Author Archives: Ministry Tools Resource Center

Each Part Needed and Important

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(Click image to enlarge in Pinterest & repin.)

God cued us in on a key element of church growth when He said the Body “grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Eph. 4:16). First note that church growth isn’t merely about numbers. Real growth comes when we love God with all of who we are which spills over into loving one another (Matt.22:37-40). That often leads to numerical growth as love attracts people, letting them know we’re His disciples (Jn. 13:34-35). How, then, do we grow and build ourselves up in love? — “as each part does its work” using their spiritual gifts.

Each Part is Needed So Don’t Minimize

Perhaps you’ve heard someone say I’m just a …

lay person.
church secretary.
teacher’s helper.
nursery worker.

Maybe you’ve said or thought the same thing. If so, click on the above link applicable to you. Note how vital you are to the Body of Christ. Each, and every, part is needed, even those that “seem to be weaker are indispensable” (1 Cor. 12:22). Just because your part may “seem to be” weaker or lesser than another part, doesn’t mean it isn’t needed. That’s our opinion, not God’s. Take time to read 1 Corinthians 12 about God’s design for the Body and each person’s part in it.

If you don’t view your gift as needed, read: Different Functions So All Spiritual Gifts Needed

Each Part is Important So Don’t Compare

Saying “I’m just a …” suggests some sort of comparison. Lay people may compare themselves to professionals. Church secretaries may compare themselves to leaders. Helpers may compare themselves to teachers. Nursery workers may compare themselves to those serving older ages. The conclusion? “I’m just a ….”, meaning “I’m not as important” as someone else.

We need to remember some key factors:

  1. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28) – To be “one in Christ Jesus” puts us on an equal plane. Just because we fulfill different roles within the Body doesn’t mean there’s a hierarchy in terms of importance.
  1. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” (Rom. 12:6) – God gives spiritual gifts on the basis of grace, not merit. That means no one is better than another.
  1. “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” (1 Cor. 12:18) – To devalue ourselves is to think God made a mistake with us or to criticize Him for His plan and purposes for our lives.

If you tend to compare yourself to others, read: Caught Up in the Comparison Game?

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Church Leaders, Are You Prepared for Ministry?

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What does it take for a church leader to be prepared for ministry? Can we ever be truly prepared?

Preparation Should Begin with an Understanding of the Basics

To effectively lead God’s Church, we need to understand God’s intent:
The Basics to be Prepared for Ministry

Realize, however that we need to apply these basics to ministry. We must see the connection between what we know from God’s Word and specific tasks and issues church leaders face.

Preparation Through Formal Training

To prepare for ministry we could go to Bible College or Seminary where we can earn a bachelor’s degree, Master of Arts, or Master of Divinity. Or, perhaps we could take some correspondence or online courses about the Bible and how to do ministry. We could attend conferences and receive ongoing ministry training through our church.

Learning God’s Word is important (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17) and getting equipped for ministry (Eph. 4:11-12) is beneficial, but will it truly prepare us for ministry? So often a great divide exists between book learning and real-life ministry. Even if blessed to have taken courses with practical assignments, projects, and other hands-on learning experiences, no amount of training will ever thoroughly prepare us for everything we encounter in ministry.

Get Prepared for Ministry But Expect the Unexpected

God wants us to give Him our best (1 Cor. 10:31) which very well may mean some training to equip us. But, we must always remember that effective ministry ultimately isn’t dependent on our backgrounds and education. God is the One who changes lives and grows His Church (1 Cor. 3:7).

So, if we encounter the unexpected, for which we’re unprepared, we don’t have to let it discourage or disillusion us. Our knowledge and ability to articulate what we know aren’t the Source of power by which we effectively serve.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:5-6)

Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Pet. 1:3)

Our training isn’t the foundation on which we stand firm in ministry; God is (Ps. 40:2-3). We have a “rock that is higher” than us to whom we can call when our “heart grows faint” (Ps. 61:2).

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Ps. 18:2)

Perhaps the best way to become better prepared for ministry is to refresh our hearts and minds about this Great God on whom we depend. Here are two resources to help:

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Unity in Diversity: Both Different and the Same

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The Apostle Paul painted a picture of Christian community in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. He wrote about how God made the Church to function like a body comprised of many members, each unique and indispensable. This makes us both different and the same. God intends for us to use our varying spiritual gifts for the same purpose, for the common good.

