Author Archives: Ministry Tools Resource Center

Ministry Methodology All in the Name of the Lord?

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Ministry Methodology All in the Name of the Lord Jesus
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)

When we serve “in the name of the Lord Jesus” we not only have His power and authority for ministry but also an example to follow. We have a Standard for ALL we do which means ministry methodology conforms to Him, not to the ways of the world or what’s comfortable for us.

Ways Doing All in Jesus’ Name Affects Ministry Methodology

1) We focus on what is most important.

Jesus taught about love being the Greatest Commandments but He also consistently focused on serving people out of love, not controlling or manipulating them by what He did.

Lessons for us:

  • Do keep love a top priority. Methods are important but they are not most important. Jesus said that everything, even the law and prophets, should be wrapped up in loving God and loving people (Matt. 22:36-40).
  • Don’t let methods divide.

2) We’re purposeful in what we do.

Jesus lived so that people would better understand and know the Father. He knew when it was time to make changes to better fulfill that purpose (Mk. 1:35-39).

Lessons for us:

  • Do showcase the Lord and His love in all you do.
  • Don’t let the method become more important than the Message.

3) We’re other-centered in what we do.

Jesus excelled at meeting people where they were. He knew people were at different places developmentally and spiritually and responded accordingly.

Lessons for us:

  • Do remember that not everybody is like you! People think and learn differently from one another.
  • Don’t do something a certain way just because it is comfortable or convenient for you.

4) We use variety.

Jesus used different means of healing, teaching, discipling, and relating with people throughout His ministry. He did not always heal the same way. He did not always teach the same way.

Lessons for us:

  • Do employ some creativity in ministry. There are often many ways to accomplish the same objective.
  • Don’t get stuck in a rut.

Let’s not get so caught up in our methodology that we feel we can’t change even when the method no longer works effectively. Let’s trust God to be at work in and through us rather than rely on methodology. That will happen when we do whatever we do in the name of the Lord Jesus.

More for Church Leaders: Church’s Power – The Name of the Lord

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Effects of Busyness on the Life of the Church

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Effects of Our Busyness on Others in the Church
The busyness of individual believers affects not only their own lives but also the life of the church in many ways. As Christians we should be concerned that what we do is beneficial and constructive not just for ourselves but for others.

How the Personal Busyness of Christians Affects Church Life

Here are just some of the ways peoples’ busy lifestyles affect the whole Church.

Attendance:

People constantly make choices about what they view as important enough to fit into their busy schedules.  Sometimes sleeping in, family time, work, sports events, or some other activity will take priority over regular church programs; how much more for training or other special events.

Fellowshipping with one another:

In a busy world, time and availability are a rare commodity but it takes time to get to know people.  How are we to fellowship with one another if we do not spend time with one another?  (Heb. 10:25)

Recruitment:

The number one reason ministry leaders tend to hear for people not serving, according to a poll taken on the MinTools.com site, is busyness. How do we motivate people to get involved in the work of the church and ministry when their schedules are already full?

How well people do in their ministry responsibilities:

Busyness affects our ability to be reliable in the little things.  Little things add up to a big picture.  Whether they simply feel too depleted to put their best into the ministry or they run out of time to tend to all the details, busy people often do just what they must to get by. Read: Busyness Affects Ministry

Corporate Worship:

Worship does not begin and end in a worship service.  If we are not presenting our lives to God throughout the week, we will have little to bring into the worship service to add into the collective expression of praise.  God looks at the big picture, not simply that moment.  He sees the heart.

Helping One Another with Perspective About Time

Let’s help each other remember that there will come a day when time will be no more.

NOW is what we have to work with here on this earth.  You or those you know may be in heaven tomorrow.  That thought should challenge us in the way we use our time.

Heaven will be the culmination of our love relationship with the Lord.  Let’s not let busyness rob us of nurturing that relationship now.  Let’s take time to talk with Him and to let Him speak with us through His Word … today!

Let’s help one another identify lies we might believe about our need to be busy and what we can or can’t do about it.

Perhaps we’re letting the world define what’s most important in life. Maybe we’ve allowed Satan to deceive our minds. For how, read: Combatting the Lies about Busyness

Let’s help each other learn to live in light of eternity, using our time in ways that count not just for today but for eternity.  When we do, we will follow the words of Ephesians 5:15-16 —

Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.

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How Bright Is Our Light?

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Light of the World - How Bright is Our Light?
Sometimes as Christians we act like a light with a dimmer switch. We shine bright when it feels comfortable or convenient, maybe based on the mood we want to set or what people might think about us. But, if we want people to truly see the Light of Jesus in us, that light needs to penetrate the darkness, consistently shining fully. So, the question we must ask ourselves is, “How bright is our light?”

3 Ways to Let Our Light Shine Bright

Our light shines brightest under the following conditions:

1) We must make sure Jesus is our Light Source.

Being a light in the world isn’t something we’re trying to self-generate. Jesus called His followers “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14-16), the same terminology He used of Himself. When we put our trust in Jesus, we no longer walk in darkness but “will have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12). He gives us His light. — “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Eph. 5:8) — We cannot generate the kind of intensity of light that truly reflects all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (Eph. 5:9). We just don’t have it in us (Rom. 3:10-24).

2) We must experience His light in the core of our being so it radiates out.

It’s not just about “doing” good deeds but rather those which flow from a heart filled with light (2 Cor. 4:6). When our own hearts are warmed by the light of God’s love and grace, we can rise above the embittered, antagonistic, discontent in this world. That’s when our light has the potential to truly attract people. — “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart …” (Lk. 6:45)

3) We must let the fullness of who He is shine through us.

