Category Archives: Reflections on Ministry

We tend to go into ministry with expectations but are they realistic expectations? Our expectations may be too high or too low. Jesus, however, gave His disciples a more realistic perspective. He warned them of pending trouble as they served but also pointed to hope. — “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33)

Going into Ministry with Expectations That Are Too High

Ministry will not be problem-free. If we set our expectations too high, expecting that everything will run smoothly and that everyone will accept and agree with us, then we are in for some surprises that might disillusion or discourage us, even cause us to quit.

Jesus warned the disciples of troubles so they could maintain perspective when when difficulties came. Peace in the midst of troubles would be possible “in Him”.

Going into Ministry with Expectations That Are Too Low

While we will face problems, ministry will not be filled with insurmountable problems. If we go into ministry with expectations set too low, it will very likely lead to half-hearted efforts.

Ministry will have both ups and downs, but we can make it through and even thrive regardless of the circumstances. Such realistic expectations are based on two words Jesus spoke in John 16:33 — “in me”. We can rise above because He is the Overcomer!

Going into Ministry with Realistic Expectations

Realistic expectations are essential to our peace as we wade through troubles we face in ministry. Our perception affects our level of commitment, as well as how we view and treat those we serve. If we maintain realistic expectations, we’ll be able to diligently serve with joy in our hearts regardless of the circumstances.

Realistic expectations demand faith. Though we acknowledge the potential for troubles in ministry, we don’t stop there. Jesus continued, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” With God all things are possible. Do we truly believe Him?

What do we know about serving? What do we communicate to others when trying to recruit them to serve? How we view serving could make a difference not only on “if” we serve, but also “how” we serve. So, let’s see what God says about ministry in the Bible.

Serving is a Matter of Obedience and Stewardship

Both “if” and “how” we serve comes in the form of a command. God holds us accountable for serving wholeheartedly and by His power.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Rom. 12:11)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet. 4:10-11)

Serving is More Than a Mere Command and Responsibility; It’s God’s Plan for Us

God didn’t save us merely to give us an eternal home in glory one day. He has purpose for us right now.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10)

… those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:8)

From the beginning, God wanted people to work in cooperation with Him (Gen. 2:15, 19). As the Almighty God, He certainly doesn’t need help but rather desires our participation. What a privilege!

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. (1 Cor. 3:9)

Serving is a Christ-like Way to Live

When we serve, we showcase our wonderful Lord to others “for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45).

We showcase His grace when we serve. It’s like we’re dispensers of His grace. — “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Pet. 4:10)

We show His love when we serve because truly serving isn’t about what we get out of it but what we give. — “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”(Gal. 5:13-14) — We not only love others by serving them but we also show love for the Lord when we serve others. — “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25:40)

Serving is a Way to Give Back to God

We could never repay God for all He’s done for us but we can demonstrate our gratitude through serving.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. (Rom. 12:1)

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Sam. 12:24)

We can serve to bring praise and glory to God.

… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)

… serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. … so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet. 4:10-11)

Serving is a Rewarded

In light of what we’ve noted above, reward is just a fringe benefit of serving. Certainly we have higher motivations. God does, however, promise rewards for serving when done with all our heart, as unto the Lord.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Col. 3:23-24)

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do .. (Eph. 6:7-8)

This is serving done as an outgrowth of our relationship with Him, pulling on His wisdom and power to do so. It is ministry done God’s way.

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. (Matt. 7:22-23)

If anyone builds on this foundation (Jesus Christ) using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their 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 person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. (1 Cor. 3:12-14)

We may not see instant results in ministry. Serving God’s way may not always be easy. We can, however, persevere by clinging to His promise. It’s what enables us to “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Rom. 12:11)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal. 6:9)

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Heb. 6:10)

If we find ourselves making excuses in ministry about why we didn’t do something or didn’t do a better job, we need to work through how this verse relates.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. (2 Cor. 9:8, NASB)

Principles from 2 Corinthians 9:8 that Apply to Ministry

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about their ministry to the Macedonian church in 2 Corinthians 9. He told them that they needed to be prepared to follow through with their commitment and should do so generously and cheerfully. Though these verses refer to giving, we could apply the principles in 2 Corinthians 9:8 to any kind of ministry.

1. What God wills, He provides for. — “And God is ABLE to make”

2. God’s provision to do His will is complete, not just a trickle or portion of grace. — “ALL grace ABOUND to you”

3. God will always come through with the grace to do His will, no exceptions. — “so that in ALL things at ALL times”

4. Though God will give us everything essential for accomplishing His will, He may or may not give us excess. — “having ALL you NEED”

5. God’s objective in giving us grace to do His will isn’t that we keep His provision for ourselves but that we have in order to give. — “you will ABOUND in EVERY good work”

Do Some Soul Searching If You Find Yourself Making Excuses in Ministry

If we have problems following through on commitments, the problem is with us, not with God. Before making excuses for not doing ministry, or doing it well, let’s ask God to search our hearts (Ps. 139:23-24) as we seek to answer these questions.

