We have many strategies and objectives for ministry but some things matter more than others.
In God’s Book, These 5 Things Matter More Than Other Things
Let’s look to God for what matters most in ministry. According to His Word, these five things should matter more to us than other things.
1) WHO we present matters more than how we present Him.
When HE is the main attraction we tend to use methodology that glorifies God and draws attention to Him more than to ourselves. We view technology and methodology as merely tools for connecting people with the Lord.
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)
These (religious festivals, the Sabbath, etc.) are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (Col. 2:17)
2) Being matters more than doing.
When we are who we should be, we will tend to do what we should do. If the heart is what it should be, proper actions will follow.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Prov. 4:23)
As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. (Prov. 27:19)
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Lk. 6:45)
3) Heart transformation matters more than mere obedience.
When we change from the inside out, we see obedience as more of a delight than a duty. People can outwardly conform and look the part but their motivations can be all wrong which does not please the Lord.
A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart. (Prov. 21:2)
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)
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 Jn. 5:3-4)
4) People matter more than programs.
When we make people a priority we tend to be more flexible and accommodating with our programs but when programming matters more, we tend to be less adapting to the needs of people. When we fail to meet needs, our programs are no longer ministering.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ (Matt. 9:13)
‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ … And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matt. 22:36-40)
5) Purposeful participation matters more than mere attendance.
When we care about more than numbers, we want people to go away changed which does not happen through passivity or meaningless activity. The more we structure for purposeful participation, the more likely people will be to apply what they learn.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24)
I have been gaining a lot from this ministry. May the Lord uphold you.
Praise God He is using this ministry in your life!
I attend a church where the preaching is very bible-based but the people seem aloof and they only communicate with the people they know. I am a new member there and feel lonely.
Hello, Nick. I’m glad you were able to find a Church with Bible-based preaching. That is very important. Sadly, your experience there is not all that uncommon. While the Church is the pillar of truth in this world (1 Tim. 3:15), it is also to be a dispenser of God’s grace and love expressed through caring relationships with one another. We find much teaching in God’s Word about Body Life. To truly be Bible-based, churches need an environment of both grace and truth.
Possibly the people at the Church you’re a member of may believe they are a friendly church … because they’re friendly with one another. Becoming a part of churches like that often depends on the outsider taking the first steps, getting involved (i.e., in a small group, Sunday School class, etc.), etc. Not everybody has the type of personality or drive to initiate what it takes to do this. So, what do you do? Pray and pray some more. Perhaps talking with leadership about your observations could be helpful. But, depending on their reaction, it could leave you feeling emptier. Yet, God may use you to bring some awareness they might not be recognizing. If being the one to initiate relationship is intimidating, start small, with what you are comfortable, to get to know at least some of the people.
No Church is perfect but there are some churches out there at least desirous of and heading in the direction of living out both grace and truth. Finding a Church that has both Bible-based preaching and relational connectedness, depending on where you live, isn’t always easy. Sometimes we just have to trust that God has something for us in the Church in which we are. As we do our part to be the Church He desires, sometimes we get surprised by how God uses us and what He does in our lives. God may meet our needs in ways we least expect as we yield ourselves to Him.