That is both a description and a name. Service is descriptive of what true love does. That is a New Testament message. "Love Serves" is also a title of a parachurch organization that I was able to connect with last week as I traveled to the Dominican Republic. They help lead churches to get involved in Gospel work that declares the life-changing message along with helping them fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandment to love God and those made in His image by serving them. One of the ways they do this is through a coaching process in working with pastors.
We saw the results. In visiting pastors in the Dominican Republic who had been through this coaching process, we saw a remarkable passion for the Lord and an expanding outreach to the lost and the least. In church after church--inner city, suburban, and rural village, we saw these pastors leading their churches to make a difference in the community. For example, we traveled to an impoverished area at the foot of the mountains, where a church auditorium was filled each week, with as many people standing outside for worship as were seated inside! There had been a time this church just went through the motions with a handful of people. It was a church that the community could ignore. No more!
Of course, this takes the power of God and all glory to Him. Yet, He uses leaders to help other leaders develop. God does the work, but we must employ the tools. So, on Monday, February 20 at our Pastors' Conference, I will share more and via Zoom, we will hear from Peter Swanson who is the President of Love Serves. He is willing to come for a minimal cost each month to offer coaching to a group of pastors. Are you willing to consider this? It could make a dramatic difference in your church for the Kingdom! Here is a link to their website: https://loveserves.org
Serving in Love,
Dennis Thurman, AMS
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