Sweet Spot

On a baseball bat there’s a place that hitters call the “sweet spot.” When the ball hits the bat in the sweet spot, the hitter knows it—he feels it. The ball jumps off the bat in an incredible way. Every hitter wants to find that spot on his bat on every swing.

Five o’clock in the morning comes to me like a brick in the head every Tuesday morning. It has for over 10 years. But, every Tuesday morning as I roll out of bed, I remind myself that one of my sweet spots in ministry begins at 6 a.m. A couple dozen guys will be starting their day at a men’s Bible study. There, I get to share the good news of God’s Word with eager men who want to learn. The pain of awaking from a sound sleep quickly dissipates as my mind focuses on the opportunity at hand.

I’ve come to realize that serving in my sweet spot is filled with joy and fulfillment. It’s a wonderful thing to know how God has uniquely designed me to serve his Kingdom. I’ve come to learn that God created me to disciple and encourage others to grow in their relationship with God. I take incredible joy in seeing someone with their Bible open discussing what they are learning about the God of the universe, and how their live is changing because of what they understand. I’m a small group leader and I love it! I’m a “discipler” and I love it! But, I have not always known it. It took time to figure it out.

When my wife and I began attending Ada Bible Church in the late 80s, we quickly jumped in wanting to be involved. Both Janice and I had grown up in solid churches and we understood that churches like ABC need willing and active young couples to be involved and to serve. So, we did. And, we tried a bunch of things. Some of the things I tried actually make me laugh as I think about them today. I led a mid-week kids’ program that grew to ten kids (nine after Jenny broke her arm playing red rover). I awkwardly led singing during a Sunday night service for a time. I ran sound and lights in the sound booth. I served as a deacon doing grounds maintenance, budgets, and benevolence care. All of those things were good… for a time. None were a disaster or a poor experience; they just weren’t my sweet spot.

But in the early 90s, ABC began small groups. They wanted people in the congregation to be able to meet with others during the week for prayer, Bible study, care, and friendship. As soon as I heard that idea, I knew I needed to give small group leadership a try. It didn’t take long for me to realize that God had uniquely wired me to shepherd people in the context of loving community. I learned that one of the best ways for me to use my time, personality, and giftedness was through long-term relational investment centered on Christ and God’s Word. Next year, will be my 20th year of leading a small group at ABC. It’s become my life to help others find their place of meaningful community at ABC. I’m in my sweet spot.

When Paul wrote his final letter, he had his young friend, Timothy, in mind. Before Paul died, he wanted his protégé to be encouraged to pursue the very best. He wanted Timothy in his sweet spot.

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 2 Timothy 2.20-21

What’s your sweet spot in ministry? How has God uniquely designed you to serve his Kingdom? Are you ready for the Master to use you for every good work? Jump in. Find your place and serve with passion.