Intro
Over the past few weeks, we have encouraged you to consider what it looks like to make space for others; to invite and include them in your conversation, relationships, and groups.

Today, I want to do the same thing we have been asking of you, not in your personal relationships, but within the context of our collective church body and ministry. I want to invite you to step into the ministry and the work God has called this body to and equipped this people for.

So, today, with the encouragement of the Elders, I would like to help us understand what God is requiring of us [Lifepoint] in this season and the one He has been preparing for us next.

Moses had just led the greatest march of freedom in the history of the world. Over a million people were freed from bondage and slavery and were being led to a new destination and a new life that awaited. On the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, Moses has an encounter that would change the course of his life and the life of this people forever.

The Lord had done great things in their midst. To the point where Jethro, who had not previously worshipped Yahweh God, praised Him.

No Longer ‘Good’

What was considered as good in one stage of their journey was now considered not good in this stage. What was beneficial before was seen as harmful now. What changed?

The people were in a different location, headed to a new destination, with a clear goal and purpose. The same structure that worked before, would no longer be a benefit for the future. It would actually be a detriment.

The problem is that we get caught up in doing the same thing for so long that we assume the way we’ve always done it is the only way to do it.

Shifting Weight

God had done good by bringing them out of slavery in Egypt. And they were on their way to the Promised Land. In this moment, they stood between where they had been and where God was taking them to be. Jethro rightly noted that God is the One who delivered them, and He is the One who will sustain them. However, he was painfully clear that if they did not make an adjustment to the way they were led, cared for, and empowered others, that they would not make it (wear yourselves out).

Unfortunately, we [the church] struggled to listen to Jethro’s advice. Ministers and pastors have continued to carry the majority of this weight on behalf of the church for centuries. Most of the time in silence. Many times, alone.

However, as Elders, we do not believe this was God’s desire for His body. As we read the Scripture, we believe that the people were meant to share in this weight together.

Looking forward, I believe that church culture and the desire of people is moving toward a more collective, communal, authentic and pure understanding of what it means to be the church; what it means to be the people of God; to truly be part of the household of faith.

Shared Weight

Over the past year, we have seen clear evidence of God’s goodness and faithfulness to this people. We sense that He is doing a work in and through this body. As the Lord continues to bless us with spiritual and physical growth, we must be prepared to allow and expect others to help lead ministry.

Learning to truly minister to one another and to other people. While we often shy away from struggle and suffering, and hide from opportunities to step in a shoulder the weight of ministry, what if doing so causes us to miss out on the spiritual growth that nothing else can create?

The character of an encourager must be strong. It must be molded and hardened in the fires of loneliness when no one but God is there. And loneliness – that surprising opportunity to know God – comes as we so thoroughly commit ourselves to ministering to others that we depend on God alone to minister to us. His ministry draws us into his very presence so that we can speak to others from holy ground. Then our words have power for good.
Encouragement – Dr. Larry Crabb

The result is not just for our own good, but also for the glory of God.

Equipping the saints for the work of ministry leads to a healthier body that is able to more fully bring honor and glory to the Father.

If we believe God is moving, then we must make room like we mean it.