Ministry Focus & Equipping | Christian Ministry Training Blog

Ministry Troubles: Unexpected Change

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 11 Comments ↓

Troubles we face in ministry are not necessarily directly related to sin or some kind of tragedy. When Jesus warned that we would have trouble in this world (Jn. 16:33), He did not specify what kind of trouble or its source. Trouble can be anything that stirs up distress within us, that makes our efforts more difficult or uncertain, such as the unexpected or new.

Dealing with Unexpected Change

You might face unexpected changes in your ministry or be asked to do a ministry you haven’t done before.

Reactions: fears, anxieties, and insecurities

Remember: God has provided equipping resources through various means to help you but the most important resource is Himself and His divine power.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service. (Eph. 4:11-12a)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

May the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. (Heb. 13:20-21)

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Pet. 1:3)

Recourse: Avail yourself of the resources He provides.

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Ministry Troubles

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Jesus warned of troubles in this world (Jn. 16:33). We do ministry in this world so expect some ministry troubles.

Those who are new to serving as a volunteer in the church, or fresh out of Bible college or seminary going into full-time ministry, are especially susceptible to discouragement or disillusionment as they often go into service without realistic expectations.

Ministry related troubles will come.

James 1:2 refers to facing “trials of many kinds.” What we face in ministry can bring all sorts of stress and negative feelings if we do not learn to do the first part of James 1:2 — “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” That is easier to do if rather than looking at troubles we face in ministry as problems, we look at them as opportunities. Remembering certain truths will help.

Often it is our interpretation of our circumstances that takes us down a dark path. We need to step back and take an objective look at the problem through the grid of Scripture. Jesus’ words in John 8:32 show what happens when we grab hold of truth, particularly truth through God’s lens:

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

A helpful book which you can learn more about and/or order in our affiliate bookstore, Telling Yourself the Truth, “teaches you how to identify your own misbeliefs and replace them with the truth.”

We will look at some of the ministry related troubles you might face in a series of posts:

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Attitude Toward Those Who Do Us Wrong

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 9 Comments ↓

In ministry we will have people who let us down or disappoint us in some way. We might also experience betrayal, false accusations, or other hard-to-take acts against us. How do we react? What is our attitude toward them? How do we treat them?

Jesus’ Attitude in Ministry Toward Those Who Did Him Wrong

As I was reading John 13:1-11 in some personal time with the Lord, I noticed bookends to a well-known story about Jesus.

We often get caught up in the act of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and its lessons on servanthood. We might take note of Peter’s reaction and Jesus’ response. But, how often do we tie in verses 2 and 11, what I am calling the bookends to this story?

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. …

For he (Jesus) knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

I believe these verses are significantly placed in the context of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him but He washed His feet anyway. He humbled Himself in this act of service not only for those who would ultimately remain faithful and true to Him, some of whom would die as martyrs for Jesus, but also for the one who would betray Him.

I am reminded of Jesus’ teaching:

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Lk. 6:27-28)

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. (Lk. 6:32-33)

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Lk. 6:35-36)

Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus extended grace to His enemies, saying “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).

Jesus, “for the joy set before him endured the cross.” “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:2-3)

Jesus knew there was a bigger picture and committed Himself to the Father to take care of Him which is why He could serve the one he knew would betray Him.

Aren’t you glad we don’t usually know in advance when someone will do us wrong? We would probably have an even greater struggle with our attitude toward them. Not Jesus! He still did good. He maintained perspective.

If you find maintaining perspective difficult, perhaps the 40 Day Challenge to Maintaining a Healthy Perspective will help. These are pillars of truth you need to cling to in order to maintain a good attitude toward those who do you wrong. (Feel free to copy the 40 Day Challenge page from the link above for your own use or to give to others who might be helped by it. Be sure check out the discussion guide which also includes the challenge.)

Not Finding Much Joy in Ministry?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Philippians 4:4 —

“Rejoice in the Lord always.”

The Apostle Paul knew the difficulties and disappointments that come in ministry. He experienced hardships in life. Yet, he exhorts us to rejoice ALWAYS.

