Church Life | MinTools Blog

Outreach Process: Our Part, God’s Part?

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Let’s be clear right from the start. Salvation is a work of God (Eph. 2:8-9). He will use us in the process of leading people to Himself but ultimately it is about what HE does, not what we do.

God's Part in the Outreach Process Versus What We Do

God brings the growth yet as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, we have a part in the planting process and in the watering of that seed. We are “God’s co-workers” who will be responsible for how we build on what God is doing (1 Cor. 3:9-15).

More Thoughts to Help Us Reconcile Our Part in Outreach Versus What God Does

Living according to the principles of God’s Word is critical to being a good testimony.

Yet, despite us doing the right things, God is still the One ultimately responsible for the results (1 Cor. 3:11).

Being adaptable helps us connect with others (1 Cor. 9:19-23) and in turn tends to make people more open to the Gospel.

Yet, in itself that won’t change lives. God must bridge the gap by His Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13-14).

Praying for family and friends is instrumental in their salvation (1 Tim. 2:1-3).

Yet, the power is found in the One to whom we pray, not in the pray-er or the prayers themselves (1 Tim. 2:4-6).

Providing people with resources to teach them how to be a witness is good (1 Pet. 3:15).

Yet, the most thorough training will not win souls. God must be at work through us (Zech. 4:6).

Keeping the church on track with the right focus is a vital role of leaders (1 Pet. 5:2-3).

Yet, church leadership can only guide and facilitate the process. God is the One who brings the growth (1 Cor. 1:25-31).

The Conclusion about the Outreach Process

Salvation truly is a work of God. Yet, we do not merely sit back when it come to outreach and do nothing. We have a part but it still gets back to God. We work in cooperation with Him through His power as we follow His lead. Let’s remember the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:10 —

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

For Help, Go To: Outreach Resources

Stewardship: Stewards of All, in All, and Always

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

God has always expected people to be good stewards of all He has provided. Stewardship has not changed. Good things happen when we’re faithful. What we do to His glory will not be in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). We may not always see the results in this life but we can trust Him to keep His promises.

Stewardship Has Always Been Expected

Beginning in the Garden of Eden, God gave mankind the responsibility to manage earthly resources (Gen. 1:27-31). When God called the descendants of Abraham to be His people, He entrusted them with further responsibility, that of being faithful in spiritual matters. Jesus taught about accountability (Matt. 25:14-30) when he lived on earth and will bring us into account for what we have done at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:9-16). In the interim, as His Church, we’re expected to “faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Pet. 4:10).

Being a Steward is All Inclusive, Making a Difference in How We Live

Whether physical or spiritual resources, “it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). Time, talent, money, spiritual gifts, our physical beings? — all to be used to the glory of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 10:31).

If we truly understand that all we have is from God (Ps. 24:1) and we are merely stewards of it, then it should affect our attitudes and the way we walk through life.

Shouldn’t we learn to be content within our means … whether that be little or much? (Phil. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 6:7-9; Heb. 13:5)
Shouldn’t we be wise in how we live and how we use what we have … proactive, not merely reactive? (Prov. 22:3; 24:3; 27:23; Eph. 5:15; Col. 4:5)
Shouldn’t we be generous with what we have … rather than stingily hang on to it or waste it like it belongs to us? (Ps. 37:21; Matt. 5:42; Mk. 12:41-44; 2 Cor. 8:2-3, 9:6-7; 1 Jn. 3:17)

Get More Help on Being a Good Steward: Biblical Stewardship Resources

The Greatest Draw in Outreach

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

What brings people to Jesus Christ and then to become a part of the local church? What will draw them in and keep them there?

What Might We Depend on to Attract People?

Nice Facilities?

First impressions do matter. But, what if you can’t afford to renovate or build? Certainly you can keep your rooms attractively decorated and clutter free. Is that enough?

Innovation?

If you want to reach people where they are, you need to be willing to change. Adapting to people without losing the content of the truth we proclaim requires lots of insight. But, is being on the cutting edge enough?

Good publicity?

How will people know what you have to offer if you don’t communicate? Both verbal and written communication are at the core of salvation as “faith comes by hearing” (Rom. 10:14-17). Communication is at the core of our educational or discipleship efforts in the church as it is knowing the truth that will set people free (Jn. 8:32). Is simply letting people know what you have to offer enough?

Dynamic Leadership?

While a leader with a charismatic personality does seem to draw people in, it take various types of leaders to bring balance, health, and growth to the church. If this kind of leadership team is in place, will that be enough?