Different but the Same in the Body of Christ
Click to enlarge image on Pinterest & repin.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Cor. 12:4-6)

What Enables Us to be Both Different and the Same in the Body of Christ

If we break down 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, we find three ways we are both different and the same.

  1. different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Cor. 12:4)

The word for gifts is charisma with the root word, charis, meaning grace. We receive our spiritual gifts on the basis of grace (Rom. 12:6) so when we use our gifts, we dispense God’s grace in its various forms (1 Pet. 4:10).

We call them spiritual gifts because the Spirit distributes them as He deems best (1 Cor. 12:11). No one merits the gifts they’ve been given so we have no grounds for comparing or competing with one another.

— Hence, we have different gifts received on the same basis (grace) with the same purpose (to dispense His grace) by the same Spirit.

  1. different kinds of service, but the same Lord (1 Cor. 12:5)

If we make a list of spiritual gifts identified in the Word, we find at least twenty unique gifts, with the possibility of more. Having different gifts from one another enables us to serve in varying capacities. Even people with the same spiritual gift could find themselves serving in different ways from each other.

Kyrios means master, the one who decides, often used of Jesus (i.e., the Lord Jesus). He is the Head of the church from whom we get our instructions. We’re not the ones to determine how we serve but rather the Lord.

— Hence, we have different ways of serving, all coming under the direction and coordination of the same Lord. We serve the same Master.

  1. different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work (1 Cor. 12:6)

The Greek word for work, energeo, from which we get the word energy, suggest putting forth power. As we use our different spiritual gifts, serving in different ways, God brings about distinct effects by His power for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7). It’s not our working so we have no basis for one part elevating itself above the other.

The same God, the One True God (theos), works in all of us. He is sovereign and powerful, a creative God who has every right to use vessels for whatever purpose He chooses (Rom. 9:20-21).

— Hence, though we serve in our differing ways using varying gifts, we are all dependent on the same God to bring the growth as we submit to Him (1 Cor. 3:7-9; Eph. 4:16).

Bottom Line: Unity in Diversity

Though different, we serve in accordance with, because of, and by the same Spirit, Lord, and God. The use of these three names could reference the Trinity at work in the Church. If so, it provides a good illustration for us. Though three distinct (different) Beings, they’re One.

In the Body of Christ members have different kinds of gifts to serve in different ways to bring about different effects. We’re united by the same Spirit, Lord, and God working in and through us for the common good. As such, we can be both different and the same in the Body of Christ. When we embrace our differences, we’ll find unity in diversity.

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Harmony Amid Conflict?

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God’s Word tells us to “live in harmony with one another” (1 Pet. 3:8). With so much conflict around us, is harmony possible in the Church? We’re all so different with varying views and opinions. Can we really come together as a unified whole?

Living in Harmony Isn’t an Option

Living harmoniously isn’t an option for us as believers. God commands us to live in harmony with one another (Rom. 12:16-21; 1 Pet. 3:8-9). The beginning of 1 Peter 3:8 provides two important points: “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another …”

  1. “All” means each and every one of us so none of us are the exception.
  2. The use of the term “one another”, allelon in the original language, suggests a mutual, reciprocal response of members toward each other. That means, even in conflict, both the offended party as well as the offender work toward reconciliation (Matt. 5:23-24).

Since this is a command for each one of us, let’s look more closely at what it means to live in harmony.

Being Harmonious Doesn’t Mean a Lack of Differences

Living in Harmony Despite our Differences
Liken living harmoniously to an orchestra. Different instruments with different shapes and sounds come together to make a fuller and harmonious sound. The instruments do not all become the same. They bring their differences together.

In the Church, members likewise have varying parts. We’re different from each other, not only in gifting but also in the ways we think and express ourselves. When we bring our differences together, we can produce something stronger, even better.

Problems come when even just one instrument is out of tune, makes a mistake, or decides to do their own thing instead of coordinating with the whole. We then experience a break in harmony. Sinful actions and reactions are always wrong. Some conflict, however, isn’t the result of sin but rather differences.

