Last Sunday night I was sitting at Chili’s opposite a precious pastor and his wife.  We sat eating, laughing, and being constantly entertained by three well behaved children at the far end of the table.

And then the question came…”Andrea, what do you feel like your calling is in the ministry?”

I have been asked that numerous times.  I have even questioned myself with that very thought during my own prayer time.  I have always answered the question with something like, “to see God’s people free in worship” or “to lead people into the presence of their Savior”.

But this time the answer came out so quickly, that I didn’t have time to reconsider it.  In a plain and assured voice i exclaimed,”I am an encourager.  I love to see people excel to their greatest potential in the gifts God has given them.”

I realized the place God has brought me in the past few months.  Having been a Music Pastor for the past 10 years, I didn’t realize how much my identity has been wrapped up in a Sunday morning experience.  But that has changed…

I realized that a stage is not the main place for true ministry.

And this verse came to me…

Romans 12:10 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

No competition for the larger church, or ministry.  No jealousy over the success of others.  But a true delight in watching others blossom and grow in the gifts our Creator has given!  That’s my prayer today.  That we can rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.