“Giving God Glory for His Fishermen – Luke 5:1-11”
Gladstone Baptist Church – 18/2/07 am
You know, Pastors commonly suffer from weekly emotional cycles. Women have monthly cycles – Pastor’s have weekly cycles. You see, Sundays are a busy day – they are an exciting day – when the adrenaline runs and they are up in front of people preaching and running around like headless chooks. But once that is over, it is not uncommon for them to come off that high and hit the ground with a thud.
I don’t usually suffer much from that emotional rollercoaster – but this week I did. You know, I drove home from our Sunday night service feeling pretty low. Wondering what was the use of keeping on pushing. You see, the beginning of the year is always a very busy time because there is so much work involved with getting ministries up and running. It takes a lot of energy to get people excited about another year of ministry. It takes a lot of work to recruit teams. It takes a lot of organisation to make things happen. But sometimes you feel you are just hitting your head up against a brick wall. Sunday was a day like that for me …
You will remember that we’ve been plugging the vacant ministry positions and the help desk questionaire the last 3 weeks. Well, the first week we launched it, we had a great response – but in its full context – less than 50% of our regular attendees responded. That’s not unexpected – we probably only get a bit over 50% of our regular attendees here each week. I naturally expected that more would filter through over the next 2 weeks – but they didn’t. I could count the additional responses on one hand. That was fairly deflating because I dream of a day when everyone in this church is doing their part and ministering for God and his glory. I know we are not there - and in reality will never be there – but when you push and you get stonewalled – it is deflating.
Then I spent some time talking to some of the Connections leaders after church and hearing some of their struggles. Here we have an incredible group with incredible potential struggling to find leaders to run it. It has had to move from 5 small groups to 3 because of lack of leaders and they are even struggling to resource these 3 groups. I went home thinking – God what is happening here. Why are people not willing to stand up and be counted. Am I the only one who is committed to seeing your kingdom expanded here in Gladstone. Do any of you sometimes wonder why people aren’t willing to stand up and help you in your ministries? I know that many of you coordinators feel this way – I’ve spoken to many of you over the years. And as I journeyed home last night, this is how I felt, but I turned on my Bible on CD and what do you know what section of the Bible I was up to - the account of Elijah at Mt Carmel. Talk about God’s voice speaking out clearly to me … I felt a bit like Elijah did – I could relate, but as I listened God spoke to me and I could also claim the promise that God gave Elijah.
Do you remember the story - how Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah on Mt Carmel. Remember he built 2 altars and challenged the 950 prophets to pray to their gods to send fire down on the altar & consume it. They couldn’t of course. And then it was Elijah’s turn – but before he prayed to God, he got had 12 large jars of water poured over the wood and the sacrifice so everything was drenched – just to make it double hard for God. And you know the story – Elijah prayed and God sent down fire from heaven which consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones of the altar and even the soil it sat on. I dare say it also singed a few of the eyebrows and beards of those standing around it. God had proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was God and Elijah had all the 950 prophets of Baal and Asherah killed. But do you remember what happened next – Jezebel found out what had happened and sent word to Elijah that if it was the last thing she did, she would kill him within the next 24 hours. Elijah did what any self respecting man did when faced with a woman’s anger – he ran like the wind.
1 Ki 19:3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
He travelled for a further 40 days and 40 nights till he got to the mountain of God at Horeb. And there he cried out to God these famous words …
“I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
Now I hadn’t done anything as incredible as Elijah and didn’t have a bounty on my head, but last Sunday – I could relate to Elijah – It felt like everything I’d been doing was in vain – but God reminded me with the same words he spoke to Elijah. He said – you are not alone – in fact, I am raising up a helper for you – Elisha and besides that, he said 19:18
Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.
Elijah wasn’t alone – there were 7000 other committed people in Israel who were faithful and in the service of the almighty God. And as I sat in my car going home, I heard God’s voice saying – David – you are not alone. Yes there are many who will disappoint, but you have got many that you know about already who are ready to serve God this year.
And so this morning we are going to do something different. We are not going to bemoan the fact that we don’t have all the positions filled that we would like. We are not going to be angry that not everybody is helping to carry the load. What we are going to do is to celebrate those who are faithfully ministering in this church. We are going to Give God Glory for his faithful Fishermen working in GBC. I’m using the term fishermen because to close with this morning, I want to quickly look at Jesus’ commission to Peter and his fishermen friends in Luke 5. Remember that Jesus called them to fish for men. Anyone who ministers for God is a fisherman or woman – you fish not for fish, but for people. This is the vision God has given to me for Gladstone Baptist Church in 2007 and I want to share it with you by way of encouragement later.
But before that, here is what I want to do …
I am going to go through different ministry groups and if you are volunteering to be a leader or helper in any of these ministries – i.e. you are involved on an ongoing, regular basis (not just a one off or sporadic thing), I want you to stand because we want to do several things …
1) We want to see who you so we can pray for you as you fish for God.
