Make a Difference

At his blog, Life Together, Doug Wolter (the pastor of my parents' church, Oak Hill Baptist in Humboldt) shares the words of his friend and fellow pastor Stephen Cavness:

For those who follow Christ & really want to make a difference this week/year:

Don’t wait until Sunday morning to “get ready for church.” Why not start NOW by:

• praying for your pastor as he prays, finishes up preparation,etc. pray that he have wisdom, understanding, clarity, & passion, as well as that he would be faithful to God’s Word in his study, life, & proclamation.
• pray for sunday school teachers, nursery workers, ushers, & other church servants
• study your small group/ sunday school lesson!!! you’ll be amazed at how much more enjoyable & beneficial your time together is, if what is being discussed is something you have been thinking/ praying through before you got there!
• pray for your own heart & mind to be impacted by God’s word, worshiping with the church, & by encouraging & being encouraged by your brothers & sisters in Christ
• pray for visitors who may be there & think of ways to make them feel welcomed (more than just a quick hello & handshake). pray that any who have not trusted Christ will have their hearts pierced by the proclamation of the gospel!
• get on the phone or in the car & bring people with you!!!

Now, imagine if most everyone in our churches “prepared” this way each week- think we might notice a difference?