If I had to state a top priority for equipping people for ministry, it would be that of helping them line up with God. It is so easy to let circumstances, personality bents, and what has been modeled for us dictate what we do.
We need to remember God’s words in Isaiah 55:8-9 –
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
After reading verses like that, it seems a little silly not to line up with Him, doesn’t it? His ways are so much better than ours!
Therein you will find your best fit in ministry. You need to learn what your ministry profile is and believe God will use you as you serve within His design. Let’s not let our ignorance or insecurities dictate what we do.
Article: Tools for Developing Personalized Ministry Profiles
Resource: Finding Your Best Fit in Ministry
Therein you will find your standard for all you do in ministry. The Bible is the grid for decisions we make, the goals we set, and the process to accomplish those goals. Let’s not let our personalities or schedules dictate what we do.
Article: If the Bible is God’s Word, Then What?
Resource for Teachers: Line Up Your Bible Lesson Preparation with the Word of God
Therein you will find your purpose and motivation for serving. God’s heart is moved by love and compassion. Let’s not let our own convenience and comfort levels dictate what we do.
Article: Living Life with Purpose is a Process with Great Potential
Resource: Living Life with Purpose Adult Curriculum
Therein you will find your example and help in the ethical dilemmas of ministry. What we do should never contradict who He is. Let’s not let our own will and limited resources dictate what we do.
Article: How will Studying the Character of God Help My Ministry?
Resource: The Ministry Workers Devotional: A Mighty Fortress is Our God
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love it–especially numbers 3 & 4!!!
As for God’s Word, it says in Psalm 25 to ask God what He wants us to follow. In verse 8 it says he Lord is good and glad to teach the proper path to all who go astray! So we don’t have to worry about God helping us! He will teach the ways that are right and best to those who humble and turn to Him! As for integrity issues Proverbs 11 starting at verse 3 says that a good man is guided by their honesty; the wicked are destroyed by dishonesty! A good man’s honesty delivers Him!! And in Galations 5:16 it tells us to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell You where to go and what to do, and then You won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to! And 1 Cor. 13 gives the charateristics of love. Without love we can’t do anything! Love is patient, kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out! There are many things love does for us as Christians in our walk with Jesus!! God Bless You, whoever you are! Leonard!