Category Archives: Ministry Process & Results

To serve God effectively, we need to know the the big picture so we have a blueprint to follow. We need to know what makes ministry work which requires a guidebook. We need a standard against which to measure. And, we also need a means to accomplish all that it takes to effectively serve, some sort of enablement.

The following principles for serving God effectively are included in the overview section of the Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool Download which also includes a section with more help on ministry effectiveness.

Principles for Serving God Effectively

If we abide by these four principles, we’ll have what we need to effectively serve God.

1) Follow God’s design for the Church. — the blueprint

For More: Body Life Resources

2) Adhere to principles in God’s Word. — the guidebook

For More: Bible Study Resources

3) Measure what you do against God’s character. — the standard

For More: Theology Resources

4) Use God’s power and grace in accordance with the spiritual gifts He has given you. — the means

For More: Spiritual Gifts Resources

Notice the emboldened words — God’s design, God’s character, God’s Word, and God’s power. Serving God effectively is about what God does in and through us, not what we do.

Often churches base how they structure ministry programs on the following:

• tradition …. the way we’ve always done it

• imitation …. the way another church or ministry does it

• limitation …. the way the leader knows how to do it

• stipulation …. the way the leader is allowed to do it

A better approach may be to let the structure grow out of a ministry assessment wherein you base what you do on how you can best meet the purpose of that ministry given the resources you have to work with. Of course, this process must be embedded in prayer, trusting God for wisdom and understanding to get you on the right path (Prov. 3:5-6).

Example of Determining the Best Structure for Ministry Programs

As an example, let’s consider Christian Education. We often have a number of programs in the church for this ministry. Within each of those programs we need a structure that best fits the purpose of each program. To determine what model to use, we need to consider the following factors:

The Students: how many people participate in the program and the age breakdown of those people

The Workers: how many workers you potentially have and what type of workers they are (i.e., leaders, teachers, helpers, etc.)

The Curriculum: how rigid you must be in using a certain curriculum and how adept leaders or teachers are at developing materials or adjusting curriculum to fit your setting

The Facilities: how many rooms you have to work with and what is the size and flexibility of each room

Your answers to the above factors will guide you in determining which model would work best in a given program.

For additional help with determining the best structure for this ministry, consider ordering the Christian Education Ministry Manual which looks at various models you might use in light of the above factors. It will also help you evaluate if you are using the best model for your programs.

God’s Word provides safeguards for us against problems that can come with ministry methodology. May God use these Bible verses as you develop procedures or processes to accomplish His purposes in your church. May you align all you do with God and His Word.

A Key Verse to Guide our Ministry Methodology

We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. (2 Cor. 4:2, NLT)

Bible Verses Showing What It Takes to Keep our Ministry Methodology in Alignment

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Ps. 37:4-7)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. (Prov. 3:5-7)

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. 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. The LORD works out everything to its proper end  – even the wicked for a day of disaster. (Prov. 16:1-4)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

Order the Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool for more biblical study about ministry methodology. In addition to methods, this resource also looks at eight other key elements to doing ministry God’ way.

Ministry Effectiveness must be measured by what brings glory, honor, and praise to God, not what elevates us or makes us feel accomplished. God not only sets the standard but is the standard.

Bible Verses Showing How Fruitfulness Brings Glory to God

Notice how bearing fruit brings God glory and lets people know we belong to Him. When we bear fruit, we’re reflecting Him to others.

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (Jn. 15:8)

By their fruit you will recognize them. (Matt. 7:16-20)

We have become effective when others see Him through who we are, what we say, and what we do. That’s the measure of effectiveness — living a life worthy of the Lord that bears fruit.

Fruit, as Described in God’s Word, is Ministry Effectiveness

What does God identify as spiritual fruit? Does your ministry exhibit this kind of fruitfulness?

The Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool guides you in a study of God’s Word to answer these questions. This resource also looks at 8 other key elements of doing ministry God’s way.