Thank you CBC Servants!

     We don't say "thank you" often enough to all the servants who do the work of God at Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen.  I am not referring to the pastors or the staff, whom we appreciate, but to the leaders, workers, teachers, and other volunteers who serve week after week, month after month, year after year so faithfully.  So this summer we pause to say "thank you" to you!  (There is a save the date below.  So don't miss it!)

     Ephesians 4:11-13 reminds us of the role of pastors and ministers in relation to every member of the body of Christ.

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NIV)

     Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to the church in order to equip "his people" for works of service.  The work of the church belongs to His people.  Every believer has a call and a gift to build up the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; 1 Peter 4:10).  Pastors and ministers have the privilege and the responsibility of equipping the members for the ministry.  But the ministry belongs to the people!

     That is how Calvary McAllen works.  Although we are thankful for our pastoral team and our staff, the work of the church would not be possible if it were not for the hundreds of faithful Calvary members who use their spiritual gifts and talents.  Every week there are fine people who teach our children, work with students, lead Adult Bible Fellowships, sing in the choir, play an instrument, operate media equipment, serve as ushers, make decisions in committees, encourage women, challenge men, prepare food, mow the grass, visit the sick and the elderly, share the gospel, minister to the needy, lead ministries to the community, and serve in multiple other ways.  What happens at Calvary could never be accomplished by a staff team alone.  Praise God for our CBC servants who do the ministry!

     This year we have grown in our understanding of the Great Commission.  We are learning how to make disciple-makers through our various ministries.  Hundreds of lives have been touched within our church and beyond.  Dozens have trusted Christ and followed Him in believer's baptism.  Families have been strengthened.  Men have been encouraged.  Women have grown spiritually.  Students have answered the call.  Children have been blessed.  People have experienced God's presence and power.  And God has made all of it possible through our faithful servants, primarily our excellent church members and disciple-makers.

     That is what is required to continue the ministry at Calvary and what is required if we are going to be catalysts of a multiplication movement.  In order to see the multiplication of disciples, groups and congregations, we need every single believer to do the work of ministry.

     As we get ready to wrap up our summer season and begin another year, we want to pause to express our appreciation to all our CBC servants (church members who serve in various capacities).  If you are one of these, receive our thanks.  If you are thankful for others, express your thanks to them.

Save the Date:

CBC Servants Appreciation Supper
Wednesday, August 29th at 6:00 PM

Student Center (GYM)

Care for bed babies provided.  Everyone else is welcome to supper.  Be on the look out for an invitation and an opportunity to RSVP.

     Once again, thank you.  You make all the difference at CBC!