Showing up

"Eighty percent of success is showing up." - Woody Allen

Today was a very special day at my church. We had a new youth pastor working with us. He has been working here as an intern for two years and through God blessing decided to stay here for full time ministry.

It is a joyful day. I remember the first time I met him. He msn me, 'Cliff, let us be brother to help each other. As iron sharpens iron.'

At that time, I was still a young Christian and I was a bit hesitated by his enthusiasm. As the ceremony of installing a new pastor into my church, I reflected on the trials we gone through and the times we spent talking about leading and Christian living...fun times!

During the service, my senior pastor reflected on the role of pastor, Shepard and the need to take care of the flock.

My previous English pastor once told me when I was leading my fellowship, 'Cliff, you are shepherding your flock.'

Through the years of discussion, discernment, reflection and reading, I realize that being shepherd is a huge role. I wouldn't say it is easy. By far, it is not. It requires commitment, patience and lots of sacrifice.

One of the aspect I was thinking about being a leader is the power of being there...or showing up.

Be it fellowship, service, prayer meeting, or just hanging out. Showing up can bring huge potential of connecting with others and disciple forming and sharing Christ with one another.

And this is more than just going to church as 'required' or from a purely ritual or habitual basis.

And showing up is costly. In a society where the pace of life is ever becoming faster, time becomes a scarcity.

Perhaps the stake is high simply a test of our faith on relying on Him.

At the end of the service, I am reminded by the joy from serving. To be in the opportunity to witness a lost soul being saved is incredible. And God will go all out at rescuing the lost, the last and the least. Even letting His own Son to die on the cross.....