04.06.16 The 12th Key for Adding Value to Your Church
12. ‘Walk the Talk’
My mind goes back to when we started Shalom Galaxy in 1986 with 14 musicians. As hinted earlier, my husband and I were the only ones earning an income at the time, thence meeting all the financial obligations for the team and the ministry. We offered accommodation, transportation, living expenses and tuition fees for some. When we left the country for further studies in 1993, the person to whom I delegated the leadership role managed to coordinate members to contribute towards the expenses for running the ministry; with him in the lead. That commitment must have been financially heavy on the leader but he had seen us ‘walking the talk’ even when our family finances had dropped to the barest minimum. Today, the band owns several assets as a result. I thank God that not only did I add value by walking the talk, but my mentees took the bull by the horns and followed the examples that God had enabled me to set for them.
Lydia pioneered the offering of financial and material support to Paul and his ministry, setting an example for others to follow by ‘walking the talk’ thereby adding value to the church. . In other words,it is highly probable that Lydia’s example propelled other church members to do the same. See what Paul had to say about this in Philippians 4:14-16. That scripture reads (AMP): 14But it was right and commendable and noble of you to contribute for my needs and to share my difficulties with me. 15And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. 16For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time.
A value-adding church member walks the talk by practicing what she preaches. Let’s pick a leaf from Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 where he said (NIV): 1Follow me as I follow Jesus Christ. Therefore, live and walk in accordance with the Word that you preach. Leading an exemplary life will attract people to follow the God you believe in hence adding value to the church.