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The Church is Not a Talent Agency

The Church is Not a Talent Agency

Natalie Runion

I’ve spent a lot of time on stages, sacred and secular.  I’ve stood in front of captive audiences and congregations, I’ve been on billboards and had my name misspelled in hand-typed bulletins.

If you were to ask me today at 42 years old to choose between the church house or tinsel town, I’d choose steeples over stars, but if I’m honest, my flesh often gets confused.

The Church is not a talent agency.

Your pastor is not your talent agent.

It is vital to the Kingdom that you and I understand that isn’t the job of our church or church leadership to make our dreams come true.  When we get these confused our entitlement sets in, we demand opportunity, we strive to be seen and compete for a spotlight or position that was never promised or guaranteed.

This all happens very subtly.  We don’t just arrive on a Sunday morning or to a staff meeting demanding our name in lights but it’s a slow fade for some of us who feel we’ve earned a voice, a title or platform.

We see someone else doing what we want to do.  We might be in an entry level role or have been a high level volunteer for ten years.  I learned a long time ago not to do anything for promotion or recognition, rather to put my head down and work the soil under my feet.

I want to be a good steward of the good soil entrusted to me.

The phone may never right, the part may never be yours, the lights may stay dim but God sees everything done in the secret place.  He loves the secret place.

If our expectation is fame we won’t recognize the beautiful roles we’re given and the stories we’ve been woven into that are far more precious that scripts.  Serve where you are, don’t wait for a better role. Every assignment in His Kingdom is filled with adventure, holy romance, drama and an ending that will make only one name known.

Jesus.

Galatians 6:9 in The Message says,

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good.  At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.  Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.”

If you are struggling with waiting or disappointed in your current assignment, you are in good company.  Spend some time with the Lord today and ask Him to help you not grow weary in waiting but with great anticipation for what He wants to do in us and through you.

Pray this with me,

“You are a good Father.  You created me with purpose, everything you make is intentional and you always finish what you start- that includes the work you have begun in me.  Help me to sit in this tension of the not yet.  I want to be faithful where you have me with the people you have entrusted to me.  Give me a renewed passion for your word, your will and your way.  I surrender my life to you and submit my desires for yours.  Use me, let it be unto me as you have said.  Amen.”

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