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Effective Ministry Training

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Who doesn’t want effective ministry training? But, imagine if it became more e-e-e-e-e-effective.

When training is most effective, people are equipped and encouraged to do their part. As God’s ways for ministry are explained to them their understanding is expanded, their hearts are enlightened, and they are able to envision what God can and wants to do through them. Hence, their life of service is enhanced. As a result, they become more excited and enthused about serving. They are energized and emboldened to do their part.

When training is e-e-e-e-e-effective, a lot happens within the people being trained that will spill over onto those to whom and with whom they serve.

So, What is Effective Ministry Training?

Effective Ministry Training Help People Seek to Di Ministry God's Way — (Click image to learn more about this resource.)

For ministry training to truly be effective it must help people seek to line ministry up with the character and ways of a holy, righteous, loving, gracious, just, sovereign, merciful, all-powerful, creative, faithful, and wise God.

He is the authority. — He knows the best way to do ministry.

He is the source. — He provides what we need to do ministry.

He is the standard. — He sets the bar for how to do ministry.

How e-e-e-e-effectively are you training people in your church? How e-e-e-e-effectively have you been trained? The wonderful thing about our God is that He is also a God of new beginnings! Start now to train people to do ministry God’s way.

For Help: Ministry Training Resources

Salty Christians

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Living as Christians in this world is about who we are as Christ followers. Jesus said, “You ARE the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). But, only salt that maintains its saltiness will have the impact salt is intended to have. Hence, we must be salty Christians.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by man. (Matt. 5:13)

How to Be Salty Christians

To know how to be a salty Christian, the salt of the earth, first think about the uses of salt:

1) Salt seasons.

As we sprinkle God’s love on others around us, it’s like we’re inviting them to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8). When we consistently live according to God’s grace, we make what we have to say more palatable. – Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col. 4:6)

2) Salt acts as a preserving agent.

As we hold to the infallible Word of Truth, living like “the pillar and foundation of the truth” His Church is to be (1 Tim. 3:15), we’re a reminder to the world around us that God’s Word remains whether they agree with it or not. Though people through the ages have sought to destroy God’s Word, it remains to this day (Matt. 5:18; 1 Pet. 1:23-25).

3) Salt purifies and cleanses.

By living a life of integrity rather than selfish ambition, knowing that a better day is coming (1 Jn. 1:9; 3:2-3), we show the hope and healing that comes from being found in Christ. We show that salvation isn’t just a future reality but something that makes a difference here and now.

Results of Being the Salt of the Earth

Given enough salt, people tend to get thirsty. They want water, or something to drink. The kind of saltiness described above tends to produce a spiritual thirst in others for the Living Water (Jn. 4:10-14). So, let’s be salty Christians.

To Pray or Not to Pray?

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

As we consider the condition of the world today, how can we not pray? That should be the question for God’s people.

Bible Verses about Prayer

When we consider just even the following six verses on prayer, we should find ourselves making prayer our first response. We will turn to the Lord first before complaining or giving in to fear or despair. And, we will continue in prayer regardless of the circumstances.

Order the Prayer Bits: Small Bits But Big Truths on Prayer Devotional Guide which uses these six verses. Each of the 30 devotions contains a small bit about prayer based on one of the verses but conveys big truths that make a difference.

As you reflect on the verses, you’ll find some helpful tips about praying.

Be devoted to prayer. When devoted to prayer, things happen. Pray and then watch for what God will do. And, be sure to thank and praise Him for it.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Col. 4:2)
Be willing to sacrifice in order to pray. The psalmist likens prayer to a spiritual sacrifice when he refers to it as incense. As such it rises up to heaven and fills the throne room of God.

“May my prayer be set before you like incense.” (Ps. 141:2a)
Fully trust God as you pray. If you feel safe and secure with Him, such confidence will take you beyond the rote or token prayers to spilling out your guts to God.

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Selah.” (Ps. 62:8)
Be in a constant attitude of prayer, praying for fellow believers everywhere. To have such a perseverance and passion in praying, you need help. Look to the Spirit of God who lives within you.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:18)
Go on the offence as a prayer warrior. You cannot be pulled in so many directions that you fail to pray. Instead, purposefully plan to pray. Prioritize it into your busy schedule.

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so you can pray.” (1 Pet. 4:7)
Don’t get discouraged if you can’t see results. Notice the small but encouraging word “is” in the following verse. Your prayer “is” effective — present tense. It doesn’t say might be or will be but “is,” right now, powerful and effective.

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b)

In Light of These Scripture Verses, How Can We Not Pray?

As the truths in the above verse take root in our hearts and we put them into practice, we will begin to notice the following differences in our lives:

1) how we pray

We will no longer ask ourselves the question, “To pray or not to pray?” as we will see no other option. We will pray when happy or when sad, when confident or fearful, when full of faith or feeling uncertain. We will pray when faced with challenges or going through the routines of life.

2) how we process life

Even if the world around us doesn’t change as we wish it would, we’ll still be able to cope and find peace. We will gain a renewed purpose as we work in cooperation with a Sovereign and Almighty God through prayer.

Christ-like Communication

Posted on February 3, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 1 Comment ↓

Jesus valued relationships with people and hence communication since it is such a vital element to healthy relationships. Christ-like communication makes such a difference in all we do. It only stands to reason that we follow His example if we want effective ministry.

