Some People Just Get It, and Some Don't!

I have had two conversations in the past few days that shows me that some people get it, and some don't. It was actually a surprise as to which one got it.

A few days ago, I followed up with a pastor that I had spoken with about ministering to new believers. I had sent him the materials that we use here at Palm Valley Church and wanted to see how things were going. I speak with people from churches about our ministry to new believers every couple of months and I like to see how they have implemented a similar ministry where they are. This pastor shared that he wasn't able to implement anything because his elders thought they were doing just fine as they were. They just don't get it!

Yesterday, I got a call from an eighty year old lady who was so excited she could hardly stand it. She was at a friend's house this weekend and some other friends came and brought the Fresh Start Packet that they had just received at PVC that morning. In all of her years walking with Christ, she shared that she had never seen such a wonderful resource for new believers. She wants to have her pastor contact us to learn more. She gets it!

Ministering to new believers is different! It's often messy, and your heart will break hearing the stories of lives messed up by sin. But, it is so rewarding when you see the joy they have received in Christ! To see God work in people's lives and change them so completely is amazing. Most who come to us to grow in their faith have never even picked up a Bible, or if they have, they haven't read much and don't know much about it. What a privilege to come alongside these people to partner with them as they take their first steps in faith. It is humbling and often overwhelming to be used by God in this way.

The reward is walking around the church campus on a weekend and seeing the many who have come to Christ here and are now growing and serving. They are connected to Home Teams and Ministry Teams in every area of the church. To me, that is success. Unfortunately, there are still many who make a decision, but never begin walking with Christ. We still have so much to do! Fortunately, our ministry team gets it!