The Importance of Spiritual Gifts!

The question of the week is: “What did you learn this week in your Foundations of Church Ministry class that has changed your view of the church you are serving at? How has it impacted your view of your personal involvement in church ministry?

There are always plenty of new things that I learned in class. For Foundations of Church Ministry I came to understand what the bible says about Elders and Deacons, the importance of social justice and church discipline. However what I found most interesting was the discussion of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts have always fascinated. I knew about the lists of gifts in 1 Corinthians and in Romans, but I did not fully understand the importance of using ones spiritual gifts to the fullest. They must be used regularly and for the benefit of the Body of Christ. One could misuse a gift? Who knew! Therefore, coming across passages like 2 Timothy 1:6-7 and 1 Peter 4:10-11 aided me to understanding the importance of spiritual gifts.  Learning and studying about spiritual gifts really helped to open my eyes to see the importance of everyone’s talents and abilities at Warmland Centre (my local church). I’ve come to really appreciate all the work that others do, the jobs and duties that I would not be well suited for however they take on the responsibility with a willing heart.  I am so thankful that the leadership at Warmland has stepped up to God’s calling about using the gifts He has given each and everyone one of us. Seeing all the wonderful willing people at my church has really encouraged me to come to understand the gifts that I blessed with and to developing them so that I may be used by God in His almighty plans and so that I may be a blessing to the congregation of Warmland Centre by using the talents, abilities, and gifts that God has given me through His Holy Spirit.

Retreats!

It has been two weeks which means that I get to write another lovely post on things that have been going here on the west coast. This week’s question is: "What have you seen God doing during retreats and being involved in retreats, what have they taught you about camp ministry?"

God has shown himself during the retreats here at camp. Sometimes it isn’t necessarily a huge alter call, I usually see His work in the little things. The positive attitudes of the staff even when they need to be flexible, the tough questions coming from the mouths of campers, and smiles and time investments from people around camp who aren’t even scheduled to work that weekend. As for what I have learned, there have been numerous lessons that God has been teaching me. What I learned most recently during the Jr. High Retreat, is that every minute of your day counts. Therefore, one must be ready at any given time to be used by God to minister to his children.  Since the campers were only here for a weekend it is so important to spend time with them and make it worthwhile. Show them God’s love, for this might be the only place where they receive it. That is one thing that we can never do too much. To show His love.

Views and Involvement in Ministry!

I hope everyone is enjoying the nice fall weather, I know I am. The only thing that is throwing me off is that it is still pretty green here and there hasn’t been any sign of snow yet. Boy, am I going to get a shock when I go home to Ontario for Christmas.

As I mentioned in my last post I will be answering questions on this blog about my ministry involvement here in Crofton. Therefore it is time for another question! “How has what you have learnt so far in the Kaléo program shaped your view of / involvement in ministry?”  I would say that everything I have learnt to far in the Kaléo program has helped in shaping my view and involvement in ministry. I have learned that everything I do is missional. Ministry isn’t confined to a church, camp, or group of people. It isn’t about the program, the staff, or the food (I know, shocker). Since everything I do is ministry, I should constantly have the mindset of being God’s vessel to further his kingdom. I should daily seek to live my life out in a way the honours God and brings him glory. If I do this, I can minister to people through my actions not only my words. And as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.

A prayer request in this area would be that I would have a willing heart in serving no matter what ministry I am involved in.

Camp and Church Ministry Unite!

This week at Camp Qwanoes we have been blessed to have Sid Koop come and teach us about Camp and Youth Ministry.  In classes we learnt about today’s youth culture and how to connect with them, how important service is, how everything is missional , how camp and church ministry is so very important as well as much, much more.

While I am writing in this ministry journal, I am to answer questions given to me from my Kaleo leader. The question for this week is, “Why is camp and church ministry so important?” and therefore the topic that my blog will be focused on today is the importance of camp and church ministry.

Camp and Church ministry is important because they provide a place for children to develop their faith and learn more away from their parents, to worship as a body of people and to be accountable to each other.  Reaching out to others and leading those to Christ and making disciples as well as encouraging others on their Christian journey are also important in ministry.  In conclusion, I would appreciate pray for Camp Qwanoes, that they would be attentive to Christ and his leading for the camp as well as that they would be striving to accomplish the purposes of camp (worship, service, evangelism, fellowship and discipleship).

Salutations!

 First off, I would like to thank you for all your continued support, love and prayers and for the time you are investing into reading this blog.  On this online ministry journal, I will be posting about the ministry I am involved in here at Camp Qwanoes and also about Warmland Centre- the church I am serving at in the beautiful town of Crofton.  

Since I have already started my service in both these areas, I would just like to update you what I have done so far. For camp ministry, I have participated in the Trinity Western retreat, by serving in the kitchen. I didn’t know what to expect going into it for I have never worked in a camp kitchen before but it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I had so far. As for church ministry, I have attended two Sunday morning services, and one Wednesday night Youth Group. I have volunteered in co-leading (with Tessa, another Kaléo student) the grade 4 & 5 girls children’s church and have also co-lead (with Mitchell and Michael, also other Kaléo students) the Jr. High Sunday school class.

I do not fully know what God has in store for me this year but I am truly blessed to be a part of his ministry. I will continue to update approximately every two weeks, if you want to be further informed on what is taking place here in my life.