What Do You Depend on to Effectively Serve?

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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

It Takes Jesus to Effectively Serve
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.

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Reflecting the Joy of the Lord in Ministry

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Reflecting Joy Because of the Abundant Life Jesus Came to GiveIf we are going to serve with joy through the good and bad of ministry, our Source of joy must be “in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4). Jesus expressed His desire for followers, “that they may have the full measure of my joy within them” (Jn. 17:13). Notice that He wants us to have the FULL measure of HIS joy, not a trickle of it or an occasional flow of it. He also said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it TO THE FULL” (Jn. 10:10).

Reflecting the joy of the Lord amidst all of the stresses, disappointments, and hardships of ministry speaks volumes about our wonderful God who is the Source of such joy. So, here’s the question we should ask as we look at our ministry: Are we reflecting the joy of the Lord, that abundance of life?

Evidence We’re Reflecting the Joy of the Lord in Ministry

Circumstances will not always be ideal in ministry. We will face challenges and complications. Some things will be out of our control. We will often have more to do than our schedules can handle. Despite all of that we will have certain qualities evidenced in our lives when serving out of joy that finds its Source in the Lord.

We will have …

peace regardless of the circumstances that enables us to endure. (Heb. 12:2; James 1:2)

hope regardless of the challenges that enables us to press on. (Rom. 15:13)

gratitude regardless of the complications that enables us to keep loving and believing in Him. (1 Pet. 1:3-9)

contentment that keeps us satisfied due to His love that enables us to have a song in our heart. (Ps. 5:11; 90:13-15)

confidence no matter what that enables us to remain unshaken because we know He is with us. (Ps. 21:6; Acts 2:25-28)

Do you want such joy? Remember that His joy is a fruit of the Spirit. We must constantly yield control to the Spirit (Eph. 5:18-20) and walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26) rather than try to do ministry on our own.

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Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Ministry

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A previous post established our critical need of the Spirit in ministry. Here we’ll use an acrostic with the word SPIRIT as a means of remembering ways the Holy Spirit helps us in ministry.

An Acrostic of Ways the Holy Spirit Helps Us in Ministry

While much more could be written about the ways the Spirit helps us, the following acrostic provides six roles the Holy Spirit takes showing how He works in and through us. He truly is our Paraclete, the One who lives within us and comes alongside of us with the help we need (Jn. 14:16-17).

S – Spiritual-Gifter: empowers and equips us for ministry

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, … All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Cor. 12:7-11)

P – Peace-Maker: develops peace within us so we can be at peace with one another

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Rom 8:6)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14:17)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace … (Gal. 5:22)

I – Interceder: prays for us when we are weak

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Rom. 8:26-27)

R – Revealer: makes known to us the heart and mind of God

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. (Jn. 16:13-16)

these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. 2:10-11)

I – Illuminator: enlightens our hearts so we can understand what God has for us

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Eph. 1:17-19)

What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Cor. 2:12)

T – Teacher: teaches us so we can teach others

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (Jn. 14:26)

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. (1 Cor. 2:13)

With this kind of Helper, why would we even attempt to do ministry without the power of the Spirit at work within and through us? Let’s turn the reigns over to the Holy Spirit to fill us so we effectively do God’s will with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts (Eph. 5:15-20).

Learn More: Resources About the Holy Spirit

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Our Critical Need of the Holy Spirit in Ministry

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Ministry can get quite difficult and messy at times. It doesn’t always go the way we hope it would. Yet, with the Holy Spirit in ministry, these realities do not have to discourage, disillusion, or overwhelm us.

12 Ministry Realities Showing our Critical Need of the Holy Spirit in Ministry

Contrast the trying situations we might face in ministry with the work of Spirit. Our need for he Holy Spirit is undeniable.

