Facebook memories let me know that today would have been my one-year “anniversary” of working at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.
Dr. Michelle Anthony is the Family Ministry Pastor at New Life, and in the summer of 2017, I asked her if we could meet so I could share some ideas on how to grow our volunteer team. At that meeting, she asked if I would go from being a volunteer to joining the staff.
As always, my first reaction was to say “no.”
– I’m a mom with four kids, do I have enough ‘gas’ in my tank to do more?
– I’ve been a full-time mom for 6 years, do I have marketable skills left?
– With a church this size, will I have a voice? Can I really make a difference?
I told her to give me a few days to pray about it and talk to Ted.
Ted encouraged me to go for it. It would be a part-time role, and he thought I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. I prayed and felt good…nervous…but good.
So, I said yes.
I’m SOO very glad I said yes! It was an HONOR to work with amazing people, being a part of helping kids know Jesus and grow in their relationship with him. I also loved having the chance to bring to fruition those ideas I shared with Michelle at our initial meeting.
Years ago, I was a children’s ministry director of a smaller church and wore a lot of hats – greeter, teacher, worship leader, curriculum writer, curriculum prep, shopper, event planner, event host, etc.
When working with a larger team at a mega-church, each of us could specialize in our gifts. I enjoyed the opportunity to focus on one service (Friday night), and one theme (volunteerism), while supporting others in the church in what they did. We all worked together with one mission.
I loved being a part of the New Life church staff. Some days I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to do what I love! Before I started, I was SO nervous; but 9 months later, when we found out we were moving, I mourned having to say good-bye!
New Life Family Ministry Team
Working again gave me confidence that the gifts God placed in me a long time ago did not disappear as a stay-at-home mom.
Mamas, the work you do at home is INCREDIBLY important. Stay engaged there. Be the best mama you can be for those children, cherishing the fact that you get to invest in them, mold their beliefs, and watch them grow!
Your time as a full-time mother is not causing your gifts to depreciate. Changing diapers and chasing after toddlers will NOT eliminate all your marketable skills. Your gifts will only grow stronger. Focus on the task of being a mom and a wife! Know that in the future, you will have opportunities and new ways to use your God-given gifts. God will EQUIP you to do whatever He calls you to do!
I’m so grateful to be home full-time again right now. Moving while Mommin’ is hard and all-consuming. The kids just started school, and I have 100 things on my to-do list. This blog post is NOT on that list…so I’m going to run now… thanks for reading my thoughts for today!
3 Comments
Kevin
September 15, 2018 at 7:55 pmYou role at home set the boys on a solid foundation. You are a great mom!!!
Kathryn
September 15, 2018 at 7:57 pmThanks dad!
furtdsolinopv
October 6, 2018 at 7:51 amVery interesting topic, thankyou for posting. “The rest is silence.” by William Shakespeare.