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Prayer in Outreach Ministry

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Too often in the church we set up strategies for reaching others with the Good News of Jesus without investing adequate prayer in outreach ministry. Scripture, however, keeps pointing to our need to go to God about all that pertains to outreach.

The Importance of Prayer in Outreach Ministry

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people . . . This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. (1 Tim. 2:1-6)

We’re urged to pray for everyone because God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). It’s one of the ways we work in cooperation with God (1 Cor. 3:7-10) as His co-workers. Not only do we live in obedience to God’s command for us to pray for all people, but we’re doing something good which pleases God.

Biblical Content for Praying About Outreach

Our situations may vary, taking our prayers in specific directions, but we all can pray these biblical prayers ..

that God would bring people to salvation (1 Tim. 2:1-4)

that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers (Matt. 9:36-38)

that we would have boldness and clarity in sharing the Gospel (Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:4)

that doors would open (Rom. 15:30-32; Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1-2)

that God’s protection would be upon us as we spread the message of the Gospel (2 Thess. 3:1-3)

The above list of prayer needs in outreach is listed in the Outreach Ministry Manual which gives additional reasons for connecting with God in prayer about outreach. It also takes a deeper look at 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Click on the link to learn more about other areas of outreach ministry covered in the manual.

Leaders & Teachers, Avoid Stagnation

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Stagnation happens in bodies of water when the water stops flowing or moving. Stagnated water can lead to contamination, becoming a breeding ground for insects, bacteria and parasites which leads to disease and possibly death. Because that’s a dangerous situation, hazardous to health, we should avoid stagnated water. And, we should also avoid stagnation from developing in the Body of Christ.

When Churches Become Stagnated

Stagnation happens in bodies of believers when teachers and leaders become satisfied with status quo. They basically stand still, making little headway. Soon the church becomes unhealthy, no longer able to offer a cup of life-giving water to others. Some of these churches eventually die.

Leaders can plateau, maintaining rather developing or moving forward.

Teachers can get stuck in ruts, using the same methods over and over.

How Church Leaders and Bible Teachers Avoid Stagnation

Think about what it takes to prevent water from stagnating. We can draw similar parallels for what it will take for leaders and teachers to avoid stagnation.

Movement: We’ll prevent stagnation by keeping the water moving, stirring it up. We set goals, based on prayer and constantly work toward them, always looking ahead to what God wants us to do. Stagnation isn’t an option. — “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on …” (Phil. 3:12-14)

Instead a resting in the way we’ve always done things, we try new means, or methods, of accomplishing the same task. We keep seeking to get better and to reach more. We never stop learning but take the time to keep growing.

Drainage: Letting water seep out as new water comes in can help avoid stagnation. And so, we invest into people’s lives rather than simply run a program or teach a class. We reach out to others beyond our group, giving to them from the vast reservoir poured into us. As we have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3), so we bless others. — “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matt. 10:8)

Are you taking steps to avoid stagnation?

Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Ministry

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

A previous post established our critical need of the Spirit in ministry. Here we’ll use an acrostic with the word SPIRIT as a means of remembering ways the Holy Spirit helps us in ministry.

An Acrostic of Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Ministry

While much more could be written about the ways the Spirit helps us, the following acrostic provides six roles the Holy Spirit takes showing how He works in and through us. He truly is our Paraclete, the One who lives within us and comes alongside of us with the help we need (Jn. 14:16-17).

S – Spiritual-Gifter: empowers and equips us for ministry

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, … All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Cor. 12:7-11)

P – Peace-Maker: develops peace within us so we can be at peace with one another

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Rom 8:6)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14:17)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace … (Gal. 5:22)

I – Interceder: prays for us when we are weak

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Rom. 8:26-27)

R – Revealer: makes known to us the heart and mind of God

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. (Jn. 16:13-16)

these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. 2:10-11)

I – Illuminator: enlightens our hearts so we can understand what God has for us

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Eph. 1:17-19)

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Cor. 2:12)

T – Teacher: teaches us so we can teach others

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (Jn. 14:26)

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (1 Cor. 2:13)

With this kind of Helper, why would we even attempt to do ministry without the power of the Spirit at work within and through us? Let’s turn the reigns over to the Holy Spirit to fill us so we effectively do God’s will with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts (Eph. 5:15-20).

