Category Archives: Ministry Process & Results

If I had to state a top priority for equipping people for ministry, it would be that of helping them line up with God.  It is so easy to let circumstances, personality bents, and what has been modeled for us dictate what we do.

We need to remember God’s words in Isaiah 55:8-9 —

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

After reading verses like that, it seems a little silly not to line up with Him, doesn’t it?  His ways are so much better than ours!

Ways in Which We Should Line Up with God

Therein you will find your best fit in ministry.  You need to learn what your ministry profile is and believe God will use you as you serve within His design.  Let’s not let our ignorance or insecurities dictate what we do.

Article:  Tools for Developing Personalized Ministry Profiles
Resource:  Finding Your Best Fit in Ministry

Therein you will find your standard for all you do in ministry.  The Bible is the grid for decisions we make, the goals we set, and the process to accomplish those goals.  Let’s not let our personalities or schedules dictate what we do.

Article:  If the Bible is God’s Word, Then What?
Resource for Teachers:  Line Up Your Bible Lesson Preparation with the Word of God

Therein you will find your purpose and motivation for serving.  God’s heart is moved by love and compassion.  Let’s not let our own convenience and comfort levels dictate what we do.

Resource:  Living Life with Purpose Adult Curriculum

Therein you will find your example and help in the ethical dilemmas of ministry.  What we do should never contradict who He is.  Let’s not let our own will and limited resources dictate what we do.

Article:  Studying the Character of God Helps Us in Ministry
Resource: Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool
Resource:  The Ministry Workers Devotional: A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Most of us start out wanting to bring glory to God in ministry. We can, however, get so consumed in the details of administering programs that we lose sight of what those strategies are meant to accomplish. Or, we can get so intent on measurable results that we compromise integrity or relationships to get there. To glorify God in ministry we must recognize that both results and the process matter.

How We Glorify God in Ministry

God is glorified by fruit born in our lives . . . results with eternal impact.

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

God is glorified by how we do ministry . . . a process that is Christ-like.

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him  (Col. 3:17).   Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God  (1 Cor. 10:31).

“Do it” refers to the process of accomplishing “whatever you do.”

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.  If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.  (1 Cor. 3:12-15)

Notice that the “quality” of our work gets tested.

Both Results and the Process Matter

Next to loving God, loving people is of utmost importance (Matt. 22:37-40).  How we treat people in the process of accomplishing ministry has eternal significance (1 Cor. 13:1-3).  We can get so focused on the task or program, on pushing for results, that we overlook or mistreat people. Process matters so much because people matter.

Implications:

• We need a biblical handle on why we do what we do so we have standards to govern our activity.
• We need to invest adequate preparation and planning in what we do, always acknowledging Him in all our ways and not leaning on our own understanding.  (Prov. 3:5-6)
• We need to exercise wisdom in how we use our time.   “Be very careful, then, how you live –not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16).
• We need to do everything without complaining and with thanksgiving as even our attitudes shape the process.  (Ps. 69:30; Phil. 2:14)
• We need to treat people with respect and grace, fulfilling God’s priority of loving one another.  (Col. 3:12-14)

As pastors, teachers, leaders, people helpers, evangelists, prayer warriors or any other kind of servant of God, we all know that we can glorify God through effective ministry.   What we may find harder to grasp is how to define effective ministry.

How We Might Define Effective Ministry

Do we quantify ministry by looking at the number of converts, the attendance records, or the proliferation of programs we offer?

If so, does that mean churches and ministries with greater quantifiable results are more effective?

Do we measure by the quality of our programs and ministry efforts?

If so, does that mean churches and ministries with more qualified staff, professional musicians, high technology, standards of excellence, or bigger and better facilities are more effective?

Let me suggest that while the quantitative and qualitative dimensions can be indicators, effective ministry goes beyond both aspects.

Ministry Objectives Based on God’s View of Effectiveness

What brings the most glory to God is when we do ministry based on His heart, His ways, His means, and His design. Effective ministry aligns with Him.

His Heart:

First, God is more concerned about people and their love relationship with Him than He is about programs.  The greatest commandments, according to Jesus, are to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbor.

Ministry Objective for Us:  Focus on Personhood

Second, God is more concerned about who we are than what we do.  “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7)

Ministry Objective for Us:  Focus on Internal Change, not simple external conformity.

His Ways:

God’s ways and our ways so often differ.  What we consider wisdom, He views as foolishness.  Because He knows all and sees all, God looks at the big picture, not simply what is happening in the moment. (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8-9; Rom. 11:33-34; 1 Cor. 1:20-29)  Our philosophy of ministry governs how and why we do what we do.  Philosophy is often at the core of many church and ministry conflicts.  If we could all somehow get on page with God, why and how He operates, perhaps we could learn to “be of same mind with one another” (Rom. 15:5).

Ministry Objective for Us:  Build your Philosophy on the Word of God

His Means:

When God was about to accomplish a work among people, He often took time to prepare people for what was ahead.  In an effort to get on with things, we can sometimes skimp on this process.  Then we wonder why we have run into so many problems.  This is especially important when we are trying to initiate or revitalize a ministry.

Ministry Objective for Us:  Prioritize Preparation

His Design:

According to God, the church “grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work” (Eph. 4:16).  The church is a living organism, a priesthood of believers.  God designed the church to function as a body, a team.  Interdependence is God’s plan for effective ministry.

Ministry Objective for Us:  Encourage Participation

May we truly learn to do ALL we do for the glory of God by focusing our ministry on what matters to the heart of God.  And, may we to it in accordance with His ways, means, and design.

Helpful Resource: Ministry God’s Way