Slideshow image

The whole paradigm of Equipping Ministry is built around equipping others to then move into the community using their God given gifts and tools, to train others and raise them up to new levels of ministry.  I was trained that no matter the ministry, leaders should train (equip) others with the goal of working your way out of a job with the idea that the more you give ministry away, the more ministry you will have to do.  It may sound odd, but I believe in that axiom with all my heart.  I believe ministries within the Faith community, whether they realize it or not, are doing just that.  With that said, I would like to humbly relay a story in which I have been blessed to play a tiny part.

Along with others, I have been able to play a part in expanding the audio/video ministry.  For me, my part was small but extremely satisfying.  This past March, just as the world appeared to be falling apart, Pastor Ben and Luke Nicolay immersed themselves into the world of church technology.  I am fairly certain that technology was not the field they chose to study and while I have learned both have exceptional gifts in that area, technology was not the reason they are working at Faith Lutheran.  Pastor Ben and Luke took it upon themselves to be “equipped” so that the community at Faith could still be connected by worship on a weekly basis.  However, it should come as no small shock that during worship, Pastor Ben and Luke have other things they need to be doing.  Faith has had an A/V ministry for many years but not through the midst of a pandemic…social distancing…high risk factors etc.  

This, for me, became equipping in action!  Both Pastor Ben and Luke invited Kai Pappani and me to assist.  Kai is not afraid of technology and not afraid to jump in but this was definitely a new area for both of us.  Kai and I (more Kai) dove in and endeavored to learn not one, not two but 7 pieces of software that were required to stream live worship into the homes of our Faith family.  It took 6 months, a lot of work and determination, abandoning any fear of failure as we knew disaster would strike and both grace and patience on the part of Pastor Ben and Luke.

To be clear, this story is not about Kim and Kai.  Kim and Kai  Part 2 of this story continues to unfold and the Grace of God, the leadership of the church and random members that we pass on different days continues to flow.  Part 2 of this story is the fun, energizing and productive part of what can truly happen when you make a concerted effort to “give your ministry away” and understand the blessings and growth that can come from that.  Stay tuned for part 2!   

Kim Schweder, Equipping Ministry