MULTIPLE USAGE - more than "2 birds with one stone"

When talking about multiusage somehow most people think of simply versatility of having the same room used by different groups, or purchasing something that would be shared and used by many. This principle goes much deeper.
I am writing this from Atlanta, GA where we are attending the United Youth Congress. In my mind and spirit I am with my church, thinking about our growing together. I have been unapologetic about implementing the change, and talking about Church Health, for it is my passion to see a healthy growing church! Church where lives of people are interconnected INTERDEPENDENTLY! Church where people are not just added by pastor whose job description is “go get them!” but where people MULTIPLY the church by bringing their friends, family and introducing all within their circle of influence and beyond to the Saving Grace of Jesus.
Coming to a new city there is nothing more frustrating than “one-way” streets – makes you go in circles to get to the place you need to. Ignoring the principle of “multiple usage” is just that – one-way street:

• in evangelism – investing money and training US to win THEM, preparing programs and events that serve;
  
• in ministry – investing time counseling, preaching to, advising, ministering
  
• in leadership – teaching principles, classes, seminars, training about it…..
  

Do you see anything wrong with this pattern? Energy, resources and time you invest - do they return any benefit? Or it’s all “one way street”?
One-way street is simply consumerism: some produce – others consume. Yet, in a market world even consumerism goes both ways: some get the product – others get paid for it. In the natural world this principle could be summed-up as “recycling” – tree leaves produce nutrients for roots, which give sap for more leaves eventually; water that evaporates – rains down….and you can think of many other examples. Bottom line is this: if a source gives, and gives, and keeps on giving, but never receives eventually it will go out.
Apostle Paul make a powerful illustration: God gives, yet when His giving gives no results, like a dry ground that gets water & produce thistles – it gets burned up! (Hebrews 6:4-8). Have you though of that: even God’s giving anticipates the Kingdom Growth…
Now think of us – the church family:
- Are we “one-way” street?
- Do people we serve to serve us back in some way?
- Do we expect them to “play it forward”?
- How will the energy invested be replenished?
- Do we allow recipients of our service to serve others too?
- Do we allow “leaders-in-training” to try “hands on” what they learn?
- Do we expect those we minister to – to minister to us?
- Would we allow all to be useful?
Think about it, and let God set in motion what He has already naturally put in us.