Perfunctionis Admissio Unum
Where do you draw the line between being purpose-driven and performance-driven?
This issue has been on my mind for a while. Now, please note that I'm not condemning the practice of churches, and how organisation and politics (God forgive i use that word) are somewhat necessary for the running of it. But I do wonder, in particular, about serving.
In church there are many areas to serve: you can be a pastor, communion-server, offerings-collector, deacon, counsellor, parking-attendant/traffic-controller, leader, coach, audio/video/lighting-technician, usher, etc. These are all good. But I believe that no matter where you serve, you need to have the right heart to go about it. Purpose or performance? Here's a brief overview on the attitudes of a person motivated by either of these:
Purpose-driven
Someone who's purpose-driven always looks to God. These are people who ungrudgingly serve (extra commendation to those behind the scenes). They give it their all, knowing that whatever little they do, it's still significant.
Performance-driven
These people, although they mean well in serving in some area, are more focussed in getting things right and (in some cases) perfect. Their goal to achieve the best possible thing takes the #1 priority.
Now here's where it can all become blurry. In some cases, like in the music ministry, you need to be as good as it can be. If it's not done right, it can be a distraction to others. But then if you have a heart to please God - you will do it as best as you can right??
What I believe: God is the #1 focus. No matter what. Because of this, you can then perform well. Really, it can be as simple as that. When you put it into perspective, it all follows through. When you have the right heart, you will go far. The other extreme, is serving with a bad attitude: you aren't really honouring God, nor performing well - this is another topic entirely. Now I understand I'm not perfect either, and no ministry or church is perfect. In a way, I'm letting this be a lesson to myself: that I would remember that I'm glorifying God, not looking towards others for self-glorification.
So in the end it comes to this: in serving, you are performing in a way. But for God, and only God. Not the people around you. You are pointing the way to God, not yourself. Remember that.
Anyway, just some thoughts I'd like to share. Please feel free to add your opinions.
Perfunctionis Admissio Unum. Performing for an audience of One.
This issue has been on my mind for a while. Now, please note that I'm not condemning the practice of churches, and how organisation and politics (God forgive i use that word) are somewhat necessary for the running of it. But I do wonder, in particular, about serving.
In church there are many areas to serve: you can be a pastor, communion-server, offerings-collector, deacon, counsellor, parking-attendant/traffic-controller, leader, coach, audio/video/lighting-technician, usher, etc. These are all good. But I believe that no matter where you serve, you need to have the right heart to go about it. Purpose or performance? Here's a brief overview on the attitudes of a person motivated by either of these:
Purpose-driven
Someone who's purpose-driven always looks to God. These are people who ungrudgingly serve (extra commendation to those behind the scenes). They give it their all, knowing that whatever little they do, it's still significant.
Performance-driven
These people, although they mean well in serving in some area, are more focussed in getting things right and (in some cases) perfect. Their goal to achieve the best possible thing takes the #1 priority.
Now here's where it can all become blurry. In some cases, like in the music ministry, you need to be as good as it can be. If it's not done right, it can be a distraction to others. But then if you have a heart to please God - you will do it as best as you can right??
What I believe: God is the #1 focus. No matter what. Because of this, you can then perform well. Really, it can be as simple as that. When you put it into perspective, it all follows through. When you have the right heart, you will go far. The other extreme, is serving with a bad attitude: you aren't really honouring God, nor performing well - this is another topic entirely. Now I understand I'm not perfect either, and no ministry or church is perfect. In a way, I'm letting this be a lesson to myself: that I would remember that I'm glorifying God, not looking towards others for self-glorification.
So in the end it comes to this: in serving, you are performing in a way. But for God, and only God. Not the people around you. You are pointing the way to God, not yourself. Remember that.
Anyway, just some thoughts I'd like to share. Please feel free to add your opinions.
Perfunctionis Admissio Unum. Performing for an audience of One.
posted by Sam Leong @ 6:00 pm
2 Comments:
Wow. Spot on. That's what Clayton said today!!!!! (close to)
During worship, the stage people are the facilitators, the supporters. We're the "performers". The one and only audience: GOD!
Performance Vs Purpose.... guess...All comes down to the "heart".
Nice stuff SMZ..
Tiffy - Spot on? close to? which is it ar... =P
Sadly i missed encounter... but i understand what you mean Sammerz (hehe)
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