All Worker’s Meeting

On the Saturday before the Third Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2011, Archbishop Hines met with the ministry workers of the Cathedral.  It is not often that all the workers gather and meet with him.   In the midst of this Season of preparation, it is indeed a confrontation to hear the many challenges given by the Archbishop, but nonetheless seeing the hope,  transforming what seems to be  wilderness into joy, if only all knew their  place, their  role, and their calling in the kingdom of God.

Archbishop Hines acknowledges that the message he had was not his, but God speaking to all who were in attendance.  To bring an awareness of each member’s task in the Body, he dwelt on the life of John the Baptist as the prominent personality during this Advent Season.  John the Baptist exemplified a life of obedience. He was “sent from God” to fulfill a task which he was ordained to even when he was still in his mother’s womb.  He led a simple life, focusing on his ministry and giving his whole life such that he did not draw people to him but to his anointing and to Christ.

From John the Baptist’s example, Archbishop reminded the workers what Jesus said, “You shall be My witnesses.” According to him, this is the task, the assignment, and the empowerment of all. He also added that God does not call anyone without being empowered as the direction, the energy, the concept, the awareness, and the witness to fullfill has all been given.  Citing a powerful verse in John 1:16, “For of His fullness, we have all received and grace upon grace,” no one should have an attitude of defeat, of worthlessness, of no anointing and calling, and of not being capable of doing anything.

Archbishop commissioned the ministry workers: work together in unity and in oneness towards one goal and one direction to build the Church so that Christ is the center of all that is done.  Whatever one does and is committed to do, it should all point to God and God alone.    It is not a Ministry more important than the other, demanding more attention and recognition, but each working in unity.   Each  joint supplying so that doors are opened for many to come in the kingdom of God rather than causing division and separating themselves from the Church.

There were many challenges that the Archbishop presented to remind the workers of their calling as Peter says: royal priesthood, a holy nation, called and chosen by God.   One challenge was:  whatever ministry they are in, it should take priority in their lives.  Many are busy with the worldly affairs to a point of saying, “I don’t need God.”  They put all their energies in supplying rather than exalting the King of Kings not seeing the principle that what God does, He does well.

Another challenge was:  make sure of one’s calling.  Archbishop asked, “Do we know our calling? Do we know Jesus that well?  Do we know Him? How many times in our lives has God tried to call us but we have our own agendas and we wouldn’t listen?  Can we see the value of calling and listening to God and becoming that?”

A challenge was also given about stewardship. Archbishop asked, “Are we really being efficient in the usage of the Church facilities?  Are we cautious about it?  Do we pay our tithe and offering?”   He brought out the thought that if all who attend, who feed and eat at the Table of the Lord paid for what they partake, the Church won’t have any problem with regards to sustaining the financial needs of the Church.   He calls for diligence, cooperation, coordination, respect for authority, and putting things in order, adding that if there is order the Church prospers.

Like John the Baptist, the Archbishop encouraged all to make certain that they do their part that ministry is so important in their lives. There may be the peculiarity but this is how one is when he gives his all to God and to the Kingdom that He has given to cultivate. Lead, encourage, and bring people to the Church to be ministered to for when one does this, Christ will reveal Himself.

“Ministry of Excellence” is the theme or the goal for the Church activities next year.  All are to work in unity for without unity, there is no excellence.  All are to work and function together; having one goal to support the leadership so that the Church grows in her ability to touch the lives of the people.  Whatever one does, it is with excellence because it is a demonstration of the kingdom of God.  The kingdom of God is excellent.   God does not make mistakes; He is perfect in all He does.  Thus, the Body is to be like Him in what she does, giving all to Him.

Archbishop Hines ends with an Old Testament principle, “There comes a time when God restores all that has been taken away.”  He says that he knows it was for him and for the Church.  The Church may go through struggles but in doing His work and will together, in unity, God restores and the day is coming in abundance!