The working ones in the church are an important age group in the church life. For most practical purposes, this age group ranges from the early 20's to the early 40's. Many changes and events occur during this period of time in a person's life, such as graduation from college or university, obtaining the first job, buying the first personally owned car, moving out of parents' home, launching a career, getting married, buying the first home, having children, raising a family, completing a higher degree in education, getting a job promotion, becoming a manager or executive, owning a business, and many more, though not necessarily in the order mentioned.
The working ones can be a scattered list of individuals doing their own thing and occupied with many responsibilities in the world. Or, they can be a coordinated group of vital people, motivated by a vision and perfected in life, truth, and character to make a difference in the present generation. From among them will emerge the future leaders in their fields of study, in their profession, and in society. Unless they are gained for the Lord at this stage of their life, they may never become useful in God's economy. This is the reason for gathering the working ones, or career people, at a convenient time for them to "flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Tim. 2:22)
By coming together in a relaxed environment, having dinner usually once a month and a fellowship time every Friday evening, they can meet and get to know other brothers, sisters, and friends of about the same age. Instead of calling this a meeting, we say fellowship, which is indeed a mutual flow and joint participation in the things that are spiritually profitable, through sharing from the Bible and caring through prayer and life support. We invite all who are in this age group to come, as well as bring their friends, colleagues, and neighbors to enjoy Christ in songs, in words, in spirit, and in truth.
We hope that through proper communication and wholesome interaction, a positive connection can be established among the career people, with a view towards perfecting marriageable couples for the Lord's interest and the church's propagation in life and in number. A brother or sister who is ready to take the step towards finding a spouse will be blessed in this process by bringing this matter up in fellowship with the elders as soon as a prospect begins to show healthy signs of blossoming into a mature relationship.
For the married ones in this age group, we hope they can be further perfected in life, function, and service as a pattern to the singles. Many good lessons regarding couples, families, and children can be learned at this stage, and will serve as valuable guides to the new couples and the single brothers and sisters. The church can become spiritually, emotionally, and mentally stronger when this age group, the backbone, the joints, and the key components of the church life, are healthy in all the aspects of their personal, marriage, family, and corporate life.
A meeting on Oct. 07, 2011