What Truly is the Greatest Draw in Outreach?

While all of the above factors, plus others, will contribute to the big picture, none of them can be singled out as the greatest draw in outreach. None of these means alone, or combined, are enough because the greatest and absolutely essential drawing factor is God Himself. Jesus said,

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” (Jn. 6:44)

God doesn’t need our strategic efforts. He can draw people to Himself with or without us. He may choose to use us in the process but a person’s salvation is not dependent on what we do or don’t do. If God did not draw people to Himself, all our efforts would be in vain.

Implications for Our Outreach Efforts

1) Intercessory prayer needs to be made an absolutely vital part of outreach.

Without God in and behind all of this, we will simply have a nice building, great ideas, motivational tools, and skilled people running the church. Be encouraged to stop right now and examine what you are relying on to lead others to the Lord and bring them in to your local church.

Strategies and programs may have a place but Acts 2:42-47 reminds us that our devotion should not be to our methodology but to God Himself and to those things that put us in touch with Him and demonstrate a dependence on Him — like prayer. Of the early church we are told, “They devoted themselves to . . . prayer. . . . And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Intercessory prayer is vital.

2) Make outreach about Him, not us.

The Outreach Ministry Manual, based on the outreach section of this site, has a sub-title that says what outreach needs to be about — “Turning the Spotlight on Jesus.” We must look hard at our outreach practices. Are we showcasing Him or ourselves?

Effects of Busyness on the Life of the Church

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

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.

The Effects of Being Connected to One Another

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Effects of Being Connected to One Another
God designed us as the Body of Christ to be members of one another (Rom. 12:5). As followers of Jesus Christ we are connected to each other in a special way. We have a unique bond with fellow believers all over this world because of Him. When we function as the Body God designed us to be we’ll fulfill His purposes and experience the effects of being connected to one another.

3 Effects of Being Connected to One Another

While we probably could list a number of ways we’re affected when we live as members of one another as God intends for the Body to function, here we’ll consider just three that can make a big difference not only to the health of the Church but also to our testimony in the world.

Our connection in Christ should dictate how we communicate with one another. The many “one another” commands of Scripture serve as a guide.

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (Eph. 4:25)

For More, Read: Christ-like Communication (follow the links in that post)

Being connected to one another should determine how we serve each other. We’re all in this Christian life together so its not about personal ambitions or self-fulfillment but rather truly caring about one another.

For More, Read: True Body Life Results in Ministry

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Gal. 5:13)

Our connection with one another in Christ should affect how we handle disagreements or conflict. Reconciliation should always be our goal which will happen when we focus less on “me” and more on “us”.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15)

For More, Read: Let All Be Harmonious – Really? (follow the links under related posts in that article)

When we live in accordance with God’s design for the Church, aware of the connection we have in and through Him as members of one another, the Church takes on a different dynamic. We aren’t just another organization trying to do good in this world. We are a living organism “joined and held together by every supporting ligament” finding our connection “from Him” who is the Head of the Church (Eph. 4:16).

Bible Teaching That Communicates God’s Words

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Bible Teaching That Communicates the Authoritative Word of God
Do you truly realize what happens when we teach Scripture?

In Bible teaching, we’re handling and sharing with others, the words of an Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, the Sustainer of life, the all-knowing, all-powerful, always wise and sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords.

Scripture describes itself as having been penned by human writers but “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). We also read that “all Scripture is God breathed” which is what makes it so useful to thoroughly equip us for every good deed (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

No other book has the same authoritative base because of its Author … an absolute standard to live by. No other book has as much power to change lives because of its Author … a relevant standard to live by. — What an awesome privilege and responsibility we have in teaching God’s Word to others.

Implications for Teachers and Leaders for Bible Teaching

Bible teachers, the first question to ask is if you truly believe this to be true. If so, you will then treat God’s Word as unique and more important than any other book. You will take great care to “rightly divide” it (2 Tim. 2:15) and then you will confidently and enthusiastically present a Lesson Worth Teaching.

Church leaders, you also need to ask if you truly believe in the Bible’s authoritative base. If so, you will see the importance of making sure Bible teachers training is a priority so they are equipped to effectively teach the Word of God. (The TrainBibleTeachers.com site can help you think through this process.) Also, if you truly believe in the Bible’s authoritative base, you will seek to align what you say and do with Scripture. (The TrainChurchLeaders.com Practicum seeks to look at various leadership tasks and responsibilities through the grid of God’s Word.)