04.06.07 The 3rd Key for Adding Value to Your Church

3. Acknowledge the Value in People

As the founder and director of Shalom Galaxy, it was my duty to source, audition and recruit singers and instrumentalists for the group. I remember the time when we had vacancies for tenor singers. That was how I approached one brother who was mentoring several youths in gospel music and asked if he had any singer that he could spare. After looking around, he chose a sixteen-year-old who he felt was not that talented. However, on auditioning the teenager, I discovered that all he needed was some love, encouragement and assurance. Today, not only is he a song writer but a sound engineer and the father of one of the best worship leaders at our church. He has gone beyond being just a band member to becoming a powerful influencer and pace setter in God's kingdom.

Some writers suggest that Lydia played a key leadership role in the early Philippian church. If that was the case, she must have been involved in identifying the various talents and calling of church members; and putting them (members) in appropriate ministries or responsibilities, such as bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1), and other positions.

A value-adding church member acknowledges the ‘value’ in other members and what they have to offer, rather than feeling selfish, threatened or even tempted to compete with them.

Therefore, recognise, acknowledge and appreciate the value that God has placed in people, then create the necessary opportunity and environment for them to sprout and bring out their potential. Pray that God enables you to see people through ‘His’ (God's) eyes. What potential has God placed in those individuals? What calling or mission? Be available to assist those people to achieve their divine purpose. Give them a listening ear, asking questions that will help them to recognise and ‘own’ their potential. Offer encouragement, advice and any other support that you can afford.