
And making change (by GRACE) to the world we touch around us.

Thanks for sharing that brother John.

-eric

The Exchanged Life