When we focus on primarily one aspect of the Lord, it’s like we’re only shining a small ray of light. Jesus came full of both grace and truth (Jn. 1:14). He is a loving God but He is also holy and righteous. To be sure, some will hate the Light in us (Jn. 3:19-20) when the full brilliance of who He is shines through. But, since it is His light in us, they’re offending our Lord, not us. Let’s keep perspective.

When we reflect the Lord from the core of our being in the fullness of who He is, we are letting our light, which is really His light, shine brightly. We might call it lifestyle evangelism which then backs up what we say when we have opportunity to verbally share the Gospel.

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Spring Reminders of New Life in Christ

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Spring! The days get longer, temperatures become warmer, trees bud, plants sprout, flowers bloom, grass greens up, bees start buzzing, and birds and animals come out more. We could describe it as a time of renewal or re-birth, of new beginnings. Spring can therefore be used as a reminder of the new life we have in Christ. — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Cor. 5:17)

Ways to Use Spring as a Reminder of Our New Life in Christ

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  1. We can promote this spring theme through displays and decor.
  • Bulletin Boards

Books with Ideas:

Online Ideas:

Sets:

He Makes All Things New Spring Bulletin Board Set

  • Decorations and Supplies
  • Misc. Decor
  1. We can provide hands-on activities with reminders, like crafts for children.
  1. We can point to it on handouts, like bulletins.
  1. We can plan ministry opportunities purposefully designed for the spring season.

And, don’t forget these spring holidays:

Interested in Ministry Resources for Other Seasons?

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My Style – Your Style

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My Style May Not Fit Your Style So Don't Take a One Size Fits Al ApproachWhat works with one person might not be the best approach for the next person. We have varying personalities, learning styles, backgrounds, intelligences, and we are at different places in our walk with God. Consequently, my style of doing certain things may not be your style which will have an effect on how we serve others. Taking a one size fits all approach may lessen ministry effectiveness.

My Style May Not Fit Your Style

We may have different bents or preferences. We may have differing needs. For example:

The way I came to know the Lord as my Savior might not have affected you the same way.

My approach to daily personal time with the Lord might not be as meaningful to you.

How I memorize Scripture might not work well for you.

The track I follow in training efforts might not be what you need.

How I teach or how I learn might not fit your learning style.

How I most like to worship may not be your preference.

Suggestions for Dealing with Varying Styles as We Serve

The Apostle Paul understood how people are different and provided his approach in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 from which we can pull some implications for ourselves in serving others.

  1. We must get beyond the effects of ministry on ourselves. And, we must guard against projecting our own ways onto others.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. (1 Cor. 9:19)

  1. We need to meet people where they are if we want to have the greatest impact in their lives.

To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. (1 Cor. 9:20-22a)

  1. We should avoid cookie cutter approaches when possible and use a variety of means in reaching and ministering to people.

I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. (1 Cor. 9:22b)

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Ready for the Second Coming of the Lord?

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Second Coming of the Lord Jesus
Throughout the years people have been convinced that Jesus would return at any moment. Back in the early 1970s Hal Lindsey’s best-selling book, ‘The Late Great Planet Earth‘, and the movie, ‘A Thief in the Night‘, got people thinking Christ would return any day. But, the 70s and 80s went by and still no Jesus. Then there was a lot of talk about the world coming to an end at the turn of the millennium. Remember all the Y2K alarmists? Decades later Jesus hasn’t come!

— Yet, we still are exhorted to be ready for the second coming of the Lord. — “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (Mark 13:32-33)

The Importance of Being Ready for the Second Coming of the Lord

Jesus stressed the importance of being ready in a parable, saying “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom” (Matt. 25:1). Five virgins had extra oil with them whereas the other five only had their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t come right away so when it was time to trim their lamps, the ones who weren’t prepared had to leave to purchase more oil. While they were gone, the bridegroom came and it was too late for them to gain entrance into the wedding banquet. The parable concludes, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matt. 25:13)

The five who weren’t ready missed out on a significant, life-changing event. So it will be at the second coming of our Lord. As history has proven, we can’t predict Jesus’ coming. If we aren’t ready, we, or others we love, may miss out.

How Choices We Make Now Will Impact Then

What we do or don’t do now will impact eternity. Here are just a few ways:

  • If we keep putting off making sure our hearts are right with God, if we don’t truly know Him, we’ll miss out on eternal life with Him in glory. Or, if we do know Him, this life won’t have as much meaning because we won’t be living in the fullness of life He came to give us (Jn. 10:10). So, let’s start by asking if we truly know Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord. Are we resting solely on the all-sufficiency of the work that Jesus did on the cross for our salvation? If, as believers, we’ve allowed other things to block fellowship with Him, let’s confess our sins (1 Jn. 1:9) and walk in the newness of life He came to give us (Col. 3:1-17). We may only have today to make these decisions.
  • If we keep shying away from sharing the Gospel with those who don’t know Him, they might miss out on eternal life with Him in glory for “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Rom. 10:17). Are we making the most of the openings we have (Col. 4:5)? We may not have another opportunity.
  • If we keep busy with things that only matter in this life and fail to invest our time and resources into that which counts for eternity, we’ll miss out on rewards when we stand before Christ. What we have done in this life “will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light” and we’ll either be rewarded or “suffer loss” (1 Cor. 3:13-15). The Judgment Seat of Christ is for those whose destiny in heaven with Jesus is already determined so the loss isn’t salvation but undoubtedly rewards as it says that person “will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Cor. 3:15). We won’t have the joy of casting our crowns (rewards) at Jesus’ feet in worship (Rev. 4:10-11). Imagine seeing the Lord of lords and King of kings in all His glory and majesty with nothing to lay at His feet. That’s a true loss.

When Jesus comes, it will be too late to do the things we put off doing. — “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (Mk. 13:33)

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