This post requires full and open disclosure. I have no aptitude for things mechanical. None. Changing light bulbs causes my blood pressure to rise. I have to schedule an entire time block if a chore requires unscrewing bolts. I made this abundantly clear to the "Loving in Actions and in Truth" ministry from St. John's Lutheran Church in Marysville OH before recently accompanying them to work with Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

All told about 25 people worked repairing and winterizing three houses and preparing Thanksgiving baskets over a three day period. Desiring to minimize the risk to all involved I only worked on Saturday. Our eldest son Barrett (pictured) went along to sweat and serve as well. While the best news is that the work got done and was done well. The "next best" news is I did not destroy anything that I wasn't supposed to wreck.

Three observations from the experience:

<>< The work trip served as a strong reminder of the importance of getting out of our comfort zones from time to time in the name of Christ. The illusion of being self supportive dissolves when we are confronted with demands that we are not equipped to meet. It is wise for churches to include such opportunities as part of the discipleship opportunities for members. God can use them to develop the faith of participants (James 1:2-4, Luke 10:1-20).

<>< Servant events are a great way to connect unchurched people to Christ. To my knowledge only members of the church attended this event. However I know that other work trips from this church have included non members and non Christians. I definitely know people who will not darken the door of a church but would jump on the chance to use their talent and skills to serve people who are less fortunate. Such events become bridges for these same people to move into a more active spiritual life in a church.

<>< I've decided we can not over emphasize the importance of continually developing relationships in churches. In Southeast Ohio members who had literally never met before ended up spending four or more hours together traveling to and from the work sites. People who had little connection with each other were lifting sheet rock, hanging windows or repairing pipes together. New relationships between new people and members are vital for the growth of a church. New relationships between members are vital for the health of a congregation.