When it comes to serving in the church, I've also had trouble finding my slot. Since I'd be a bit like Barnie Fife singing in the choir and just can't bring myself to volunteer to work the nursery or children's church, I've struggled to find a place to serve.
Enter Financial Peace University.
Our church is starting classes in February. I mentioned to Jay that I might attend them. "You already know everything they are going to say."
When I suggested that maybe I could help with the class, instead of being a participant, he said I was just being conceited thinking I could offer anything of value to the class.
I decided to suck it up and talk to the person coordinating the class after church. "I don't mean this conceited, but I've been through FPU. I listen to him on the radio daily. If you need any help, please let me know what I can do."
I was thinking that he might ask me to give my FPU story to the class for inspiration. Maybe be a mentor to a younger person in the class or something.
Instead, straight out of the gate, he socked it to me. "Well it would be great if you could speak before the church next Sunday about the affect FPU has had on your life."
The whole church?
All 250 of them?
Not just the 15 or 20 in the class?
*Big Sigh*
Then the conversation with Jay afterward. "I thought women weren't supposed to speak in church." Well its not really the service but before. Then again, you could always speak for our family. "No way. Why don't you just tell him that you don't wanna do it." Right, I've finally found a way to do something in the church I'm passionate about. I offer my services, then say "no" at the first thing I'm asked to do? I don't think so.
I've got a week to come up with a few minutes of motivational testimony to inspire people. This is life changing material.
Please pray that I don't ramble!!!
YOU CAN DO THIS! THIS IS YOU!!! I have every faith in you!!
ReplyDeleteYou're going to be so awesome at this, Brooke! I'll be praying for you, though, because I know it'll be scary. But YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! =D And you will be AWESOME at it and will offer such great, REAL-LIFE advice for people.
ReplyDeleteI think this is awesome and something you are more than capable of doing. Way to go! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! You will be great!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it!! You're doing such a great job ~ just speak your heart!! I'm sure the congregation will see how much FPU has helped you, and they'll know that THEY can do it, too!
ReplyDeletejust pray about it and He will give you the right words! that is so amazing that you get to do this, it is an honor! i will be praying for you too!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to do great. You know so much about FPU you will blow everyone away. I know you will.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I will repeat what everyone else has said. You'll do great.
ReplyDeleteBut I have a question for you because it peaked my curiosity. Women aren't supposed to speak during a service? The feminist in me cringed at that. Can I ask why this is a "policy" (for lack of a better word)?
YOu can do it Brooke!!!! And I bet you will blow it out of the water.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Kirsten- why can't women speak at church? Just wondering, that's all : ).
Wow, Brooke! What a great opportunity to share your knowledge and passion in a way that could make a difference for people. Looks like a Certain Someone really grabbed on to your humble offer to serve. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't see why thinking you could have something to contribute to the class would be considered "conceited." Maybe I'm off base here, but Jay's comments puzzled me and sounded kind of not typical of how you describe him - is there something about your wanting to do this that makes him feel uncomfortable? I'm not saying you should NOT do it - heck, you're the best person I can think of to share something like this - but maybe find out what about it makes him uncomfortable, and address that. (Somehow, I don't think it's your church's interpretation of the "let your women keep silent in the churches" Bible passage that is the issue with him.)
So...maybe follow up with the coordinator and find out about how long he would like you to speak, and ask if you can rehearse it over the phone ahead of time to make sure it works? I think if you prepare an outline on some note cards (and take them with you in case you get nervous) and practice, that will help a lot of with avoiding the urge to ramble, if that's something that worries you. I know you'll do great!!!
that's awesome! what a blessing you'll be to the congregation :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome opportunity! If it were me, I would write a blog that says what you want to say since you are comfortable with that process... make some notes from it and speak from the heart! Whether or not you publish the blog is up to you! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with everyone else... you can and should do this!!
ReplyDeleteYou have a gift with writing words - so I agree that writing them down first would be a big help.
I have to say, I also cringed at the "women can't speak in church" comment.... is that really how it is in your church? I didn't think there was any churches like that anymore.
See, and this is totally not fair of me to say, but I have to say it anyway - the "women shouldn't speak in church" mentality is exactly what keeps me away from church. The God I believe in didn't give me a brain so that I could sit on my hands and tape my mouth shut when people need help. And I don't believe He did you, either, which is exactly why I think you should do this.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't think it's ever conceited to think you can help someone. Has there ever been a time in your life where you said, "Man, if one more person tries to pitch in and help I'm going to scream?" Because I haven't - I can always find something for willing hands and a willing heart to do!
It is ultimately your decision. But I think you have a message that might really help some folks who are struggling, financially. And I hope you decide to share it.
that is so cool!!! you are going to do great. Just speak truth, and speak from the heart. You can do it!!!
ReplyDeleteYou'll do great! This is perfect for you - you really have something to offer everyone there.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you on Sunday,for no nervousness!
You'll do GREAT!!! Brent and I had to give a testimony about tithing in front of the church and I was terrified!
ReplyDeleteYou will do AMAZING!! You have already done amazingly at this and talking about something you know a lot about and are passionate about is easy peasy! YOU'RE GONNA DO GREAT!!! Just think of it as sharing your wisdom to get everyone on the same path you are!
ReplyDelete