"When anyone enters the Church, he does not enter an institution which began yesterday. The Church has centuries of human history behind it and goes back before the eternities in the mind and intention of God. When anyone takes upon himself anything of the preaching, or the teaching, or the serving work of the church, he does not enter on a service which is without traditions; he walks where the saints have trod."
William Barclay in his commentary on Titus 1: 1-4
I'm preparing for our first major launch of Life Groups since I took it over last summer, and I came across this quote while reading about Titus this morning. The simple yet profound truth of this statement is easily forgotten in a world obsessed with looking forward and leaving its past behind as if it never happened.
For many of people, serving at church means they are doing the church a favor but reading about Paul and the way he addresses his "guys" like Titus and Timothy...it's the exact opposite. Serving, teaching and preaching is a privilege and offers you the chance to trod in the same sphere with the saints.
So as I prepare for Life Group leader training...I will not only remind them but also myself afresh the privilege and honor it is to be in God's service. We are involved in something with deep in history and rich in tradition.
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