The Way God Made Us Suggests People Be Actively Engaged

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The Way God Made Us as physical beings.
When we truly believe the creation account in Genesis, particularly the way God made people, we begin to realize it should make a difference in how we do ministry. In this post we want to acknowledge that God made us as physical beings which means we need to get people involved in the process.

God Made People to Process Life as Physical Beings So They Need to be Actively Engaged

God made us with flesh and bone (Gen. 2:23) that engages with and is responsive to its surroundings.

With our eyes we see the beauty of the heavens and earth. With our ears we listen to the sounds made by that which has been created. With our nose we smell the aromas of what surrounds us. With our hands we feel the various textures of the world around us. And, with our mouths we taste the provisions of God’s creation. As we use our senses, we experience and learn.

Implications: Let’s not solely or primarily rely on the auditory sense, whether engaging people in settings like the classroom or the worship service. At minimal we can use visuals along with verbal communication. The more senses we engage, the better.

Also Read: Engage the Senses as Much as Possible

God created us as physical beings, with bodies designed to move.

From what we can gather, God initially used to walk in the Garden with Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:8). They didn’t just sit there doing nothing but rather were put in that garden to “work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). They were made to be physically active.

Implications: Let’s not expect people to sit still and merely listen for long periods of time. Children especially, but even adults, need to be active. Henrietta Mears, founder of Gospel Light, said “God put the wiggle in children. Don’t you dare try to take it out.” We might have to get a little more creative with ways of getting adults standing or moving about, but even adults shouldn’t merely sit passively. All ages need to be engaged, involved physically, not just mentally.

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Ministry Efforts Done From the Heart?

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Ministry Efforts from the Heart, Whatever You Do
We’ve previously considered how we’re to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col. 3:17) and all for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). And, now we reflect on how we’re to do all we do from the heart (Col. 3:23). Though the NIV translates it “with all of your heart” that is by implication. The word for “all” isn’t in the original language but rather “ek psyche” literally meaning “from the soul” often rendered heart. Some translations word it as we’re to work heartily.

What Happens When We Do Ministry Efforts from the Heart

Ministry that comes from the heart rather than out of duty or a need to outwardly conform or please others tends to bear these qualities:

1) authenticity

When we do something from the heart, we mean it. Hence, ministry becomes authentic. We genuinely want to help people because we care. We truly want to glorify God by what we do because we love Him with all of our heart.

2) consistency

When we serve from the heart, we have a sense of accountability whether or not someone is watching for we’re doing what we do “as for the Lord and not for people” (Col. 3:23, NASB) … not for a pastor, ministry leader, or any other member of the Body. Consequently we consistently give it our all.

3) persistence

When it’s a heart issue, it isn’t dependent on outward reward which is good because we don’t always see the results of our labor. The next verse (Col. 3:24) let’s us know that there will be reward but it won’t necessarily be the applause of people and it won’t always come right away. And so, we don’t “become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9).

It Matters Because God Looks at the Heart

Since ministry done from the heart results in authenticity, consistency, and persistence, is it any wonder God “looks at the heart” in choosing people to serve? — “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7)

Serving from our heart stems from loving Him “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” which Jesus identified as the Greatest Commandment (Matt. 22:37-38). His top priority isn’t just that we “do” ministry but that we do it from a heart of love.

Motives and heart attitudes matter to God, not mere external conformity or obedience. Though we might think we’re doing all the right stuff, God may not find pleasure in it. We may not be doing it for the right reasons. We may be inwardly grumbling and have a bad attitude. — “A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Prov. 21:2)

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Ministry Endeavors All to the Glory of God?

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All for the Glory of God
Scripture guides us in our ministry endeavors. Two verses in particular, when followed, will keep our ministries on track. Colossians 3:17 exhorts us to do whatever we do in the name of the Lord Jesus, the topic of a previous post. Here we’ll look at doing whatever we do “all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Questions to Ask to Determine if Our Ministry Endeavors Are All Done to the Glory of God

When we look at some specific Scripture passages that deal with how glory can be brought to God, we can learn how to engage in ministry in ways that glorify Him. While it would be easy to respond positively because that’s our desire, we need a reality check because it’s so easy for us to digress.

