Ministry Tools Resource Center | Christian Ministry Training Blog

What it Takes to be a Blessing to Others

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 1 Comment ↓

We previously established that God wants His people to be a blessing to others, resulting in praise and glory to Him and the building up of the people we bless. Treating others with the kind of grace and love He has shown us, however, doesn’t come naturally. We must ask what it takes to be a blessing to others.

Components for What it Takes to be a Blessing to Others

Since blessing others goes beyond mere vocalization of the words “God bless you” to authentically demonstrating His love and grace, we must consider all the components that go in to the ability to do so.

1) The Mental Component to Being a Blessing: Be Intentional

Hebrews 13:16 exhorts us, “do not forget to do good and to share with others”, suggesting that we need mental reminders to bless others.

We might forget because we get so busy and consumed with our own lives and needs. Blessing others may require intentionally making time for one another. What can we do to set up reminders to look outside of ourselves?

Forgetting to do good to others also happens when we forget the blessings of God in our own lives. If we don’t keep God’s grace and mercy toward us in the forefront of our minds, we’ll tend to overlook verses like: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matt. 10:8) “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32)

2) The Heart Component: Be a Humble Servant

Doing good and sharing with others emulates the heart of our Lord “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:1-4)

Blessing others may mean laying aside our own interests and conveniences for the good of others, giving of our time and resources. To this end doing good and sharing with others is considered a sacrifice, and according to Hebrews 13:16, “with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

3) The Spiritual Component: Be Equipped to be a Blessing

Since the kind of blessing God wants us to be doesn’t come naturally, we need Him to work in and through us. — “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Heb. 13:20-21)

Also keep in mind that God uses Scripture to thoroughly equip us for good works (2 Tim. 3:16-17). He uses His Word to renew our minds so a transformation takes place (Rom. 12:2) and to adjust our heart attitudes, propelling us toward Christlikeness in the way we treat others. — “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12)

Be a Blessing to Others

Posted on September 21, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 3 Comments ↓

We live in a self-centered, self-serving world. God, however, wants His people to be a blessing to others. That doesn’t just include those we like, those who agree with us, or those who have been good to us, but also those who seem hard to love, with whom we disagree, or who have wronged us. Jesus commands us, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk. 6:27-28). He goes on to say, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. …” (Lk. 6:32-34)

Why We Should Bless Others

We have something to offer others because God has first “blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). We are “enriched in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion” (2 Cor. 9:11). We are comforted by God so we in turn “can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

We are blessed so we can be a blessing to others. This has been God’s way for His people to respond as seen even back to Abraham. God said, “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing … all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen 12:2-3)

What it Means to be a Blessing to Others

To bless others, then, is to extend God’s grace to them as we too have been recipients of grace (Eph. 4:29, 1 Pet. 4:10). To bless others is to show them the love of God that we ourselves have experienced (Jn. 13:34; 1 Jn. 3:14-18).

We’re exhorted, “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn. 3:18). Here are some ways we can be a blessing to others by extending His love and grace to them:

speaking uplifting and encouraging words that “benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29)
living authentically and honestly (Eph. 4:14-15; Col. 3:9; 1 Jn. 3:18)
being kind and compassionate (Eph. 4:32)
being hospitable, making people feel warmth and welcome (Rom. 12:13)
sharing of our resources to meet needs (financial and otherwise) (Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:16)
answering kindly to those who speak wrongly to or about us (1 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:9)
doing good to those who have done wrong to us (Lk. 6:27-28; 1 Pet. 3:9)
forgiving those who have wronged us (Eph. 4:32)
praying with gratitude for people and letting them know you’re praying for them (2 Cor. 1:11; Eph. 1:16; Col. 1:3; 1 Thess. 1:2)

What Happens When We’ve Blessed Others

When we’re a blessing to others, God is pleased (Heb. 13:16) and glorified (Matt. 5:16), often resulting in thanksgiving to God (2 Cor. 9:12-13).

As we bless others, it just might spur them on to bless someone else to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24). As we follow the example of Christ, they can follow our example (1 Cor. 11:1).

And, though we aren’t to bless others for our personal benefit, remembering Jesus’ words that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts. 20:35), God does reward us for the good we have shown (Prov. 11:25; 19:17; Lk. 6:38; Heb. 6:10; 2 Cor. 9:6). The reward may not always come immediately or be a tangible reward but He “will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Heb. 6:10).