The Christ-like Communication Guide for Church Leaders encourages leaders to see such Christ-likeness as imperative, going beyond mastery of a skill-set to something that flows from the core of our being “for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Lk. 6:45). The guide includes implications of aspects of Christ-like communication that follow below.

The Way Jesus Communicated and the Content of His Communication Flowed from the Essence of Who He Was

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Jn. 1:4)

Being called “the Word” lets us know that Jesus came to earth to communicate what God the Father wanted people to know. He came full of BOTH grace and truth. He spoke out of the essence of who He was.

Other Specific Aspects of Christ-like Communication

Read through the Gospels and you should be able to pinpoint various aspects of Christ-like communication. Click on the following links to learn how Jesus communicated in these ways.

authoritative
aware
available
approachable
attentive
authentic
adaptable
applicational

Be sure to check out the Christ-like Communication Guide for Church Leaders.

Compassion Dissolves Excuses

Posted on January 27, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

We could come up with a number of excuses of why we can’t get involved and help those in need. Once we truly allow ourselves to feel compassion, however, it’s hard to hold on to those excuses.

An Example of How Compassion Dissolves Excuses

Why did the Good Samaritan, in Jesus’ parable, help the beaten man along the road when the priest and Levite failed to stop? They all saw the need but only of the Samaritan do we read that “he felt compassion” (Lk. 10:33-34).

We could come up with a number of excuses of why we can’t get involved and help those in need. Once we truly allow ourselves to feel compassion, however, it’s hard to hold on to those excuses. Compassion dissolves excuses, making it impossible to pass by on the other side and not get involved in People Helping Ministries.

Lack of means to help? – Compassion moves us to find something we can do to help directly or indirectly.

The priest and Levite undoubtedly had the means to personally help but if not, they could have looked to their social and religious network to do what they couldn’t. If they had compassion, they would have at least stopped and given the man some water. Or, they would have gone to get help if they truly didn’t have the means or know-how. They might have waited with the man until better help came along.

Too busy? – Compassion has a way of shifting our priorities as we make time for what we view as important.

The priest, Levite, and Samaritan were all on their way somewhere. The Good Samaritan, however, moved by compassion, did what he could, left the man in someone else’s care, and then came back when he could.

Too scared of not knowing what to say or do? – Compassion causes us to stop long enough to truly see the person and assess their needs, usually making the next step obvious.

Having gotten close enough to the injured man to see his cuts and bruises, it became clear to the Good Samaritan that the first step was to bandage the wounds. Remember, they didn’t have cell phones to call 911. They didn’t have ambulances to take the person to a hospital. Tending to the injuries was obviously the first step for the Good Samaritan.

Learn about opportunities for compassionate ministries in the People Helping Ministry Manual.

Let’s Get Honest About Serving

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Sometimes people eagerly agree to serve in a church or ministry with hopes of making a difference only to have their expectations and dreams of what it would be like dashed. Sometimes leaders, desperate to recruit workers, paint such a rosy picture that when something goes wrong, people feel disappointed and disillusioned with ministry. Sometimes seminaries and other training venues provide help with essential skills but fail to mention how, in real life, it’s not always as easy as steps 1,2,3. Inadvertently, we’re just not always being honest about serving.

If We’re Being Honest About Serving We Must Admit Certain Realities

Serving will not always go smoothly. People scheduled to help cancel at last minute. Costs for proceeding with what we’d like to do skyrocket above the budget. Equipment breaks. Not enough people show up to proceed with a planned activity. More people than we were prepared for attend. Distractions or disruptions happen.

Serving will often take more time than we realize. We may struggle to adequately prepare. The needs of those we serve may be greater than anticipated. If we aren’t careful, it can put a drain on family life or lead to personal burnout.

Disagreements and conflict happen. We may find ourselves faced with philosophical differences, theological disputes, or personality clashes. Not everyone we serve with will act and respond in a godly manner.

We will not always be treated fairly or appreciated for what we do. Deference may be given to individuals older or younger than us, of a certain gender or marital status, or in certain positions. Perhaps no one thanks us or even acknowledges all we do.

Results and the reward of serving won’t always be apparent. Not everyone will accept the truth. People won’t always change. We won’t always sense an immediate gratification. We may feel like we’re always giving but never receiving.

It’s the Other Realities that Make Ministry Worthwhile

Face it. We live in a fallen world that affects our own attitudes and responses, that of leaders and fellow ministry workers, as well those we serve (Rom. 7:14-25; Gal. 5:13-17). We have an enemy, the devil, out to discourage and defeat, “looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Jesus Himself admits that we will have trouble in this world (Jn. 16:33).

BUT, we have on our side One who has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). He went before us and understands the problems we face, having endured so much worse yet persevered (Heb. 12:1-2). Fruitful ministry is not up to us but the Lord (Jn. 15:5).

Though ministry isn’t always easy, we can keep our “spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11) when we “labor in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58) through whom we “can do all things” (Phil. 4:13).

In Him, through the strength He provides, ministry is worthwhile. It will not be in vain. In Him, we find the needed peace, perspective, and perseverance that enables us to rise above the negative realities in serving. Abide in Him if you want fruitful ministry (Jn. 15:5).

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal. 6:9)