1) Are we relying on God and His power to be at work in us to accomplish what we do?

“. . . and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess. 1:11-12)

Be real: Sometimes we just want to get things checked off of our “to do” list. If we don’t rely on Him, it will be so easy to fall back on self-determination and self-effort … and that is not for the glory of God.

2) Are we holding on to the promises of God?

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 1:20)

Be real: There are many voices clamoring for us to doubt or water down what we believe. If we don’t stand firm on God’s Word, without wavering, it will be so easy for us to compromise and miss out on God’s true blessings … and that is not to the glory of God.

3) Are we authentic and holding ourselves accountable in what we do?

“Then Joshua said to Achan, ‘My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.'” (Josh. 7:19)

Be real: There will be times that we err. If we don’t commit to doing ministry with honesty and integrity, it will be so easy to cover up or justify when we have done something wrong … and that is not for the glory of God.

4) Are we keeping our attitudes in check, being grateful to God even when adversity or opposition comes in what we do?

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” (Ps. 69:30)

Be real: Things will not always go as we plan. If we don’t learn to be thankful and content in all circumstances, it will be so easy to complain and grumble … and that is not for the glory of God.

5) Are we exercising discernment so we choose what is the best and most righteous way to do what we do?

“… that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:9-11)

Be real: We’re often faced with many good options. If we don’t stop and pray and think through what God would have us do, it will be so easy to take short cuts or settle for second best out of convenience … and that is not to the glory of God.

6) Are we doing what we do so His grace is “reaching more and more people”?

“… so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 4:15)

Be real: Distractions abound in ministry. If we don’t guard and maintain this as an objective, it will be so easy to become ingrown … and that is not for the glory of God.

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Ministry Methodology All in the Name of the Lord?

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Ministry Methodology All in the Name of the Lord Jesus
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)

When we serve “in the name of the Lord Jesus” we not only have His power and authority for ministry but also an example to follow. We have a Standard for ALL we do which means ministry methodology conforms to Him, not to the ways of the world or what’s comfortable for us.

Ways Doing All in Jesus’ Name Affects Ministry Methodology

1) We focus on what is most important.

Jesus taught about love being the Greatest Commandments but He also consistently focused on serving people out of love, not controlling or manipulating them by what He did.

Lessons for us:

  • Do keep love a top priority. Methods are important but they are not most important. Jesus said that everything, even the law and prophets, should be wrapped up in loving God and loving people (Matt. 22:36-40).
  • Don’t let methods divide.

2) We’re purposeful in what we do.

Jesus lived so that people would better understand and know the Father. He knew when it was time to make changes to better fulfill that purpose (Mk. 1:35-39).

Lessons for us:

  • Do showcase the Lord and His love in all you do.
  • Don’t let the method become more important than the Message.

3) We’re other-centered in what we do.

Jesus excelled at meeting people where they were. He knew people were at different places developmentally and spiritually and responded accordingly.

Lessons for us:

  • Do remember that not everybody is like you! People think and learn differently from one another.
  • Don’t do something a certain way just because it is comfortable or convenient for you.

4) We use variety.

Jesus used different means of healing, teaching, discipling, and relating with people throughout His ministry. He did not always heal the same way. He did not always teach the same way.

Lessons for us:

  • Do employ some creativity in ministry. There are often many ways to accomplish the same objective.
  • Don’t get stuck in a rut.

Let’s not get so caught up in our methodology that we feel we can’t change even when the method no longer works effectively. Let’s trust God to be at work in and through us rather than rely on methodology. That will happen when we do whatever we do in the name of the Lord Jesus.

More for Church Leaders: Church’s Power – The Name of the Lord

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Internal Blessings in Serving

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When asked about the effects of ministry on the one serving, my first inclination is to make it clear that our primary focus in serving should be on what we give rather than what we get. Even Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings, came to serve and not be served (Matt. 20:28; Phil. 2:5-8). Yet, God’s Word does refer to honor from the Father (Jn. 12:26) and rewards for what we do (Matt. 10:42; 19:29; Lk. 6:38; Col. 3:23-24). While we might not receive our “crowns” for what we do until later, we certainly can experience internal blessings in serving right now.