Learn More: Resources About the Holy Spirit

Our Critical Need of the Holy Spirit in Ministry

Posted on October 19, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Ministry can get quite difficult and messy at times. It doesn’t always go the way we hope it would. Yet, with the Holy Spirit in ministry, these realities do not have to discourage, disillusion, or overwhelm us.

12 Ministry Realities Showing our Critical Need of the Holy Spirit in Ministry

Contrast the trying situations we might face in ministry with the work of Spirit. Our need for he Holy Spirit is undeniable.

Ministry can be a lonely place sometimes. Because of the Holy Spirit within us, we are never alone. (Jn. 14:16)

Ministry brings us in conflict with a relativistic world. Because of the Holy Spirit, we can have peace knowing that we have faithfully presented God’s Word and it is up to the Spirit of Truth to convince people of it. (Jn. 14:17)

Ministry quickly shows us that we do not have all the answers. Because of the Spirit, we can still step out in confidence, knowing that He will help us, guide us, and teach us. (Jn. 14:26; 16:13)

Ministry often comes with a set of critics, even when we are doing everything right. Because of the Spirit, we can believe that God will still use us as we do what we know HE wants us do to. We can be okay knowing that it is the Spirit’s job to work in their hearts. (Jn. 15:26; Rom. 15:13; Eph. 4:1-4)

Ministry doesn’t always yield immediate results. Because of the Spirit, we don’t have to feel like failures if we are lining up with Him. It is His job to convict people of their need to change. We can be easily fooled by appearances, but the Spirit knows what is in people’s hearts and can meet them there. (Jn. 16:7-8)

Ministry has a learning curve. Because of the Spirit, we have the potential of learning what we need to know. Because of His guidance, God will be glorified. (Jn. 16:13-14)

Ministry opens many unfamiliar doors. Because of the Spirit, we can have power to walk through those doors and show people how the Gospel meets all their needs. (Acts 1:8)

Ministry brings us face to face with issues about which we don’t know what to do or even how to pray. Because of the Spirit, God has us covered. He will pray for us when we can’t. (Rom. 8:26-27)

Ministry can be perplexing. Because of the Spirit, we can receive insight into the heart and mind of God to know how to apply His Word to a given situation. (1 Cor. 2:10-12)

Ministry stands in contrast to the ways of the world. Because of the Spirit, we can stay true to God’s ways, leaving the results to Him. We can come to terms with the fact that not everyone will accept what we do or say because they do not have the Spirit within them. Some will see it as pure foolishness. (1 Cor. 2:13-14)

Ministry can be demanding and can quickly drain us if we aren’t careful. Because of the Spirit, we have a power source outside of ourselves that enables us to persevere under pressure. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Cor. 12:7-11)

Ministry comes with its own set of temptations. Because of the Spirit, we can say no to the flesh and respond in Christ-like ways. (Gal. 5:16-25)

In light of this, are you relying on the Holy Spirit? Are you walking in the Spirit?

The Holy Spirit and My Teaching Devotional

Are you a teacher of God’s Word? The Holy Spirit and Your Teaching Devotional applies truths about the Holy Spirit specifically to teaching.

The Gospel Touches Every Need of Our Heart

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

At the core of our being is a deep longing that if left unfilled produces a vacuum or emptiness. Sadly we seek to fill that void with things that ultimately will not satisfy but rather lead to addictive behavior, dysfunctional relationships, and a host of emotional turmoil. Here’s the Good News: The Gospel touches every need, filling our hearts with what we need to live healthy and productive lives regardless of circumstances surrounding us. That’s why we proclaim Jesus!

