When I first walked into a church at 20 years of age, I was a rookie when it came to church involvement. I had no experience at attending a church, nevermind being involved in one. But as I attended each week, and eventually made my commitment to Jesus, I began to realize something. God was accomplishing amazing things through regular Christian people that were simply willing to use the giftings that God gave them. I'll repeat that line for emphasis: God was accomplishing amazing things through regular Christian people that were simply willing to use the giftings that God gave them.

So many amazing things happened as I first attended that church. I heard some life-changing messages from the pastor, and could hardly wait to enjoy the worship time each week. On top of that, it was the relationships with people that gave me a place to ask questions, and give input. My small group was a huge part of my first year as a Christian. But I realized later that none of those things could have happened without people using their God-given gifts. If the people at that church would have stayed "on the sidelines" instead of getting "into the game" I may never have gone back a second time.

Can everyone be a speaker at church? No, but some can. Can everyone play an instrument at church? No, but some can. Can everyone help set up chairs at the church? No, but some can. The important thing to note is that every one can do something. God has created each of us in different ways, but it's up to us to get involved and to use those gifts.

If you were to walk into our church (SouthSide) on a Sunday morning, and attend the service, you would notice a few people. Jim & Sharon Gaetz would be speaking, the worship team would be leading worship, and one of the other pastors would do some announcements along the way. What you wouldn't see are all of the other people using their unique gifts to be a part of what goes on. Consider that each Sunday there are people who: set up chairs, set up the stage, set up sound equipment, set up video equipment, set up our computer, make coffee, hand out bulletins, attend the info booth, usher people to their seats, set up and run the nursery, set up Kids Church classrooms, teach Kids Church lessons, prepare and give sermons, prepare and give announcements, make library selections available, take the offering, and that doesn't even begin to mention taking down things after church, or cleaning up.

Wow! It takes a lot of people to make things happen. And yet sometimes I see people just sit on the bench. God has given you particular giftings and abilities, and chances are at SouthSide (or whatever church you may attend) there's a place for you to get involved. My challenge for you this week is to "get into the game" and start using the gifts that God gave you. You might be amazed at what happens.

Cam Hall oversees multimedia at SouthSide Church and is a regular contributor to this website.