Since all this can happen as a result of us being a blessing to others, we need to ask what it will take for us to become more and more of that kind of blessing — the topic of the next post.

For help on specific ways we can bless others, check out this resource: People Helping Ministry Manual

Discontent or Discouraged in Serving?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Ever have the ministry blues? We may find ourselves discontent or discouraged in serving if we’re missing some important internal components inherent to contentment and encouragement in ministry.

What’s Missing When We Find Ourselves Discontent or Discouraged in Serving?

1) Joy

Sometimes the stresses and anxieties of life seep into ministry. People may let us down. Circumstances may not be as we wish. Ministry, yes, even ministry, may not seem fair. Yet, when we rejoice “in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4), rather than trying to find joy in our circumstances, we can “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

2) Significance

Sometimes we don’t feel like what we do is very important compared to what others do. Or, perhaps we do think it matters but don’t get much appreciation from others. When we find our significance in and because of God’s grace (1 Cor. 15:10), however, we begin to realize that no matter the size or type of ministry, what we do does matter, even if others fail to take notice.

3) Perspective

Sometimes we do what we should do but obstacles and troubles still come. Even though we trusted God, things still went wrong so we get discouraged. To gain the perspective we need, we must gain a bigger and fuller view of God. Though He’s powerful enough to prevent or fix problems, He’s also sovereign and wise. He knows the beginning from the end. He truly does have the ability to work all things “for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28). The more we cease striving and acknowledge that He’s God (Ps. 46:10), though we don’t understand, we can find peace and contentment in the darkest days.

Overcoming Discontentment and Discouragement

You’ll find the antidote for each of the above components mentioned above. First, however, …

1) Identify why you are discontent or discouraged, remembering the following verses about the need for God to guide this process:

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps. 139:23-24)

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Prov. 16:2-3)

2) Look to God to supply what you lack, remembering the following verses about God as the Source of all we need:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:11-13)

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Phil. 4:19-20)

3) Continue praying about it, remembering the following verses about how God will be there for you:

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Ps. 55:22)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isa. 26:3-4)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Living as Christians in a Fallen World

Posted on September 7, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

As the Church, we need to lay aside our differences and stand as one voice in our Lord, especially as we see the liberal and immoral influences and agendas in our world increase. It’s about living as Christians in a fallen world — the Christ-followers we’re intended to be. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:13-16).

The world so desperately needs us
to live as salt and light.

It’s About Who We Are Not Just Who We Should Be as Christians

In looking at Matthew 5:13-16, I was struck by how Jesus said we are the salt and light — present tense. He didn’t say we should be or could be. The tense of the verb “are” in the original language is present indicative which indicates a simple statement of fact. We are inherently salt and light because of our life in Him. It is part of who we are as His children.

Now it is possible for salt to lose its saltiness and for light to be covered over so it is not seen. But, salt is still salt and light is still light. Remember, we are salt and light in Him.

Living as Christians Means Living as Salt and Light in Today’s World

To be the salt and light that we are is to be an influence for good in our world. As the light of the world, we will reflect the Lord before others in all His fullness. As salt, we will season the earth with His grace and truth.

Because we are salt and light, we already have what we need to live that way. As 2 Peter 1:3 informs us, we have “everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him.” — No exceptions! No excuses! So, let’s rely on His grace and power to live as Christians.

Here are some posts that give some thoughts on what it looks like for a believer to not just BE but to LIVE as salt and light in today’s world:

What Makes a Friendly Church?

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 4 Comments ↓

Some churches would identify themselves as a friendly church while visitors say otherwise. The discrepancy comes, in large part, from the criteria being used.

Criteria Some Use to Claim Their Church is Inviting and Friendly

Some think that because they have helpful parking lot attendants and greeters at the door, people’s first impressions must be that this is a friendly church. Maybe they have a welcome center and/or kiosk stations to take away some discomfort of people not knowing what to do or where to go. To make people feel even more welcome, they’ll have a designated time to greet one another in the service. To provide time to get to know people better, they may even add a coffee hour or shop and/or a hospitality room or fellowship hall to meet and greet.