  1. Ministry can be a lonely place sometimes.  Because of the Holy Spirit within us, we are never alone.  (Jn. 14:16)
  1. Ministry brings us in conflict with a relativistic world.  Because of the Holy Spirit, we can have peace knowing that we have faithfully presented God’s Word and it is up to the Spirit of Truth to convince people of it.  (Jn. 14:17)
  1. Ministry quickly shows us that we do not have all the answers.  Because of the Spirit, we can still step out in confidence, knowing that He will help us, guide us, and teach us.  (Jn. 14:26; 16:13)
  1. Ministry often comes with a set of critics, even when we are doing everything right.  Because of the Spirit, we can believe that God will still use us as we do what we know HE wants us do to.  We can be okay knowing that it is the Spirit’s job to work in their hearts.  (Jn. 15:26; Rom. 15:13; Eph. 4:1-4)
  1. Ministry doesn’t always yield immediate results.  Because of the Spirit, we don’t have to feel like failures if we are lining up with Him.  It is His job to convict people of their need to change.  We can be easily fooled by appearances, but the Spirit knows what is in people’s hearts and can meet them there.  (Jn. 16:7-8)
  1. Ministry has a learning curve.  Because of the Spirit, we have the potential of learning what we need to know. Because of His guidance, God will be glorified.  (Jn. 16:13-14)
  1. Ministry opens many unfamiliar doors.  Because of the Spirit, we can have power to walk through those doors and show people how the Gospel meets all their needs.  (Acts 1:8)
  1. Ministry brings us face to face with issues about which we don’t know what to do or even how to pray.  Because of the Spirit, God has us covered.  He will pray for us when we can’t.  (Rom. 8:26-27)
  1. Ministry can be perplexing.  Because of the Spirit, we can receive insight into the heart and mind of God to know how to apply His Word to a given situation.  (1 Cor. 2:10-12)
  1. Ministry stands in contrast to the ways of the world.   Because of the Spirit, we can stay true to God’s ways, leaving the results to Him.  We can come to terms with the fact that not everyone will accept what we do or say because they do not have the Spirit within them.  Some will see it as pure foolishness.  (1 Cor. 2:13-14)
  1. Ministry can be demanding and can quickly drain us if we aren’t careful.  Because of the Spirit, we have a power source outside of ourselves that enables us to persevere under pressure.  (Eph. 3:16; 1 Cor. 12:7-11)
  1. Ministry comes with its own set of temptations.  Because of the Spirit, we can say no to the flesh and respond in Christ-like ways.  (Gal. 5:16-25)

In light of this, are you relying on the Holy Spirit? Are you walking in the Spirit?

The Holy Spirit and My Teaching Devotional
Are you a teacher of God’s Word? The Holy Spirit and Your Teaching Devotional applies truths about the Holy Spirit specifically to teaching.
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Ministry Resources

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Learning from what others have written about ministry in their books, articles, and video presentations can be quite helpful, keeping you from having to always learn the hard way. Using curriculum and other ministry tools already developed saves time so you can focus your attention elsewhere. For this reason, Ministry Tools Resource Center provides pages devoted to listing ideas and resources to enhance your learning and better equip you for ministry. Check out the List of Ministry Resources Pages pointing you to resource pages for church life (i.e., body life, fellowship, spiritual gifts), doctrine, equipping & ideas for ministry, holidays & seasons, and people groups — currently near 90 different topics.

While all of those pages may contain beneficial resources, we’d be remiss to think it’s all we need for effective ministry. And, we’d be unwise to view those resources as our starting point.

Begin with God When Looking for Ministry Resources

God does encourage us to consult with and learn from others (Prov. 15:22) but He also says “the fear of the Lord is THE BEGINNING of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7) and “the fear of the Lord is THE BEGINNING of wisdom” (Ps. 111:10). The more we know and love the Lord our God in the fullness of who He is, the more we’ll trust Him to be our all in all, leading to a realization of His power at work in and through us. That’s where we begin!

Ministry Resources from His Divine Power

 

His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. (2 Pet. 1:3, NASB)

Only the unchanging character of our glorious God gives us a firm foundation upon which to stand (Ps. 40:2) as well as a shield and fortress to shelter and protect (Ps. 18:2; 94:22; Prov. 18:10).

When we start with God, we’ll be in a better position to discern and filter what we read from other resources so we apply what is not only doctrinally sound but also a good fit for our situation. God promises to direct our paths when we trust in Him with all our heart rather than lean on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6).

When we begin with God, we’ll be better able to withstand the pressures and stressors of ministry, knowing that He not only has the best answers but also the ability to calm the soul just as Jesus calmed the raging sea (Mk. 4:35-41).

Be Sure to Check Out: The Ministry Worker’s Devotional: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

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Help Keep Ministry Online Using iGive & Affiliate Links

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Do you shop online? Do you appreciate this ministry?  You can help keep God’s work through Ministry Tools Resource Center online without any extra cost to you. Simply search for one of the over 2300 online stores in the iGive network after clicking on our iGive link and a portion of the money you spend benefits Ministry Tools Resource Center.  You pay the same price at the store you normally would, perhaps even less if you find a coupon or deal on iGive.  It won’t take long setting up an iGive account, making Ministry Tools Resource Center as your cause.

iGive.com

Ministry Tools Resources is also an affiliate with a number of retail stores. When you purchase through the links on the following page, a small commission from your order goes to this ministry:

Check out: Complete List of Affiliate Stores

The following pages provide links to the same stores but give you targeted resources:

Any purchases you make through links on those pages will help keep this ministry online. You’ll have a part in equipping believers around the world. And, it is greatly appreciated.

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