News From Immanuel

What's In It For Me?

What’s in it for me? That is a question many of us are quick to ask when approached about volunteering for something. No harm is meant in the question but it shows how far away we are from where we need to be. I will admit, when I was asked to serve Trinity as vacancy pastor, I asked that very question, “What’s in it for John Wilke?” If I am going to give of my time, the church’s time, and my family’s time, then what am I going to get out of it?

I have been pleasantly surprised by what I have received. I have made new friends; I have been able to share the gospel and bad jokes with a new group of Lutherans. I have learned new ways to do things and I have had the joy of celebrating the Lord’s Supper with a new congregation. I have surely received more than I have given.

The best part is that even if I received nothing, the Kingdom of God is being blessed as the Word continues to be proclaimed and the Sacraments administered at Trinity Lutheran Church. And on August 9th, our Broken Arrow community is going to find out “what’s in it for them.” Our Immanuel youth under the guidance of Carrie Ann Swaim will be leading VBS at Trinity (August 9-11). What a blessing and joy this is for me to see our youth serving another local Lutheran congregation, but even more, what a joy and blessing this will be for our BA community and the members of Trinity. Because of this vacancy, Immanuel will now have a second VBS and a larger impact on the very city we call home.

What’s in it for me? That really doesn’t matter, does it? The real question is, “What’s in it for the Kingdom of God?”