2) We want to give glory to God for raising you up to serve him in this place.
3) We want to dedicate you to the ministry ahead. And when I say – We, I mean we. As I get each group to stand, I am going to ask the rest of the congregation to join me in proclaiming a prayer of dedication for these dear fellow fishermen. You are part of this body and serving this body and so I think it is only fitting for the rest of the body to dedicate you to the task.
4) I want to give you a small gift and encouragement card for being committed to fish for men in this church. And I’ve got a few helpers dotted around the church with baskets full of the gifts for you.
So lets go for it – I’m going to go through them in the order that we have them on our vision document so you can follow along with me if you like…
Children’s ministries – Can all the Children’s Church leaders & helpers, KOGs Leaders & helpers, The Boys Brigade Officers & Helpers, The Girls Brigade Officers & Helpers, The Creche Helpers & RE Teachers please stand and remain standing.
- We want to recognise your efforts and commitment. Thankyou for seeking to reach children for Jesus Christ. And in order to give Praise and Glory to God for you, I would ask that the whole congregation pronounce the prayer on the screen with meaning, conviction and gusto.
Lord – Let the lights of these lives shine this year before the children and parents they minister amongst so that all may see your good deeds and praise your name in heaven. Be their source and strength. Amen. (Matt 5:16)
Trinity College – All the Teachers, Support Staff, P&F Reps, Board Reps please stand.
- Thank you for your dedication to minister to our children and those in our community. Can I ask the congregation to please join me …
These are your faithful disciples – may their lives be laden with good fruit – fruit that will last into eternity and fruit that will bring Glory to you on this earth. Bind them together into a team and bless their work this year. Amen. (John 15)
Youth and Young Adults – All the leaders & helpers in BYG House. All the Connections Leaders & apprentice leaders.
- Thank you for the decision you have made to work with your youth & Young adults. This is an incredible opportunity to impact impressionable lives and we want to dedicate you to the task … Please join me as we dedicate this group …
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus , so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen (Rom 15:5-6)
Women’s, Men’s & Families – First the Ladies Ministries – Ladies Bible Study Leaders & Helpers, Squeals on Wheels Leaders & Helpers, Craft Group Leaders & Table Hosts, Her Lunch or Ladies Retreat Organisers. Men’s Ministry Leaders. Rite of Passage Camp organisers – Boys & Girls camps, Families Ministries, Other volunteers in Ladies, Mens or families ministries.
- Thank you again for your commitment to be involved. Healthy adults mean healthy families and a healthy community. I pray that you will find encouragement and God’s strength in this year. We want to dedicate you now …
May you be slaves of Christ, serving wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men so that when Christ comes, he may reward you for all the good you have done. May you experience Grace as you love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying Love. Amen. (Eph 6:6-8, 24)
Integration / Pastoral Care - Morning & Evening Door Stewards, those who prepare Communion for us, Morning & Evening Cuppa Servers, Fellowship Lunch Coordinator – Ida Wooton, Help Desk Administrators – Elizabeth Craig, Prayer Chain Members,
- Thanks for your work behind the scenes. We need people to care for each other. We want to dedicate you to your ministry for 2007 now …
Be generous with the different gifts God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s glorious presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit for all eternity as the One mighty in everything. Amen (1 Pet 4:10-11)
Evangelism & Missions – All those who help run Alpha & help cook meals or set tables or host tables. All our mission advocates please stand. And those involved with the Christmas lights display.
- Thank you for reminding us constantly that we are here to reach out. And everybody said …
Because we know that Christ’s return is coming, we pray for you all the time — pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something.. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen (2 Thess 1:11-12).
Small Groups - All the home group leaders & their apprentice leaders please stand.
- Small groups are a real blessing for anyone involved in them. They are the lifeblood of our congregation. So thank you for helping to keep this congregation fed and cared for. And everybody joined in …
But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you— … Live an exemplary life among your neighbours so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives. (1 Pet 2:9, 12)
Worship Team - All those ministering as worship leaders, musicians, backup singers, sound, lighting & video technicians & data projector operators please stand.
- We see a lot of you up here on Sunday, but we know you do if for God’s glory and not your own. Thankyou. And everybody said …
May God, provide you with everything you need to please him, make you into what gives him most pleasure, by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah. All glory to Jesus forever and always! Oh, yes, yes, yes. Amen (Heb 13:21)
Property, Finance & Administration - All those involved regularly with maintaining the property – mowing, gardening, cleaning, other odd jobs. Those who have agreed to manage one of the improvement projects for us this year. Our treasurer & Office Staff. All those who help Alison with her work – assembling and disassembling music folders. Those who help with the Library and the Flowers. Our board members. And any others I have missed …
- These are the people who hate to be seen, but without them, this place would fall in a heap. I would like you to show your appreciation in a special way by a round of applause to these people who represent so many who work behind the scenes doing thankless, but important work. We are thankful for your efforts and the many things none of us see. And everybody said …
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
We have got a lot to be thankful for haven’t we. And Just like Elijah, God has shown me that I need to be thankful for those of you who have agreed to be fishermen at GBC and not be worried about who we don’t have in ministry. For those who haven’t found a place to serve – it is never too late – there are vacant positions still with your name on it and I encourage you to pick up a list and put your hand up to serve.
