Weakness is strength

Two weeks ago, I wrote about God’s strength being perfected in weakness. Today, I would like to write about the impact this principle has been having on my concept of ministry.

We live in an age dominated by the media and communication. Any member of my congregation can turn on his TV and listen to a staggering selection of preachers, whether via satellite or DVD. Gone are the days when a person’s pastor was his or her main source of Bible teaching.

The same is true in the realm of music. At one time, the only Christian music available was by the Fisherfolk, Don Francisco or perhaps Larry Norman for something a little heavier and outdated. Today, however, Christian music and especially praise and worship music have become significant genres in their own right with numerous bands producing polished, high quality music. Did you know that there are now Grammy awards for Gospel music?

You may be wondering what this has to do with my work.  A year or two ago, a member of Harvest admitted to me that the most life changing message he had heard in a seven year period was delivered by a well known international preacher. Given that I had preached regularly at Harvest over the period in question, this was somewhat humbling! Did I have anything to offer from the pulpit when my congregation could listen to some of the world’s best teachers simply by pushing a button? Further, how could our very ordinary praise and worship team measure up to the polished performances of groups like Hillsong United and Jesus Culture?

I have tried to be some sort of other-worldly blend of John Piper and Chris Quilala, but it hasn’t worked. John Piper is a better speaker and Bible student than me, and – for those that haven’t heard me sing – my voice is nothing like Chris Quilala’s. In fact, what I have is power cuts, a cantankerous generator and a finicky sound system that gets hammered every week as it is set up and set down.

To be honest, I feel weak. I am at the mercy of many factors over which I have no control. Further, and this has been hard to admit to myself, I have limits! And I am not talking about the limits I have created in my own mind. No, I am referring to real limits that God has established.

I am Ian Rea, frail and weak.

However, I have discovered that an awareness of my weakness is strength.  My local church does not need a perfect performance or world class standards. It needs Jesus. And only the power of God, which is made perfect in my weakness, will give people what they really need.

Cheers for now - Ian