The first guide in the Evangelizing the World Around Me Discussion Guide looks at this reality. It starts by looking at some of the descriptions the Bible uses. Scripture refers to the Gospel of …

God’s Grace (Acts 20:24)
The Kingdom (Matthew 24:14)
Salvation (Ephesians 1:13)
Peace (Ephesians 6:15)
Truth (Colossians 1:5)
Hope (Colossians 1:23)
Eternal Glory (2 Timothy 2:10)

How the Gospel Touches Every Need

Take some time to reflect on each of the descriptions used of the Gospel. Some reading this post may not fully realize all we have because of Jesus dying on the cross for us. Others may be caught up in the busyness and stress of life and forget. As we let these realities sink deep into our hearts, grasping the Good News of the Gospel not just for those who don’t know Him but also for those who do, we’ll find the hole in our hearts filled fuller and fuller.

Gospel of God’s Grace – Within all of us is the need to feel worthy. The Gospel teaches us that when it comes to salvation we are all on the same plain. There is no one righteous enough, yet Christ still loved us. In Him we find our worth.

Gospel of the Kingdom – We can seem insignificantly small in this vast universe but through the Gospel we’re a part of something bigger than us, giving us a sense of community, of belonging.

Gospel of Salvation – The Gospel is a way to right the wrong in this world, a way to be forgiven so we no longer have to live in guilt, a way out of darkness and futility of life.

Gospel of Peace – The conflict between ideals and reality diminishes as we trust in a sovereign God enabling us to experience an unexplainable peace and contentment.

Gospel of Truth – There is something absolute, a standard without which everything would be a subjective mess and flux. It roots us on a solid foundation that cannot be shakened or tumbled down through the storms of life.

Gospel of Hope – A rational view of the universe exists explaining why things are the way they are and that they will get better, thus giving meaning to life. Even if we don’t understand it all or see the good right now, we gain a perspective that enables us to keep going.

Gospel of Eternal Glory – If there’s no life after death, everything we go through here seems meaningless. But, with the realization of life eternal after death, what we do in this life matters. Though we know death could come at any moment, we find purpose in the here and now as well as a future home in glory.

This is the Good News we have to share with those who don’t have a personal relationship with God through Jesus, and the foundation upon which those who do know Him live.

We Have Been Blessed

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

In previous posts we considered how God wants us as His people to bless others as we have been blessed. We can find some good lessons in Ephesians 1 about our blessings in Christ Jesus.

Lessons from Ephesians 1 of How We Have Been Blessed

Take some time to reflect on what Ephesians 1 teaches us about how we are blessed.

We are blessed by God in Christ Jesus.

the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us (Eph. 1:3)
through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5)
freely given us in the One he loves (Eph. 1:6)
in him we have (Eph. 1:7)
in Christ (Eph. 1:9)
under Christ (Eph. 1:10)
in Christ, in him (Eph. 1:13)

We are blessed with every spiritual blessing.

blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3)
adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5)
glorious grace, freely given us (Eph. 1:6)
redemption through his blood (Eph. 1:7)
the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7)
marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13)
guaranteeing our inheritance (Eph. 1:14)

We are blessed in accordance with the sovereign and purposeful will of God.

he chose us in him before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:4)
he predestined us for (Eph. 1:5)
in accordance with his pleasure and will (Eph. 1:5)
with all wisdom and understanding (Eph. 1:8)
according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ (Eph. 1:9)
to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment (Eph. 1:10)
having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (Eph. 1:11)

We are blessed for a reason beyond ourselves.

to be holy and blameless in his sight (Eph. 1:4)
to the praise of his glorious grace (Eph. 1:6)
to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ (Eph. 1:10)
in order that we … might be for the praise of his glory (Eph. 1:12)
to the praise of his glory (Eph. 1:14)

We are blessed out of the good heart of God.

in love … (Eph. 1:4)
in accordance with his pleasure and will (Eph. 1:5)
grace, which he has freely given us (Eph. 1:6)
in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us (Eph. 1:7-8a)
according to his good pleasure (Eph. 1:9)

With blessings from a good and gracious God, we have all we need to live a purposeful life as a blessing to others. — “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!'”