Sometimes we think we’re effective when we’re not in God’s eyes. And, sometimes we conclude that not much is happening but God is quite pleased and working in ways we don’t see. We finite humans tend to be narrow in the scope of how we define effectiveness.
How We View Ministry Effectiveness Versus How God Defines It
We tend to look only at the results. And, by results, we often mean what is happening outwardly, what can be seen and measured.
God, however, while caring about the results, puts more emphasis on the process. And, by process, He means what’s happening inwardly as well as the outward methodology or steps taken. (See 1 Cor. 10:31, Col. 3:17 for how process matters. See 1 Sam. 16:7, 1 Chron. 29:17, 1 Thess. 2:4b for the importance of the heart. See Matt. 7:16-20; Jn. 15:8; Col. 1:6, 10 for how results – fruit also matter.)
For More, Read the Following:
- Effective & Productive?
- Process Matters
- Measuring Maximum Effectiveness
- Reaching Maximum Effectiveness
In addition to how God views effectiveness, the Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool also provides some thoughts about problems with our human view of effectiveness and benefits that come from defining it God’s way. A one page Bible study guides you in determining what God identifies as spiritual fruit, or ministry effectiveness. This resource also looks at 8 other elements of doing ministry God’s way.
I am so much encouraged by mintools when I read about ministry effectiveness. As we started this new church with a small number. It is very encouraging to see that even though people look at out side appearance but God looks at our heart.
Yes, Siang. It changes our perspective when we look through the eyes of God. The giant, and even David’s own brothers, mocked him in his desire to slay Goliath. He was young, just a shepherd. Yet, with only a small stone, God used him to do something others who were bigger and more experienced in warfare wouldn’t attempt. God knew David’s heart was yielded to Him and that he would rely on God rather than depend on outer means. We see this when David said to Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Sam. 17:45). — It’s not our size that makes the difference. It’s our God who makes us effective. We just need yielded hearts.