Author Archives: Ministry Tools Resource Center

Show People You Serve That You Truly Care

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Show People We Serve that We Care Because without Love, Ministry is a Resounding Gong
Do people we serve know that we care? We’ll have the greatest impact in their lives when they experience our love and concern in ways that truly matter.

4 Ways to Show People You Serve That You Truly Care

We could make a long list of ways to show that we care. Here are four ways that we might not always think about as ways to show we care.

  1. Come alongside of people in ways that help them understand the reality of life in Christ. That means we “show” them by our own example (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:7) and not merely tell them. Read: The Gospel Touches Every Need of Our Heart

When people see that serving them isn’t just about accomplishing our agenda, but about them and their needs and who they are in Christ, then they’ll get the message we truly care.

  1. Use the Bible to connect people with a God whose love for them is so wide and long and high and deep (Eph. 3:18) that it’s difficult for our human minds to grasp. Since having a relationship with the Lord is the most important thing, then we must get beyond merely telling people what the Bible says.

When people see that we aren’t merely trying to indoctrinate them but really want what’s best for them, then they’ll get the message that we care.

  1. Take time to interact with people to make sure they truly understand. Ask questions, observe, and listen to what they’re saying. Don’t just assume they’re getting it.

When people see that we aren’t merely putting in our time but truly want them to learn and grow, then they’ll tend to believe we care.

  1. Invest time and attention into ministry efforts. Coming prepared will make it a better experience all around.

When people see that we aren’t simply doing enough to get by but are giving them our best, then they will sense that they are worth it to us, that we truly care.

Let’s take some time to reflect on the message our ministries send to people. Would we be able to say, “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (1 Thess. 2:8)?

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We Help Each Other Grow

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God wants us to grow both as individual believers and as a Church. (If you haven’t already done so, read the series of posts beginning at: Spiritual Growth: Overview) While He uses a number of means, fellow believers have a big role in the growth process. God intends for us to help each other grow.

Our Role in Helping Each Other Grow

We Have a Part in Helping Each Other Grow
(Click image to enlarge in Pinterest & repin.)

We each have a part in one another’s growth.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:16)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up . . . warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thess. 5:11-14)

We merely facilitate growth. God actually brings the growth.

… the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. (Col. 2:19)

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (1 Cor. 3:6-7)

If we remember God’s strategic role in the process, we will be less likely to get proud or self-righteous when growth comes. We will be more prone to be like the Apostle Paul who said, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” Glory goes to God.

Reflect on What You’re Doing to Help Facilitate Other’s Spiritual Growth

Here are some questions to assist your reflection:

  • What is your part in helping others grow?
  • How faithful are you in doing your part?
  • How open are you to learning from others?
  • How quick are you to give God the credit when growth occurs?
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In Some Cases Knowledge Really is Power

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The phrase “knowledge is power” often really means that knowledge leads to power, but only if it’s used. So, in the worldly scheme of things, knowledge itself isn’t really power. There’s a very real sense in which knowledge isn’t power unless applied to life in the spiritual realm as well. Head knowledge alone won’t cause us to bear fruit. Notice the flow in Colossians 1:9-11 from knowledge to understanding to applying that knowledge to then bearing fruit and getting to know God even better. — “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

Power Through Our Knowledge of Him
Yet, for us a believers, there is a very real sense in which knowledge “is” power as “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).

How Knowledge is Power in the Spiritual Realm

We have power to live a godly life (2 Pet. 1:3), an empowered life that’s fruitful, one that makes an eternal difference (Jn. 15:1-5). To claim knowledge as power for us as believers depends on two factors:

1) It depends on how we define knowledge.

When 2 Peter 1:3 equates having divine power “through our knowledge of Him” it uses the Greek word epignosis which Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines as “full, or thorough knowledge, discernment, recognition”. It’s the kind of knowledge wherein we’re so intimately in tune with Him that we recognize His voice and actions above all others like sheep that know their shepherd’s voice and only follow him (Jn. 10:2-5). It’s the kind of knowledge that has firsthand experience with who God is so that like Job we say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) It’s the kind of knowledge that puts us in awe of God, what Scripture refers to as the fear of the Lord which “is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Prov. 14:27).

2) It depends on the subject of that knowledge.

2 Peter 1:3 goes on to say we have divine power “through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness”. Such power is possible when we know the glorious King of kings and Lord of lords, the Great and Almighty God of whom there is none greater (Eph. 1:19). It’s about knowing the good and loving Savior who is full of mercy and grace, whose love is better than life itself (Ps. 63:3). It’s about knowing the reliable One who keeps His promises which are “very great and precious” (2 Pet. 1:4). His promises are great because of His glory and precious because of His goodness. This God must be the subject of knowledge, not a god of my own design. Otherwise we have an anemic god in whom there is little or no power.

The Results of Such Knowledge

Knowledge of this God, as described in Scripture, results in power that gives us “everything we need for a godly life” (2 Pet. 1:3). Here’s how it tends to go:

The more we get to know God for who He really is, the more we will revere and trust Him in all we do. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov. 9:10)

As we trust this Almighty, Great, and Awesome God to work in and through us, we can’t help but get excited about Him. It’s what makes Romans 12:11 possible: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” This makes a big difference in ministry.

And, seeing His power at work in and through us, we won’t be able to help but worship and praise Him. He is the Great I Am, the One of whom there is none greater, worthy of our love and adoration. Worship truly focuses on Him.