Is this really God’s will?

Perhaps we’re struggling because we’re pursuing something that’s not truly God’s will. We may have good intentions but not God’s intentions. We may have good ideas but not God’s ideal. — Keep praying about it to make sure you’re on page with God.

Are my motives right?

Perhaps in the depths of our hearts, we want God’s grace so we’re blessed. While God does take care of us, ultimately He gives us His grace so we can serve others. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Pet. 4:10) — Learn to be generous and faithful with the little God gives. He could be waiting to give more until our motives are right.

Am I missing what God is actually doing?

Perhaps we’re putting expectations on God as to how He must operate and therefore don’t see what He’s putting into place for us. God provides for ministry in a variety of ways, not just monetarily. He might be providing but we don’t see it because we’re looking elsewhere. — Let God be God, and we won’t give up just because we don’t see it. God knows what’s truly needed to accomplish His will. He sees the big picture.

Maybe instead of making excuses in ministry, what we need is to ask God for a restart based on His abundant grace.

Church Leaders, Also Read: God’s Power for the Church: The Grace of God

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

Jesus’ incarnation shows the importance of meeting people where they are, so being relevant is important. Adapting to where people are tends to make a difference in their receptivity to the Gospel and their ability to understand and learn (1 Cor. 9:19-22). But, how far do we take it? Relevancy alone won’t bring eternal results.

What’s Needed More Than Relevancy

Jesus does set the example for us, which the Apostle Paul followed as seen when He wrote, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Cor. 9:22). Yet, Jesus Himself said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5). And, throughout his epistles, the Apostle Paul repeatedly acknowledged the need of divine power for anything of significance to happen in ministry (1 Cor. 3:6-7). No matter what words or strategies we use, people aren’t going to truly understand and accept truth without the Spirit of God at work (1 Cor. 2:11-14). Consequently, more than relevancy, we need God’s power. Seek to be relevant but don’t rely on that.

Relevancy does tend to help people in their understanding and motivation. Yet, if we aren’t careful, it can also be seen as a manipulative tool. Are we just doing certain things to pull people in or because we truly care enough to meet them where they are? God clearly states that we can do a lot of good things for the wrong reasons. Our words become like “resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” without love. No matter what we do, we “gain nothing” of eternal value if we do not have love. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Consequently, more than relevancy, we need to be real in our love for people. Seek to be relevant but for the right reasons.

Relevancy does tend to grab people’s attention. Using what interests them makes it seem more palatable. Yet, we must guard against letting a need to be relevant turn into a quest to gain people’s approval. When that happens, we too easily can slip into compromise. It chips away at our integrity as we become more and more about pleasing people than pleasing God (Gal. 1:10; Col. 3:23-24; 1 Thess. 2:3-5). Consequently, more than relevancy we need a focus on God Himself. Seek to be relevant but keep God first and foremost.

So, how can we be relevant without losing this focus?

We already established in a previous post that being relevant as a Church, does not mean compromising who we are as Christians. Nor does it mean compromising truth. Certain realities do not change, like the eternal truth of Scripture based on who God is. We can, however, biblically find great flexibility in style, form, methodology, and structure, that can enable us to be relevant without watering down or violating God’s Word.

Ways the Church Can be Relevant without Compromising Truth

Relevancy cannot lead to changing the message. Our culture does not define truth but rather God does. Instead, we put the unadulterated truth of God’s Word in terms or language people can understand. It’s about adapting how we communicate, not what we communicate.

Jesus lived among people, talking their language, yet remained 100% God (Phil. 2:6-8).

Like Jesus, we can start by ministering to people’s physical or felt needs, never forgetting their greatest and most real need.

Like Jesus, we can use every day, familiar objects or illustrations to communicate truth.

By meeting people where they are, we’re showing them the connection between truth and their real life issues. Again, we’re not changing truth to fit them but rather showing how God and His ways already fit even their deepest needs.

This means Bible lessons and sermons aim for more than head knowledge. We seek to show the implications and application of truth to people’s lives. We tap into their age level characteristics and needs, to help meet them where they are. We get to know the people we serve so we can tailor our approach to them.

How We Can be Relevant in Different Aspects of Ministry

Relevancy needs to extend beyond how we connect with people to how we function as a Church. Here are just a few ways to consider:

• We make programs relevant by structuring according to needs, not because “we’ve always done it that way”.

• Presentations and meetings become more relevant when we employ current technology and creative methodology, and not merely do what’s comfortable for the leader.

• Recruiting people for ministry becomes more relevant when we emphasize the worth of getting people involved, rather than simply filling a position

• Training for ministry becomes more relevant when it gets tailored to people’s needs rather than simply applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

But, we need more than relevancy.