These Factors Alone Don’t Give Off the Impression of a Friendly Church

We may see nothing wrong with the above strategies in and of themselves. These acts of hospitality can be quite helpful. But, programmed acts of kindness should never be a substitute for real body life that leads to spontaneous acts of friendship that come from the heart.

God designed the Church to function with everybody doing their part (Eph. 4:16) to make everyone feel welcomed, loved, and accepted as seen in so many of the “one another” commands of Scripture (Rom. 12:5, 10; 13:8; 15:7; 16:16; 1 Cor. 12:25; Eph. 4:32; 1 Pet. 4:9). When we are who we should be as a church, His Body, we will relate with people in ways that make them feel like they belong. We’ll be a friendly church.

A Better Criteria to Determine Friendliness

So, let’s look through our tactics again and see what also needs to be there for a truly friendly church.

Helpful Parking Lot Attendants?

What about members who give you the right of way or let you back out of your parking spot without an attendant having to tell them to?

Greeters at the Door?

What about an awareness of people’s presence throughout their visit, not just when they arrive … like people making eye contact and saying “hello” as they walk the halls rather than look right through you?

Welcome Center?

What about members who are not on the hospitality committee coming up to a visitor and helping them find their way?

Kiosk Stations?

What about going to people and personally inviting them to get involved rather than expecting them to always take the first step?

Designated Time to Greet One Another in the Service?

What about members greeting people outside of their normal circle of friends before and after the service without having to be told to greet one another?

A Coffee Hour or Coffee Shop?

What about a body who is able to stay and mingle without the coffee incentive?

Hospitality Rooms & Fellowship Halls to Meet and Greet?

What about churches who make it hard for people not making their way to these rooms to slip out the door unnoticed … without at least a few people greeting them before they leave?

Seriously, who wouldn’t rate churches with spontaneous acts of kindness, helpfulness, and hospitality by its various members as the most friendly churches? Programmed strategies should only be seen as a starting point. Spontaneous acts of friendship make the real difference.

Are you doing your part to make people feel truly welcomed?

School as a Mission Field ?????

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Christ's Ambassadors with School as a Mission Field
As children and teenagers head back to school, as well as young people to college, they have increased opportunity for outreach, to share Jesus Christ with their friends, to be a witness in word and deed. But, do they see school as a mission field? … a place to reach out and share Jesus Christ as His ambassador?

Difficulty Seeing School as a Mission Field

It isn’t easy for kids to take a stand unpopular with so many of their peer. (Let’s be honest: It isn’t easy for adults either!) We live in a volatile world that doesn’t look favorably upon what Christians believe. Fear of ridicule and rejection makes witnessing seem overwhelming and stressful. Then, on top of that, we have government regulations and school policies setting limitations on what they can do.

How Can We Help Kids Reach Out in Their Schools?

Recognizing the difficulties of viewing school as their mission field, we need to come alongside of students with the support they need. Here are six ways we can do that:

1) Disciple, or train, them on how to reach out.

Feeling better equipped in knowing how and where to start can alleviate some of the insecurities they might feel.

Resource: Discipling Students in Outreach Worksheet

2) Prepare them by including apologetics in your Bible teaching plan.

Having a better understanding of some of the hard to understand issues, will enable them to be more ready to answer questions and objections they will undoubtedly face. (1 Pet. 3:15)

For Help, Go To: Apologetics Resources

3) Pray for them consistently and let them know you’re standing with them in prayer.

Sensing this kind of support from others encourages them.

4) Pray with them, not just for them.

Taking them to the throne of grace where they’ll find the help they need (Heb. 4:16) serves as a reminder of God’s power available to them.

5) Be a role model, letting them see the adults in their lives sharing Jesus with others in their mission fields (i.e., neighborhood, workplace, unsaved family).

Hearing reports of God’s activity as we witness in our spheres of influence helps them gain a realistic perspective of how life in Christ infiltrates all we do as believers.

To Read: Making an Eternal Difference in the Workplace?

6) Encourage them to get involved in some sort of on-going campus ministry.

Knowing they’re not alone can give them added boldness.

For some popular campus ministries, go to: Back to School Resources

7) Provide tools and resources to help them.

Having something in their hands can help them feel more ready when opportunities come:

Ideas: Tools for Teachers to Share the Gospel (same tools listed in this article could be good for students to use)

The bottom line?
Don’t just tell kids they should be witnesses at school. Help them in practical ways to be ready.