33 years old!

Today is my wife's birthday. Most people would not guess it by looking at her....but she turns 33 today. Kelly was 23 when we moved to North Carolina to start CSF and had just turned 24 when we went public and launched our Sunday services. She has been a faithful servant in our Kid's ministry since day one AND still leads and oversees the 4-year-old class for all three services, while normally only needing to actually be in there for the 10:30 service.

Almost weekly I will have someone tell me they have no idea who my wife is and that they have always wondered why she is not more visible. I tell them that Kelly uses her gifts and passions to serve CSF in the way that God has wired her up. She does not want, need, nor seek the spotlight. She does not lead women's groups or have her own public ministry. She does not BLOG, write books or do anything that would allow anyone to know who she is...unless you have a 4 year-old. To the many people who know her in the 4-year-old class, she is "Mrs. Kelly" and most have no idea that she is the "pastor's wife."

She likes it that way. That is who God created her to be. She loves serving in our Kid's ministry and being with other people who have the same passion. She loves being a stay at home mom, volunteering at school, raising our kids and the like. That is who she is.....that is who God made her to be!

My wife is awesome at what she does. Moreover, she allows me to do and be who God created me to be. It has taken a a few years...but we have figured this marriage and ministry thing out and work well as a Team.

I wanted to share this with you as a perfect example of what the Bible is teaching today in our daily reading. The local church is one Body...made up of many parts. For the church to function at it's highest potential and impact capacity; every person must know the role they play in the body......and then play it. Not everyone can be a leader, teacher, care-giver, counselor, singer, musician, painter, serve kids, serve teenagers, serve men, serve women, do sports, etc. However, different people can do what they have been gifted to do and be who God created them to be.

A huge part of our Expand Adventure is that we want to get everyone playing their role in our local body. We want each person to Expand their personal Influence in their world through the local church. This does not happen when a large part of "The Body" or "The Team" only come on Sunday and sit, observe, clap and then leave for the week.

I love CSF and the way everyone like me, my wife and many more know their role, play their role and help us change our world. Read 1 Corinthians chapter 12 and ask God how it is that you can start Expanding Your Influence as a Team player.

These are exciting days at CSF as we Expand our Faith, our Influence and our Fellowship.