Learning to Lean
I have heard it said that when it comes to ministry, where there is the right vision, there is God's provision. Or, said another way, that God guides by what He provides. In other words, if the money is coming in--you must be doing something right. I am not sure how true that always is, and in fact, I know sometimes it is just the opposite. There are times when God guides by what He does not provide.
For us at Shelby Crossings, a prime example of that is how we have planned, funded and staffed our Vacation Bible Schools over the years. And with our 2026 VBS just around the corner next week, it's a good time to reflect on how God has worked in our church through this wonderful ministry.
Many of you know the story, how many years ago when the church was struggling and the economy was bottoming out, that we just didn't have money in the budget to fund an expensive Bible school. Just to purchase the expensive pre-planned "box" of that year's popular theme for VBS was more than we could afford, plus the costs of decorations, craft supplies, recreation games and snacks can run into several thousands of dollars. We just didn't have the money to do it.
We decided to do a Vacation Bible School anyway, but instead of buying it, we created it ourselves. We planned out our own theme, wrote our own drama scripts and sketches, prepared our own Bible studies from Scripture, made up our own crafts from donated supplies, and even got creative with the snacks and games. In doing so, we put to use the gifts and talents of dozens of talented people--and had our best VBS ever!
The next year, we did the same, and as the years have gone by we have continued the same creative approach to our own unique Bible schools, even when we found ourselves in better shape financially and could have afforded the whole boxed deal. Year after year, the creative gifts of a body of believers working together demonstrates what church ministry can look like when everyone plays their part.
God in His infinite care gave to us what we might not have ever discovered had we not gone through our own lean years where we had to learn to lean on Him in a whole new way. And out of that, one of our church's core values--"what we do, we do together"--became so much more real to all of us.
I love the ministry that we have been able to share with the children of our community over these last sixteen years, through our annual original Vacation Bible Schools. I know so many families have been touched for eternity'd sake with the love of Christ and the transforming truth of the gospel. But I also love watching our church members work together in creative ways, sharing their gifts and talents while selflessly serving the Lord through serving those children. That has been such a blessing all by itself.
So, as we head into what surely will be another exciting week of VBS, let me say up front, "Thank you" to each of you who have served so faithfully and diligently over the years, and will do so this week. I know you by this time next week you will be worn out, because, as the saying goes: "There's no tired like VBS tired!" But I hope you know that your ministry, as part of the community of faith we call Shelby Crossings, matters. The Lord has been honored, and will continue to be as we "let our light shine before men, that they will see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)
I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful church body. And I look forward to seeing you this Sunday--and all next week too!
--Pastor Ken
