Ministry Focus & Equipping | Christian Ministry Training Blog

Quick Solutions or Real Change in Staffing Issues?

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Anyone responsible for overseeing staffing knows the struggles of recruiting enough people to fill all the needs. So, when we do get people to volunteer, we don’t want to lose them. And, we should do what we can to train, encourage, and support them in ways that let them know they’re valued and appreciated. But, what do we do if they aren’t a good fit? Or, what if they aren’t coming adequately prepared or have a negative attitude? We may be tempted to apply a quick solution rather than seek real change.

The Objective Will Determine if We Seek Real Change or Apply a Quick Solution

If our objective is solely filling ministry positions, then we won’t want to hurt the person’s feelings or upset them in any way. We don’t want them get frustrated and quit. We may cover for their inadequacies or make excuses for them so those affected don’t complain or at least cut them some slack. We may pull on more reliable people to fill in. These are quick solutions to try to keep everybody happy.

Solution to Staffing Issues is to Spur Them On When our objective goes beyond the immediate situation to the long-range effect of people’s attitudes and behavior, we will be more concerned about helping the person serve in accordance with God’s heart and ways. We will then take steps to spur the person on to give of their best to the Lord in attitudes and actions (Heb. 10:24). This is about real change for God’s glory (Ps. 79:9).

The Results in How We Deal with Staffing Issues Reveal the Best Approach

Quick solutions fail to look at the big picture like how their actions or attitudes affect other people. It could possibly stir up negative feelings in others, dampening the morale of everyone and diminishing effective ministry.

Pursuing real change, however, challenges the person to look outside of themselves and brings them into accountability to the Lord, not us. Everyone benefits if the person changes from the inside out.

Need Help with Staffing? Check out the: Staffing Ministry Manual

Show People You Serve That You Truly Care

Posted on May 8, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Do people we serve know that we care? We’ll have the greatest impact in their lives when they experience our love and concern in ways that truly matter.

4 Ways to Show People You Serve That You Truly Care

We could make a long list of ways to show that we care. Here are four ways that we might not always think about as ways to show we care.

Come alongside of people in ways that help them understand the reality of life in Christ. That means we “show” them by our own example (1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:7) and not merely tell them. Read: The Gospel Touches Every Need of Our Heart

When people see that serving them isn’t just about accomplishing our agenda, but about them and their needs and who they are in Christ, then they’ll get the message we truly care.

Use the Bible to connect people with a God whose love for them is so wide and long and high and deep (Eph. 3:18) that it’s difficult for our human minds to grasp. Since having a relationship with the Lord is the most important thing, then we must get beyond merely telling people what the Bible says.

When people see that we aren’t merely trying to indoctrinate them but really want what’s best for them, then they’ll get the message that we care.

Take time to interact with people to make sure they truly understand. Ask questions, observe, and listen to what they’re saying. Don’t just assume they’re getting it.

When people see that we aren’t merely putting in our time but truly want them to learn and grow, then they’ll tend to believe we care.

Invest time and attention into ministry efforts. Coming prepared will make it a better experience all around.

When people see that we aren’t simply doing enough to get by but are giving them our best, then they will sense that they are worth it to us, that we truly care.

Let’s take some time to reflect on the message our ministries send to people. Would we be able to say, “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” (1 Thess. 2:8)?

We Help Each Other Grow

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

God wants us to grow both as individual believers and as a Church. (If you haven’t already done so, read the series of posts beginning at: Spiritual Growth: Overview) While He uses a number of means, fellow believers have a big role in the growth process. God intends for us to help each other grow.

Our Role in Helping Each Other Grow

We Have a Part in Helping Each Other Grow — (Click image to enlarge in Pinterest & repin.)

We each have a part in one another’s growth.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:16)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up . . . warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thess. 5:11-14)

We merely facilitate growth. God actually brings the growth.

… the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. (Col. 2:19)

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. (1 Cor. 3:6-7)

If we remember God’s strategic role in the process, we will be less likely to get proud or self-righteous when growth comes. We will be more prone to be like the Apostle Paul who said, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” Glory goes to God.

Reflect on What You’re Doing to Help Facilitate Other’s Spiritual Growth

Here are some questions to assist your reflection:

What is your part in helping others grow?
How faithful are you in doing your part?
How open are you to learning from others?
How quick are you to give God the credit when growth occurs?

“What If” Questions for People in Ministry

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

We tend to ask “what if” questions like “What if I had done xxx differently?” or “What if xxx hadn’t happened?”. Sometimes answering those kinds of questions can propel us forward but sometimes it can pull us down.

Constructive Versus Destructive Asking of “What If”

When we ask this question for evaluative purposes, so we can learn for the future, it can be a very constructive process. When, however, it merely leads to bemoaning what could have been, it has a destructive effect.

If we ask “what if” about choices and conduct over which we have the ability to change, it can be a positive learning experience. When we keep focusing on circumstances over which we have little or no control, it tends to produce needless anxiety and stress.