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“What If” Questions for People in Ministry

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We tend to ask “what if” questions like “What if I had done xxx differently?” or “What if xxx hadn’t happened?”. Sometimes answering those kinds of questions can propel us forward but sometimes it can pull us down.

Constructive Versus Destructive Asking of “What If”

When we ask this question for evaluative purposes, so we can learn for the future, it can be a very constructive process. When, however, it merely leads to bemoaning what could have been, it has a destructive effect.

If we ask “what if” about choices and conduct over which we have the ability to change, it can be a positive learning experience. When we keep focusing on circumstances over which we have little or no control, it tends to produce needless anxiety and stress.

“What If” Questions for People in Ministry to Ask

“What if” you did things different in your walk with God and ministry? What kind of difference would it make? Here are some “what ifs” to think about that could potentially revolutionize your ministry:

  • What if you spent more time daily communing with God in His Word and through prayer?
  • What if you cared more about what God thinks than what people think?
  • What if you spent more time listening to others than trying to promote your own agenda?
  • What if you acted with a little more grace toward those who stand in opposition to you?
  • What if you spent more time responding than reacting?
  • What if you expressed your appreciation and gratitude for people more often?
  • What if you tried to get people more involved in the process rather than doing it yourself?
  • What if you stopped and prayed before every decision you had to make?
  • What if you thought outside of the box more often rather than doing it simply because “we’ve always done it that way”?
  • What if you put more emphasis on Jesus than on programs and your own image?
  • What if you were as good of a role model for your own children as you act in front of others?
  • What if you acted like you really believe what you teach or preach?

To answer these questions we need to honestly assess our current practices. Rather than sensing condemnation in our reflection, understand that God wants us to learn and grow, to press on to do better through the power God provides. None of us have arrived but we can all press on (Phil. 3:12). Remember these verses:

Power to Press on through Christ in Response to What If Questions
I can do everything 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)

Also Read: Prayerful Assessment Needed for Steps to Change

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ASK for Wisdom Needed in Ministry

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Ministry can be wrought with unknowns as well as obstacles. We must sometimes make decisions for which we have no precedence. God offers to give us the wisdom we need but we must ASK Him for it.

Ask God for Wisdom

 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ASK God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

An Acrostic of Wisdom Needed in Ministry Reminding Us to Ask for It

No matter how we serve, we need God’s wisdom in these three areas. Take time to ask Him the suggested questions.

A – Application of truth

ASK: How does the truth of God’s Word relate to my responsibilities, attitudes, and decisions?  (Col. 1:9-12)

We need to get beyond simply “knowing” truth. Knowledge must be coupled with insight. The implications and application of truth bring relevancy to God’s Word. We will be more fruitful in ministry when we pull on His wisdom and strength.

S – Stewardship of time and resources

ASK: How can I make the most of every opportunity God gives me?  (Col. 4:5)

We need to know how to juggle our schedules and budget purposefully. We can get consumed by the “tyranny of the urgent” and that which seems to cry out to us the loudest. We will find ourselves making practical, common-sense decisions that effectively use what we have and at the same time make a difference when we exercise His wisdom as we serve.

K – Keeping on the path

ASK: What must I do to stay within God’s will? (Prov. 3:5-6)

We need a big picture perspective that helps us understand how what we do fits into God’s eternal scheme. Our own understanding will be limited in scope. We will be more purposeful and persevering when we seek and apply His wisdom.

Asking for Wisdom in All We Do

We’ll be more prone to ask for wisdom in ministry when praying for it is a part of every facet of our lives. Perhaps we need some resources to remind us of its importance. Click on the links below for help . . .

learning to personally walk in wisdom,

teaching others to walk in wisdom.

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Source of Truth

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Source of Truth
God wants us to know His Truth so truth is important. He makes it known through a variety of means but not all ways are as reliable as some. All sources must line up with God’s written Word to be considered His Truth. Even Scripture must agree with itself. Otherwise, it is merely our understanding or interpretation.

Reliable Sources of Truth

  • Scripture which is inspired by God and used by Him to sanctify and equip us (Jn. 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

We need to use the Bible as the grid through which we evaluate everything else.

  • Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life who leads us to God the Father (Jn. 14:6)

We need to look at Jesus through the eyes of Scripture. We cannot make up our own version of Jesus, picking and choosing what traits we wish to believe.

  • The Spirit of truth who testifies of Christ and guides us into all truth (Jn. 15:26; Jn. 16:13; 1 Jn. 5:6)

We need to remember that the Spirit will never contradict God’s Word. We are not the ones to determine how the Spirit operates.

Unreliable Sources

  • Nature

Creation is enough to get us on the path toward God (Rom. 1:18-23) but not sufficient to “thoroughly equip us” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We need to worship God because of what we can learn about Him through nature but never let any created thing become a substitute for Him and His Word.

  • Pastors, Teachers, and Others

If even the prophets of the Bible needed to be tested (Deut. 18:22; 1 Thess. 5:20-21; 1 Jn. 4:1), so the teaching of those today who speak of God needs to be examined. Like the Bereans, we need to examine the Scriptures to see if what is said lines up with it (Acts 17:11).

  • Our Interpretation

We need to get to God’s intent when studying Scripture, not what we want it to say. Even those who wrote down the words of Scripture did not write what they wanted to say but were guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

The logical conclusion to all of this is that we need to read and study God’s Word so we are familiar with what is Truth. How else will we discern the veracity of other sources?

If you or those in your sphere of ministry need help getting started, check out this resource: New to Bible Reading Discipleship Tool

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