"Creating a Vacuum for leadership"

It's scary to think about the tremendous power and responsibility that we hold as "leaders" in the church, but rather than bury our talent we must use it to His glory. I remember one of our teachers at Sunset, Jay Jarboe, saying, "sometimes you need to create a vacuum". I had no idea what he meant, but then he explained it. When there is a void or "empty spot", people are more likely to step up and fill that void. If someone is already "doing a good job" in a spot, why rock the boat?! I also remember Richard Rogers saying, "Every now and again, call your co-leader up right before small group and come up with an excuss to miss. See how he handles the task and start to gradually work yourself into a new group." We see this true in the ministry of Paul with Timothy (2 Tim. 2:2), Luke, Titus and many others. It is even the example Christ left for us as He worked with the 12 and among those 12 were Peter, James and John. Jesus left a pattern for us to follow. I saw this true when I visited McAlester in January. LaJuana was gone and so was the Hart family. That left a huge void in the area of service. So, Pam stepped up to take care of the kitchen and help serve the church. Though Pam has always been of a servant heart, she would have never done all that she does if LaJuana were still around. It's the same with elders, deacons, etc. This past Sunday, we challenged the church, again, to see their role and take note of all the things that are going on around them. On potluck Sundays, the food doesn't just appear, rather it means that some body was cooking and preparing the night before. After potluck the plates, food, and general mess, doesn't find it's way to the trash can, someone placed it there on purpose. Though many areas we are currently focusing on are very basic, in time we hope to continue to "create the void" so that others will step up. There might be a few Sundays where there is no food or the songs or even the lesson aren't ready, but over time the church will grow to take responsibility and understand that God has a great purpose for them! Please keep this effort in your prayers as we really focus on MULTIPLYING our ministry rather than perfecting it. We praise God for what He has done and can't wait to see what He has in store!