What Remains to Be Done

To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share… I left you behind in Crete for this reason, so that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. – Titus 1:4a & 5 (NRSV)

As Paul traveled from city to city, planting churches, he could not do the work alone. He needed trusted collaborators, like Titus, who he left behind to organize the leadership of a new faith community. Hearts and minds have been touched by Paul’s preaching and teaching, and hope in Christ has been shared. Now it’s time for logistics.

We’re all called into ministry of some kind, to use the gifts God has given us. After more than a year in pandemic mode, we have learned to count on the people who excel at “put(ting) in order what remains to be done.” Whether they offered medical expertise, recruited readers and singers for online worship, compiled and edited videos, devised phone lists for keeping in touch, or wiped down pews between services, our communities of faith have depended on the people who can perceive what’s needed and know how to make it happen.

In other seasons of the church’s life they serve on search committees, or organize mission studies, or make sure the Sunday School doesn’t run out of crayons. They put their gifts and skills to work for the good of the whole when the idea people have moved on to the next project. We rely on their spreadsheets and phone trees and care for others.

We rely on them just as Paul relied on Titus.

Prayer
Holy God, we thank you for the people who make needed things happen. Help us to find our place and use our gifts to serve you. Amen.

About the Author
Martha Spong is a UCC pastor, a clergy coach, and editor of The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle, new from The Pilgrim Press.