There is a memory from my youth that still remains vivid. It was after a hot summer evening service and ministry time, when everyone had already left. Someone remained alone, carefully winding and organising the tangled microphone wires and cables on the floor, one by one. I happened to witness this moment no one else saw. I had always seen only a neatly arranged sanctuary, but I realised that it was made possible by that brother’s unseen dedication. The sight of his back deeply moved me. Even now, as a pastor, I am still moved whenever I witness scenes like this.
As I continue in ministry, I see many such “gaps” in the work of the church. From a distance, everything may seem to be running smoothly, but when you come closer and look carefully, you find empty gaps everywhere—gaps waiting for the hands of dedication. If those gaps are left unattended, problems eventually arise.
It is often said that in an unhealthy church, “members speak like owners but act like guests when it comes time to work.” In contrast, a healthy and vibrant church is marked by a continual flow of dedication that seeks to meet unseen needs. Hands that untangle cables after worship, bright smiles that welcome new families, quiet steps toward those who are lonely, the cleaning of an untidy restroom, and the beads of sweat spent organising neglected corners of the fellowship hall—when these come together to tightly fill the gaps of the church, the church finally comes to embody a warmth the world cannot offer.
In the first week of February, we are planning a Ministry Commitment Sunday. The purpose of this commitment is for every member to take on at least one ministry role, thereby filling the gaps in the church’s work. Filling the gaps means encouraging those who have not yet participated in ministry to begin serving, and also stepping forward to serve in ministries where no one has yet committed.
Ultimately, however, the “gaps” I have in mind are really about love for the church and love for souls. As I watch shepherds and their partners devote themselves to their house churches—driving long distances without hesitation to give someone a ride, rushing over with food for a sick member, earnestly praying with a heavy heart for one soul—I have come to realise that the church is sustained not by programs or tasks, but by love.
Word of the week
Next week, there will be a Recommitment of Deacons. Those who were appointed as deacons for the year 2025 are asked to reaffirm their commitment, and those who are newly dedicating themselves are also encouraged to serve as lay deacons.
윗글
아랫글
이동주 2026.01.17 15:10
신고
There is a memory from my youth that still remains vivid. It was after a hot summer evening service and ministry time, when everyone had already left. Someone remained alone, carefully winding and organising the tangled microphone wires and cables on the floor, one by one. I happened to witness this moment no one else saw. I had always seen only a neatly arranged sanctuary, but I realised that it was made possible by that brother’s unseen dedication. The sight of his back deeply moved me. Even now, as a pastor, I am still moved whenever I witness scenes like this.
As I continue in ministry, I see many such “gaps” in the work of the church. From a distance, everything may seem to be running smoothly, but when you come closer and look carefully, you find empty gaps everywhere—gaps waiting for the hands of dedication. If those gaps are left unattended, problems eventually arise.
It is often said that in an unhealthy church, “members speak like owners but act like guests when it comes time to work.” In contrast, a healthy and vibrant church is marked by a continual flow of dedication that seeks to meet unseen needs. Hands that untangle cables after worship, bright smiles that welcome new families, quiet steps toward those who are lonely, the cleaning of an untidy restroom, and the beads of sweat spent organising neglected corners of the fellowship hall—when these come together to tightly fill the gaps of the church, the church finally comes to embody a warmth the world cannot offer.
In the first week of February, we are planning a Ministry Commitment Sunday. The purpose of this commitment is for every member to take on at least one ministry role, thereby filling the gaps in the church’s work. Filling the gaps means encouraging those who have not yet participated in ministry to begin serving, and also stepping forward to serve in ministries where no one has yet committed.
Ultimately, however, the “gaps” I have in mind are really about love for the church and love for souls. As I watch shepherds and their partners devote themselves to their house churches—driving long distances without hesitation to give someone a ride, rushing over with food for a sick member, earnestly praying with a heavy heart for one soul—I have come to realise that the church is sustained not by programs or tasks, but by love.
Word of the week
Next week, there will be a Recommitment of Deacons. Those who were appointed as deacons for the year 2025 are asked to reaffirm their commitment, and those who are newly dedicating themselves are also encouraged to serve as lay deacons.