We’re all human. It only takes one person in a relationship to act contrary to the Spirit, in one’s old nature, offending another person, and there will be conflict. Or, it might be a misinterpretation of what someone has done or said. Either way, perceived or real, we have conflict.

We are all individuals, with varying personalities, philosophies, and perspectives. Whenever two different ideas or ways of doing things collide, conflict ensues.

How We Handle Our Differences Determines if We Experience Harmony Amid Conflict

We must pay attention to the warning signs of conflict turning bad. If we don’t, we open the door for the devil to wreak havoc among us.

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Eph. 4:26-27)

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:14-16)

We must make harmony our ultimate objective when we find ourselves in any kind of conflict.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Rom. 12:18)

When it comes to conflict management, “true reconciliation — the healing of the relationship — is the primary objective, not resolving the issues” (quote from an article on the TrainChurchLeaders.com site). We can be harmonious without agreeing on an issue. We don’t have to like what a person says or does to live in harmony with them.

But, you might ask …

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A Two-Fold Purpose in Life

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When asked about the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus’ responded with what could be summed up in one word — LOVE (Matt. 22:36-40). Though only asked what He viewed as the greatest commandment, Jesus broke it down into two commands:

#1 – Love God.
#2 – Love people.

Since Jesus identified these as the greatest commandments, it only makes sense that we consider them as our two-fold purpose in life.

Why a Two-Fold Purpose?

Jesus didn’t stop with the greatest commandment, which is to love God with all of who we are. Why give more than He was asked, especially since the person asking was trying to test Him? Further, the Old Testament verses Jesus quoted don’t mention both commands together.

Perhaps these two commandments tie together so closely that Jesus couldn’t state one without the other. Love for God and love for people have to go hand in hand. Love for people spills out of our love for God. If we love God, we will love people.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 Jn. 4:8)

If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 Jn. 4:20-21)

Perhaps Jesus wants us to know that life in Him isn’t an either/or. When we accept Jesus into our life, we’re placed into the Body of Christ. We first and foremost love Him but we also love one another.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (Jn. 15:12)

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. (1 Jn. 3:23)

Steering the Church Toward God’s Priorities as Given in the Greatest Commandments

Steering the Church Toward God's Two-Fold Purpose
If Jesus identified both love for God and love for people as top priorities, certainly as a Church we should be helping people live out these purposes. Church leaders have a major role in keeping the church on track in this two-fold purpose. You’ll find the above content in the Steering the Church Toward God’s Purposes Leadership Guide which also considers some implications of this truth for our church bodies and leaders.

For even more help steering the Church in this direction, go to: Church Purpose Resources

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Questions to Evaluate Your Christian Education Ministry

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A previous post points to how we have a lot to do in the Christian Education ministries of the Church. We need to step back and evaluate whether all this activity yields the right results. What kinds of questions should we ask?

Questions for Help Evaluating Your Christian Education Ministry

Christian Education FilesThe Christian Education Files Download provides some guidelines and helps for some of the areas in this ministry of the church. The embolden parts of the following list describe what you’ll find in that resource. The simple yes/no questions reframe the topics into a simple evaluation of each area. The ideal, of course, would be to respond positively to all the questions. If responding with “no, not sure, or somewhat”, then ask why. Also ask what changes should be made to improve in those areas.

Classroom Evaluation: Are the facilities conducive to learning?

Curriculum Evaluation: Does the curriculum promote learning that takes people beyond the cognitive?

Ministry Description Template: Do workers know not only what is expected of them but how they fit into the big picture?

Policy Guidelines: Are you deliberate in coordinating ministry to meet needs, with some accountability built into the process?

Safety Guidelines: Do people involved in these ministries feel safe physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually?

Supporting Workers: Do people feel appreciated, encouraged, and built up as they serve in this ministry?

Teacher Evaluation: Are teachers growing and continuing to improve in their ministry?

Training Approach: Are you effectively training teachers?

Training Means: Are you using a variety of means to tailor training to your teachers’ needs?

Training Survey: Do you know what your teachers need to make them more effective?

Check out the Christian Education Files Download for help implementing a ministry strategy that positively answers the above questions. Better yet, check out the Christian Education Bundle which include the Files resource plus two other helpful resources.

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