The church is on a mission - to continue the work of the ministry that the fathers and torchbearers of our faith handed over to us. The Bible tells us how the disciples gave everything even to the point of losing their lives as they committed themselves to establish the gospel and represent Christ to their generation. They had a burden to serve and be loyal to the call Christ had placed on them. There was nothing lukewarm about their dedication and loyalty to their assignment. They were sold out. The same responsibility has been handed over to us to ensure we do not miss out on carrying the baton effectively to hand over to those after us. This is the foundation on which I build my case for all Christians to get plugged in and get involved in your local church and community. I use my life example of serving faithfully under my pastor consistently for the last 25 years from London to Atlanta, to teach on some of the principles of service and loyalty, and the journey that led me to make his call my all. Through my service, and from my unique position and relationship to my pastor, I saw the challenges, the pain, the triumphs and the victories that were strangely intertwined in an intoxicating mixture that pastors experience daily. I also saw how important it is to have people rise up to support their pastors and the vision of their local church. Some of the situations I observed and experienced while serving in our church are used to encourage and help you to get committed to your local church and pastor. When you accepted Christ as your Savior, you signed up to join His army, and to do the work of the ministry from whatever position you occupy. You were not saved to be a consumer but to be a producer - one that bears fruit consistently. Remember that your service is part of an intricate plan of God for the advancement of His Kingdom. You are His partner and you matter So, I ask you - what is God getting out of your life?