Experience Internal Blessings in Serving Right Now

Many byproducts, or blessings, come from serving when we serve for the right reasons and from an undivided heart devoted to the Lord. The transformation that happens inside surpasses any tangible reward we might receive. Reflect on these examples:

>>When we see His power at work through us, it builds a confidence in us. We find ourselves then doing things we would never have imagined ourselves doing — not because of our own abilities but because of God’s “power that is at work within us” doing “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20).

>>When we realize we have made an eternal difference because of serving, we have a renewed sense of purpose in life. This can bring a joy and passion to life we might not otherwise experience. — “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Rom. 12:11)

>>When we know we have been faithful stewards of what He has given us through serving in the strength He provides, we can be at peace within ourselves knowing all is well and so we find ourselves “content whatever the circumstances” (Phil. 4:11-13).

>>When we sense the presence of the Lord, serving in ways that acknowledge our inability to anything of eternal value apart from Him (Jn. 15:5), we’re able to lay aside our fears and insecurities. We can instead “be strong and courageous … not be afraid .. not be discouraged” knowing that the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go (Josh. 1:9).

>>When we experience God taking care of our needs as we serve, seeking His kingdom and righteousness (Matt. 6:33; Phil. 4:19), we gain a greater appreciation for God’s faithfulness which propels us to keep going even when we don’t see results we might have hoped. We will persevere and not get discouraged because we believe that “He will not forget” (Heb. 6:10). We will “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9). Because of His faithfulness, we’re able to give ourselves “fully to the work of the Lord” because we know that our “labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).

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First Steps to Change

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Churches have had to implement change in many ways to stay effective, especially in recent years. How will we help people see where the church is going and their part in that process? Before trying to implement change, especially that which affects the church’s culture or DNA, we need to follow some important first steps to change.

Three Important First Steps to Change

If we’re going to effectively implement change, we can’t rush into it without doing these three steps:

  • Make Sure to Lay the Groundwork

To come onboard, people need to understand not just what changes must be made but why change is necessary. Simply telling them changes we’ve decided on will give them little incentive to do their part. When they are involved early on in the decision-making process, they’ll tend to have more of a sense of ownership of the changes needed and hence be more involved in getting there. We need to patiently lay some groundwork, asking ourselves questions like:

  • What do people need to understand in order to come onboard?
  • What means can we use to help them gain that understanding?
  • How can we consistently communicate that understanding?
  • Make Sure Leadership is Onboard

We will lay groundwork through teaching but that needs to be reinforced by the example of leadership. People must see a consistency between what we communicate formally and what they observe informally. Let’s first get leadership in the church on the same page and then move out to getting the rest of the Body onboard.

  • Make Sure to Get on Page with God

All of this needs to be enveloped in prayer. Undoubtedly heart change must happen, not just behavioral conformity. That requires divine power. If we fail to get beyond behavioral conformity, we probably won’t experience lasting change.

  • Pray in the planning stage.
  • Pray while laying the groundwork.
  • Pray in the implementation stage.
  • Pray when evaluating results.

First Things First Before Implementing Change

Too often we skip these first steps. Then we wonder why change is so difficult or why it doesn’t last or make a real difference. The third step listed above should actually be the first step in the process and infiltrate the other steps. — We need to be on page with God.

First Steps to Change Include Following the Chief Shepherd, Head of the CHurchChanges we make in the church must be more than the idea of an individual leader or leadership team. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) so we follow Him. We, as the entire Body of Christ, need to be following the direction of the Head of the Church.

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Eph. 1:22-23)

… Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. (Eph. 5:23)

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. (Col. 1:18)

So, first things first. Get on page with God, make sure leadership is onboard, and be sure to lay the groundwork with the rest of the Body. Then it will be time to start implementing change.

Also Check Out: Church Leaders & Change Management

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