To Find Joy in Ministry, We Must Learn to Rejoice in the Lord

The answer to finding joy is knowing where to find it — “in the Lord”.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in what you are doing.

If your source of joy is in your accomplishments, what happens to your joy when you are hindered from reaching your goals?

We lose our joy when we become anxious about what we are doing rather than trusting God.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in the conditions around you.

If the conditions in which you serve, or live, are less than ideal, what happens to your joy?

We lose our joy when keep our eyes on this world rather than what is to come.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in what you have.

If you were to lose what is most precious to you, how would that affect your joy?

We lose our joy when we focus on what we have or do not have rather than who we are in Him.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in ministry success.

If your ministry efforts, whatever they may be, did not go well, how would it affect your joy?

We lose our joy when we let it become about what we do rather than what He does.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in people’s opinions of you.

If you didn’t like people’s responses to what we say or do, how much would it affect your joy?

We lose our joy when we are controlled by the expectations of others rather than seeking God’s glory.

When we try to find joy in anything other than in the Lord, we may find ourselves rather joyless at times. Ministry can be disappointing. Life can be hard. The Lord, however, remains faithful and true. He loves us no matter what. He is always good. When we find our joy in Him, we can rejoice always.

When Philippians 4:4 becomes a reality, then we will reflect joy in ministry.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

I Know Some Servants … with the Spiritual Gift of Wisdom

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 9 Comments ↓

The Spiritual Gift of Wisdom Defined

to apply knowledge to life in such a way as to make spiritual truths quite relevant and practical in proper decision-making and daily life situations

Examples of How Our Gifting May Cause Others to Seek Us Out

Servant #1: People in her church would constantly turn to her for advice. She had this knack of being able to show people how God’s Word fit their particular situation in the most practical ways.

Servant #2: People tended to defer to him when problems would arise. In leading a ministry, he was constantly seeking the best solutions to problems based on principles from God’s Word.

Servant #3: People wanted her to be on their committees because she would help the group get beyond simply coming up with good ideas or looking at issues in theory. She would be able to help the group arrive at ways to implement the ideas that worked but most importantly that lined up with God’s Word.

All of these servants were able to see how God’s Word fit into real life, to point out the relevance and implications of Truth to particular situations or issues. In addition to other gifts, they all had the gift of wisdom.

Lesson to be learned:

If you want to get beyond simply knowing what God’s Word says, seek out someone with the gift of wisdom. They are able to provide insight into how the Word applies to life. But, don’t go to them if you are looking for human or worldly wisdom. These servants provide godly wisdom based on God’s Word.

Get this example of the spiritual gift of wisdom in use, along with 20 other gifts, in the Ministry Handbook: Spiritual Gifts in Use. In addition, the handbook suggests spiritual gifts most typically used in 16 broad ministry areas and 27 specific tasks that may need to be accomplished in most of those areas.

What Really Matters in Ministry?

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 5 Comments ↓

What really matters in ministry? —

Having smooth-running programs and classes?
Doing things right, doing them well?
Keeping people interested and coming back?

Good management is important. That is why you will find leadership training on the MinTools.com site. That is why you will find classroom discipline resources for effectively managing the classroom.

Good methodology is important. That is why you will find a sample teaching method on the MinTools.com site. That is why you will find an article dealing with methodology in ministry.

Yet, we must ask if that’s what matters most to God.

What Matters Most in Ministry According to God

In God’s economy, “being” who you should be is more important than doing. That is why you find a sample Be-Attitude on the MinTools.com site, as well as articles stressing leader qualities on the TrainChurchLeaders.com site.

When you are who you should be, you will be a blessing to others. Who you are can be a greater blessing than what you do. As you become more and more conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, others will be encouraged in their walk. That is the greatest benefit anyone can receive from you. Proverbs 10:7 says that even “the memory of the righteous will be a blessing.”

Further, when we the church are who we should be, others who do not know the Lord will notice and be drawn to Him. The early church devoted themselves to what was important and “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42-47).

What really matters in ministry? —

Being who God wants us to be!
Lining up with Him and His ways!
Reflecting Jesus in all we say and do!

Be who you should be and you will tend to do what you should do!