We've all no doubt heard the saying, "Many hands make light work."  And such is true in the Gospel ministry of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The ministry of the church is not an easily completed task.  Generally, ministry is messy (that's because it's full of people) and is unfinished (that's because God is not finished saving us).  And so ministry, to use another familiar phrase, requires "all hands on deck".  One of the goals of Christ Community Church, stated in our Mission, Vision and Values, is to have a lasting impact on the Kingdom of God by making disciples.  To that end, we need capable Bible teachers to impart what God has been teaching them to others who desire to grow.  We make disciples from the pulpit, when talking of the Word one-on-one with others, and as we raise our little ones in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  God uses each of us to make disciples, however, one of the victory spoils of the cross (Ephesians 4) is the gift of the pastor-teacher to the church.  Ministers are not born, but made!  Much like a medical student needs an internship or a residency for the completion of his studies, ministerial students need on-the-job training for their futures in church ministry.

For some time a young fellow has been asking Bill & Bryan for the chance to work with all of us in ministry, to gain some experience, test his gifts, and to find direction for his future after seminary.  We can certainly use another set of hands around here and it is the church's duty to see her future placed in good hands by training up the next generation of ministers - it would be irresponsible, in fact, to not do so!  Mackay Smith will be coming to us on Saturday, March 13 to begin work with us in an internship agreement that has been worked out and approved by the Session.  He comes from First A.R.P. Church in Gastonia, is an Erskine College graduate, began his seminary studies at Westminster in Philadelphia, and plans to complete his Master of Divinity at Reformed Seminary in Charlotte spring 2011.  Mackay is a fine young man, has excellent potential for great service both at CCC and in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will work with Ashley in our youth program and alongside Bill, Bryan, James and Ken in general pastoral duties.  And he will spend time completing his studies for ministry.

Willis, Morgan, Art, Lou and others have been preparing the 5920 Netfield house for his living quarters.  He will be moving up on Saturday, March 13 and we will introduce him the next day in worship.  Mandy Crotts is preparing a gift basket for him - see her if you would like to offer a gift certificate to a place of local interest - coffee, burgers, groceries, Wal-Mart and the like.  Let's together look forward to his coming and watching a young man grow in his preparation for Gospel ministry.