As we close, I want to spend a few minutes speaking to those who have committed themselves to serving in this body. I want to read a passage from Luke 5 that I know many of you will be familiar with. God gave me this passage last year as I believe a vision for this church in 2007. Some of you have already heard me talk about it because I used it as an introduction to the 2007 vision development process late last year. As I read this, I am excited and I see 3 things that every fishermen at Gladstone Baptist Church needs to do as we prepare to go fishing for men. Let’s read – Luke 5:1-9
5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
So what are the 3 things we need to do to prepare to catch men for Jesus this year.
Firstly, We need to be available to God. The people Jesus used to catch that extraordinary catch were ordinary people like you and me. They didn’t have any significant skills. In fact their skills had not helped them up to this point. God uses ordinary people because in his hands, ordinary people become effective and powerful agents for God. The bible is littered with examples of this – ordinary people becoming extraordinary when they make themselves available to God. If you think that you can’t do your ministry – you are probably right. You may be ordinary, but you have been called and God knows what he is doing in calling you to serve him. God is looking for your availability not your ability. So firstly we need to be available for God’s service in 2007 regardless of whether we think we’ve got anything to offer..
Secondly, Be listening to God’s voice. the miraculous catch was a result of God’s power, not the fishermen’s skill. These guys were all professional fishermen. They knew how and where to catch fish. But for all that knowledge they had failed to catch anything that night. But Compare Jesus - He is God’s son who knows more than we can ever imagine – especially about fishing for Men and fish it seems. When we listen and follow his guidance, we can be successful in what he asks of us, because he will see that his purposes are accomplished. Do don’t be discouraged that you haven’t got what it takes to catch men. But be encouraged that God is there directing and equipping you. He has got what it takes to catch men. He has the knowledge of how to do it and he knows where the fish are schooling. I think that we need to spend a whole lot more time in 2007 seeking God’s will for our ministries and listening to God’s direction and a whole lot less time trying to figure it out on our own. Make it your priority to listen to God in 2007.
The Third and last thing I notice here is that to be successful the disciples had to follow Jesus’ directions. Where did Jesus asked them to go? Into the deep water. It must have been strange for Peter to have a carpenter tell him where to go fishing. What would he know about fishing. But sometimes Jesus asks us to go into unfamiliar, uncharted and even scary places. The deep water was where large waves could spring up from. It was likely to be a long way from the safety of the shore if there were any problems. Besides that, there was no structure for the fish to be around. Any fisherman knows that fish like structure. But sometimes God asks us to place ourselves in his hands and trust our lives, our friends, our families and even our ministries to Him. Is it scary? Definitely. To step out and try something radically new is incredibly scary, but when you have Jesus leading you into the new place, you don’t need to be scared. If Jesus is prompting you to try something new – don’t be scared to follow him. Be prepared to follow God’s lead in 2007.
I pray you will be available to Jesus, listen to Jesus and follow Jesus’ lead in 2007, because the end result of being available, listening & following Him is that the catch was too big to handle. It was a miraculous catch because of its number and because of its character. Notice that they weren’t fish that had been caught before that had jumped out of one net and into another. There was none of this tag & release stuff back in Jesus’ day – they caught and kept. Jesus helped them catch wild fish and I dream of a time, when the catch of non-believers coming to know God through GBC (not just Christians coming from other churches) will be too big for us to handle and we’ll have to call for help. God is the same God today as he was when Jesus was standing on the shore of that Lake. I firmly believe, that God wants to do some incredible things in and through our ministries in 2007 and beyond. I believe he has raised up a large number of fishermen and women in this church and he is saying to you from now on – you are going to catch men, women, boys and girls for the kingdom of God. He wants you to catch those wild unbelievers and bring them into a saving knowledge of Him. He wants you to be a part of a miraculous catch. What he needs though is people who are available, who are listening and following. I am so thankful that here in this church it is evident that we have many who are making themselves available. I pray that you will be listening and following this year. Don’t just serve for the sake of serving. Don’t think that your ministry can’t make an impact.. God intends for every one of you to fish for men and to make an impact for the gospel. Everything we do should have that as its aim – to somehow enable a miraculous catch to take place.
We are ready to launch out in our boat and follow Jesus into some uncharted territory in 2007. I am encouraged that so many of you are coming along for the ride. Thank you and may God use you in amazing ways for his Glory this year. Amen.
