This last weekend I went to a youth conference over in Conyers at a place called “Church in the Now.” All over there were banners that said “EACH”. I wondered what that was until I saw one that had writing around the outside – it said, “Everyone Attending, Contributing, and Helping.”
That is a bold call for the church. EVERYONE. That means…everyone. Every person attending every week. Every person contributing to the wellbeing and work of the church. Every person helping somewhere. EVERYONE.
Sunday afternoon Rock Bridge held our first new members orientation class. I thought it went really well. We had some good discussion. Pastor Greg talked about the uniqueness of our church and how we came from the merger of two great churches to be a stronger force for Kingdom work in our area. Pastor Barry talked about what makes Baptists different from other kinds of Christian churches.
One of the areas I got to discuss was opportunities for service. When the Pastors got together to discuss what to present in the class we said we wanted to make a bold statement – we expect everyone to serve. Some churches are afraid to ask for anything – so they develop weak Christians. We expect everyone to serve to develop strong faith and commitment to prayer.
So during the class Barry talked about the priesthood of all believers – how we are all individually connected to God and we don’t need to go through a Pastor or Priest. Greg talked about the importance of the mission of Rock Bridge. And I said everyone must be a part to achieve the mission. We are the body of Christ. A body with parts that do not work is not a healthy body. We told our new believers that we expect them to serve because Christ called them. But that call is not just for new believers or new members. Everyone must serve. EACH.
Everyone Attending. Are you a regular participant in our church activities? By regular I don’t mean do you show up every couple months 
. We’re in a battle against dark forces. We want you to attend for your own good. An ember kicked away from the fire soon looses its glow and grows cold. We want you to attend for your good. (Hebrews 10:25).
Everyone Contributing. Our church was formed to be a stronger force for kingdom work. But to carry out Christ’s mission, it must be funded. Again, this is not something to be done to help the church – God will take care of His church. We tell you to tithe because it is a command of God for your good! Philippians 4:17 says, “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.” Your giving teaches discipline and results in God pouring out gifts to you – credits it to your account. Everyone should contribute financially at least 10 percent of what they make.
Everyone Helping. Have you ever had your hands full and tried to get out your keys and open the door? You juggle and bobble and often drop things. We say things like, “I wish I had another hand.” That’s how it is in Kingdom work. You are that other hand for someone. If everyone helps, the work is easy. Mom used to say, “Many hands make light work.”
Will you be part of “Everyone”? We need you. Christ calls you. Everyone.
