Focus: On God’s Faithfulness

Some planted. Some watered. God gave the growth.

Scripture Covered: 1 Kings 3:9; 1 Corinthians 3:5–9; Matthew 20:20–28; John 13:1–17

Key Verse: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6

Our story at Quaboag Church has been unfolding for decades. People faithfully planted when this church began more than 35 years ago. Others came behind them and watered what had already been planted. Through changing seasons, leadership transitions, discouragement, COVID, new ministries, baptisms, discipleship, and growth, different people have played different roles.

But Paul reminds us of something we can’t forget: God gives the growth.

Faithfulness in Every Season

There have been seasons at Quaboag when growth was easy to see. Other seasons have required faithfulness to keep planting and watering what God put in front of us.

COVID was one of those seasons. Ministries emptied almost overnight. There were Sundays when our children’s ministry barely had any children. We didn’t know what the future would look like, but we could still be faithful. We could pray, prepare, renovate, rethink ministry, and keep planting.

That same pattern has continued throughout Quaboag’s history. Faithful people have served, prayed, led, taught, sacrificed, and prepared the way for those who would come after them. Some planted. Some watered. God gave the growth.

Jesus Defines Kingdom Leadership

As Quaboag has grown, we’ve focused not just on growth, but on becoming the kind of church Jesus has called us to be.

In Matthew 20, Jesus confronted the disciples’ desire for position and influence by completely redefining greatness:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

Jesus wasn’t consulting on organizational strategy. He is the Savior who came “not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Our service is a response to his sacrifice.

Then, on the night before the cross, Jesus made that teaching visible. In John 13, the Teacher and Lord knelt down and washed his disciples’ feet. Afterward, he told them that he had given them an example to follow. Jesus both taught and modeled that Kingdom leaders use their influence to serve others, not themselves.

That conviction has shaped Quaboag for decades and continues to shape the way we lead today. One of the ways we live it out is by giving ministry away by trusting faithful people to use the role God has given them to serve others.

Leaders Aren’t the Hero

The church in Corinth struggled with attaching too much importance to particular leaders. Some identified with Paul. Others with Apollos. Paul’s answer was to put every human leader back in the proper place:

“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed.”

Each had a role. One planted. Another watered. Their contribution mattered, and Paul even says each would be rewarded for their work. But neither one could create life. Only God does that.

We’re grateful for the founding members who planted and for Dean and Terri and the years they invested here. We’re also grateful for staff, elders, deacons, leaders, and volunteers who continue faithfully planting and watering.

But leaders aren’t the heroes of this story. Jesus is.

Our Story Is Still Being Written

Some of us have been here long enough to see growth in things that were planted years ago. Some of us are watering what someone else planted. Others are newer to Quaboag and are still discovering the role God has for them here. Whatever season you’re in, remember: our responsibility is staying faithful to plant and water. Growth belongs to God.

That’s why celebrating what’s happened at Quaboag isn’t a celebration of Quaboag Church. It is a celebration of God’s faithfulness!

And now we get to ask together: What’s next? Join us next Sunday for that! 

This Week’s Challenge

Take time this week to recognize where you have seen God’s faithfulness and thank Him for the people who planted and watered before you.

Reflect

Where is God asking you to faithfully plant or water while trusting him with the growth?