Every Monday, I have the privilege of depositing a paycheck from the Church I lead.  I attempt to give a total effort every week and always try to earn my money.  I still consider it an enormous blessing that I get to work for God and be paid enough to take care of my family.  God has been good to me, and I have not missed a paycheck in 28 years. 

But every Monday, there is also this strange feeling that comes over me.  While I get the blessing of being paid, the Church would not exist if it were not for all the people who serve each week.  It takes dozens of people to contribute for free to expand the kingdom of God.  

Recently I heard a Church consultant talk about how Churches do not need volunteers to fill positions.  They need people called to ministry who are willing to contribute merely because they follow Jesus.  These precious people are the hands and feet of Jesus each Sunday morning. 

Today I am thankful for everyone who ministers in any capacity in the Church I lead.  I am also grateful for all the people who served in any Church this past weekend.  These are the individuals that God is using to expand his kingdom.  They are good people, and most of them are good for nothing but the joy that awaits when they hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”