Bibs or Aprons ?

Bibs or Aprons?

I recently visited a fast-growing church in Greenville , S.C. a to learn
from their staff. It was a privilege to witness their passion
for doing high quality ministry in Jesus' name. I left with
some new insights and renewed passion for the Gospel.

One of the phrases that I heard while I was there was, "We want
our members to wear aprons, not bibs." Here's what they meant:

Bibs are for people who only want to be fed.
Bibs are for those who are not yet ready or willing to feed
themselves.
Bibs are for those who are more interested in being served than
in serving.
Bibs are for those who insist that the church exists for them
and their needs.
Bibs are for babes in the faith, those who haven't caught God's
vision for the church, or those who are not yet of the faith.

Aprons are for those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus'
name.
Aprons are for those who know that they are the church.
Aprons are for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Aprons are for those who take the time daily to feed their
spiritual hunger.
Aprons are for those who are growing in faith, and hunger to
help others grow.

Church growth consultant, Chris Steele interviewed thousands of
Christians in America several years ago and asked them, what
they though the church existed for. Eighty-eight percent said,
"The church exists to serve my needs and the needs of my
family." In other words, 88% of Christians in America are still
wearing bibs.

On the night when he was betrayed, just hours before he was
crucified, the very Son of God took off his outer garments,
wrapped a towel around his waist, and washed his disciples'
feet. When he was done he said, "I have just given you an
example to follow." In other words, Jesus called his disciples
to wear aprons, not bibs.

In Matthew, Jesus is recorded as saying, "For even I, the Son of
Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give
my life as a ransom for many." He also said, "If you cling to
your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you
will find it."

Jesus calls us to wear aprons, not bibs. Which are you wearing?

Bringing It Home:

1. How would you answer the question, "Why does the church
exist?" Does your answer reflect your bib or your apron?

2. How can you help others in your Christian community to trade
their bib for an apron?

3. If you're not already serving in a ministry in your church,
make a commitment to begin this month.

"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to
serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, thank you for feeding me daily with your
word. Fill me with your redeeming love. Open my eyes to clearly
see the needs of those around me, and then open my hands to
serve them. Each day, strengthen me with your Spirit, so that I
might choose to wear an apron, not a bib. This I pray in your
name. Amen."
Jan Bagwell
God Bless
I do hope this has Blessed Some one !
Please remember Lisa Henson in Prayer [Cancer } Please remember My children { David and wife Hali Bagwell , Scott and wife and Elizabeth Bagwell granddaughter Emily , My mother Hazel Bagwell , and Betty Hill , Judy Howard , Mary Carpenter , Mike Wells , Melvin Mobley , Billy Phillips ,Beverly Brown , Tal Groce ,and Jeanette Bagwell . And Jan Bagwell , I am always in need of Prayer . Thank You , and may Jesus always be in your heart !