Sensing that our ministry will make a difference in people’s lives provides motivation to serve. If we’re going to put the time and effort into serving, certainly we should want to be effective. But, what enables us to effectively serve?
What We Might Rely on in Our Ministries to Effectively Serve
What we rely on might relate to our area of ministry.
- Bible teachers might rely on their communication skills. Words do hold importance for teachers. They will be held to a greater accountability in regard to their use of words — not so much eloquence but accuracy (James 3:1-2).
- Church leaders might depend on their ability to influence people. As a shepherd it is their responsibility to guide the sheep (Ps. 78:72; 1 Pet. 5:2-3). They have been given an entrustment for which they will be held accountable (Heb. 13:17, 1 Pet. 5:3).
- As witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ in an outreach ministry, we might rely on a certain strategy to reach the lost. We have the Apostle Paul’s example of strategizing to best reach people where they were (1 Cor. 9:19-23).
- Those in some sort of benevolence ministry might rely on their kind deeds that meet people’s needs. Jesus did say that blessing and an inheritance lie ahead for those who share. Whatever we do to help others is like as though we’re doing it to Him (Matt. 25:34-40).
- People on a worship team might rely on their musical and vocal abilities. We are exhorted to do all we do to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31), to be faithful stewards of what we’ve been given (Matt. 25:14-30), which include our natural talents..
Real Effectiveness in Ministry Requires Depending on the Right Means
Whether serving as an individual or on a church committee or ministry team of some sort, we need to use what it takes to do our best to the glory of God as faithful stewards of what God’s given us. Yet, self-effort isn’t sufficient for making an eternal difference. Effectiveness that leaves an eternal impact requires the power of God. We must always remember Jesus’ words in John 15:5. — “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
When we depend on His power, we can do exceedingly more than we ever could by relying on our own words, influence, strategies, actions, or talents. We can’t even imagine the possibilities (Eph. 3:20-21). Like the Apostle Paul, we can say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13, NKJV).
If you’re a church leader, be an example of depending on God’s power and encourage people in the Body to rely on Him in their ministries as well. The Steering the Church Toward God’s Power Leadership Guide can help you think through how to do that.