“What If” Questions for People in Ministry to Ask

“What if” you did things different in your walk with God and ministry? What kind of difference would it make? Here are some “what ifs” to think about that could potentially revolutionize your ministry:

What if you spent more time daily communing with God in His Word and through prayer?
What if you cared more about what God thinks than what people think?
What if you spent more time listening to others than trying to promote your own agenda?
What if you acted with a little more grace toward those who stand in opposition to you?
What if you spent more time responding than reacting?
What if you expressed your appreciation and gratitude for people more often?
What if you tried to get people more involved in the process rather than doing it yourself?
What if you stopped and prayed before every decision you had to make?
What if you thought outside of the box more often rather than doing it simply because “we’ve always done it that way”?
What if you put more emphasis on Jesus than on programs and your own image?
What if you were as good of a role model for your own children as you act in front of others?
What if you acted like you really believe what you teach or preach?

To answer these questions we need to honestly assess our current practices. Rather than sensing condemnation in our reflection, understand that God wants us to learn and grow, to press on to do better through the power God provides. None of us have arrived but we can all press on (Phil. 3:12). Remember these verses:

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)

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

Also Read: Prayerful Assessment Needed for Steps to Change

ASK for Wisdom Needed in Ministry

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Ministry can be wrought with unknowns as well as obstacles. We must sometimes make decisions for which we have no precedence. God offers to give us the wisdom we need but we must ASK Him for it.

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)

An Acrostic of Wisdom Needed in Ministry Reminding Us to Ask for It

No matter how we serve, we need God’s wisdom in these three areas. Take time to ask Him the suggested questions.

A – Application of truth

ASK: How does the truth of God’s Word relate to my responsibilities, attitudes, and decisions? (Col. 1:9-12)

We need to get beyond simply “knowing” truth. Knowledge must be coupled with insight. The implications and application of truth bring relevancy to God’s Word. We will be more fruitful in ministry when we pull on His wisdom and strength.

S – Stewardship of time and resources

ASK: How can I make the most of every opportunity God gives me? (Col. 4:5)

We need to know how to juggle our schedules and budget purposefully. We can get consumed by the “tyranny of the urgent” and that which seems to cry out to us the loudest. We will find ourselves making practical, common-sense decisions that effectively use what we have and at the same time make a difference when we exercise His wisdom as we serve.

K – Keeping on the path

ASK: What must I do to stay within God’s will? (Prov. 3:5-6)

We need a big picture perspective that helps us understand how what we do fits into God’s eternal scheme. Our own understanding will be limited in scope. We will be more purposeful and persevering when we seek and apply His wisdom.

Asking for Wisdom in All We Do

We’ll be more prone to ask for wisdom in ministry when praying for it is a part of every facet of our lives. Perhaps we need some resources to remind us of its importance. Click on the links below for help . . .

learning to personally walk in wisdom,

teaching others to walk in wisdom.

Disgruntled Ministry Workers

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Lined across the front of the platform during a worship service, a group of children joyfully move, singing their special song with motions. That is, except for one little boy people can’t take their eyes off. He stands there with a furrowed brow, arms tightly crossed in front of him, and not opening his mouth the whole time. His body language speaks volumes. This disgruntled child clearly doesn’t want to be there.

Now let’s think about ourselves and how we come across to those we serve. Do people get the message that we want to be there with them? How open are we in both our posture and words? Are we communicating that we care? Does joy exude from our being? Or, do we come across similar to that disgruntled little boy?

Focus Tends to Go to the Disgruntled Ministry Workers

Just like our attention keeps getting drawn to that one little boy, so it is human tendency to pick out those who aren’t doing well in ministry.

We need to heed the Apostle Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonian church “to acknowledge those who work hard among you” (1 Thess. 5:12-13). Let’s not neglect to extend our appreciation and gratitude to people who are serving with the right attitudes, actions, and words. Let’s put some focus on the good, and not let the one or two disgruntled ones distract us.

And, since disgruntled ministry workers can not only pull attention off of those who are doing well, but also negatively affect the big picture, we need to continue on with Paul’s instruction. He said, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thess. 5:14) — See and respond to the inner need behind the disgruntled exterior.

A Word for All of Us About Our Attitudes

If you are like the boy: You may have legitimate reasons for feeling disgruntled about your place of service but your attitude could do damage to the cause of Christ. Others will notice and get distracted from where they need to be focused. Don’t, however, repress your feelings or simply put on a front. Rather, ask God to search your heart and work in you a change of attitude and an ability to deal with the issue in a godly manner.

If you are the recipient of someone who doesn’t want to be there: Remind yourself that this is one person. Try not to judge everyone because of a bad experience with an individual or two. You’ll miss the big picture of good that is going on around you.

If you are the ministry leader with someone who doesn’t want to be there: Do you know why their attitude is such? Have you taken the time to come along side of this person to listen, encourage, and spur him/her on?

How will we live out 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 with one another?