When I was at the University of Louisville, a term was widely floated around the School of Music: “church gig.” This was the term used to describe a musician getting paid to play for a church service or function. These were highly prized, as they usually paid pretty well and weren’t too taxing on time or talent.
I was never fond of the term. Once I was called into full-time vocational ministry, my recollections of my even using the term were embarrassing. The term infers a disconnected attitude towards church in general, just showing up to get paid, going through the motions to get the job done.
How often am I guilty of treating my position in the church this way now?
I have been doing a lot of thinking lately what it means to serve God sacrificially. What am I giving up to serve Him? And am I laying everything on the line and on the altar? Am I truly giving my best? I pray that is the case more often than not. I must CONSTANTLY keep myself in check. I cannot coast.
I don’t want to be guilty of “doing church.”
As a minister and pastor, if I’m not careful, I can get caught up with the JOB aspects of my ministry and miss out on the MINISTRY aspects of my ministry. It’s the difference between worshipping God and just “doing church.” The former is what we were created to do. The latter is how we make light of what God calls us to do.
If you are reading this and currently serving in a church in ANY capacity, please do so with eyes fixed on the Savior. Otherwise, it’s very easy to go through the motions with minimal Kingdom impact. This weakens the church (local) and the Church (body of Christ).
Not a Camouflaged Soul 