Today in staff meeting I shared a message titled “People Matter”. This has been the slogan of PVC since we started, and it’s my heartbeat. I want every person in our community to know they matter, and that we care. Below is my notes from this talk. If you attend Palm Valley, I encourage you to get involved and serve, helping to make sure that every person know they matter. If you’re a church leader, I encourage you to cast this vision to your leaders. In a church culture filled with creativity (which I’m all for), we must continue to care also! Here’s the rough notes…
People matter…
Matthew 9:35-38 (NIV)
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
1) People are not a ministry distraction; they’re the reason for it (v.35). Jesus went from town to town and village. I’m sure at points he was tired. He intentionally kept going becuase He wanted to impact more people. Work & prepare with people in mind, especially people who need what we have.
No matter what the task, approach it as a ministry and a vital opportunity to care for and pray with people. When people share things with you don’t just say you’ll pray for them, stop and do it right away.
2) People deserve shepherds that care (v.36). Jesus had compassion for the people. True shepherds care about the people they’re leading.
We need to genuinely care about what’s going on in their lives. Get out from behind-the-scenes to meet people, and to meet their needs. Go the extra mile. Make life fun, especially for the kids. Laugh with people. Life change happens best in this setting.
Email is not always appropriate, particularly if someone is in duress or crisis. It’s another reason we need to build teams because we can’t always be everywhere and do everything ourselves. Set follow up “tasks” for yourself to be sure to re-connect with people for updates.
3) People should not be ignored, but cared for (v.37). Jesus knew to make provision for the people needing our care. Don’t leave follow up just to the connections team. Be sure to keep your eye on the prayer requests, or towards those people that inquire for information. Determine how you can go the extra mile. Set “hospitality” into your heart. Invite people into your heart and home.
4)People are to be equipped, not just scheduled (v.38). Beware filling holes in lieu of building people. Take time for the personal touches. Send equipping email. Call those in your span of care at least once a month. Unless you take the time to care in this way, people will not stay with you for the long haul.
We don’t need to hire more staff, we need to equip the people in our church to lead. That means we need to develop people (Eph 4:11-12), even as we pray for and teach them. Whatever you’re doing, divide your job by hours and go find people to help you. You will get more done and develop leaders along the way!
Begin your day with this question: What can I do to encourage and equip people today?
