Leadership Column: Serving God in Living Colors

By Jeanne Paynter

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." ~~ 1 Corinthians 12:7

This week, let’s listen in on a Deacon Board meeting at Anychurch, USA. The deacon's names are symbolic with biblical allusions intended!

• Martha Red: We need more volunteers for the Saturday Evangelistic Breakfast. Last month I had to help with the cooking, serving, and the clean-up.
• Thomas Green: I really question the value of continuing this ministry. Hasn’t attendance steadily declined? Perhaps an event with more social relevance is needed to appeal to the un-churched.
• Martha Red: But Tom, you weren’t there to see the children’s faces when we told them about Jesus. I’d do this if just one child showed up.
• Mary Blue: I’m so glad that I’ll be attending the Spiritual Renewal Retreat this Saturday. We will uphold you in prayer.
• Martha Red: Does that mean neither of you are serving on Saturday?

Which deacon is manifesting the Spirit of God? Actually, each represents one Person of the Trinity: The Creator's Wisdom (Thomas Green), Jesus the Son's Commitment (Martha Red), and the Holy Spirit's Power (Mary Blue). The Godhead is "three in One," and to reflect Him our church must manifest a balance of the “three colors."

Jesus said that we should be light in this world. But white light is a spectrum of colors. God worked in Creation, Calvary, and Pentecost. Jesus redeemed body, soul, and spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals truth through science, Scripture, and experience.

The Central Deacons used the Three Colors of Ministry gifts survey by Christian A. Schwarz to create a "Color Wheel" of the new Deacon Board. Our gift mix was colorful, but we tended to have more gifts in the red and green categories than the blue. Knowing our fellow Deacons’ “colors” can help us to serve more effectively because service (red) without spiritual power is fruitless. Spiritual power (blue) without commitment is useless. And wisdom (green) helps to create the balance.

God desires to manifest His triune nature in your life. You may begin as a Martha, Mary or Thomas, but He will not leave you there. He seeks to integrate His power, wisdom, and commitment in all that you do.

Get to know the new Deacon Board! Beginning on April 20, one of us will be stationed at the new Welcome Center between services. We are getting "dressed and ready" to connect your need with our God's colorful resources.