Category Archives: Traits for Ministry

We could list a number of characteristics of an effective ministry worker. Reliability could be one of them because of the difference it makes in ministry.

Why Reliability Matters in Ministry

Reliability makes a difference in ministry for a number of reasons:

1) It captures people’s attention, making a good impression on them.

2) People sense that they are valued when we go the extra mile to be there.

3) Reliable leaders, teachers, and ministry workers bring a sense of stability to our churches.

What a welcomed change from what people experience around them in a world of political unrest and so much uncertainty! — “Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.” (Prov. 25:19, NLT)

How to Become More Reliable

Since reliability has such a positive effect, certainly we would do well to become more reliable. Consider what it takes:

Reinforcement: We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-8). As we yield our lives to the Spirit, walking in Him rather than gratifying our flesh, He builds into us positive qualities that make us more reliable (Gal. 5:22-23).

Reliance: When we turn to God as our primary source of help in ministry, He provides the wisdom and power needed to become more and more reliable. — “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life …” (2 Pet. 1:3)

Reset: If we build some rest and relaxation into our busy schedules, in the long run, we’ll become more reliable. When over-worked and stressed, we tend to make more mistakes, take shortcuts, and become more susceptible to frustration. It’s hard to give our best effort when exhausted. God instituted the Sabbath for a reason (Ex. 20:8).

Reflect on how reliable you are in ministry. Ask God, by His Spirit, to reinforce within you the qualities you need to be more reliable. Rely on His power, not self-determination. Take time to reset. God says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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)?

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.

When it comes to ministry, skills do matter but God cares most about our heart qualities for who we are affects what we do.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. (1 Cor. 1:26)

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Sam. 16:7).

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Prov. 4:23)

As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. (Prov. 27:19)

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Lk. 6:45)

Ministry Qualities Needed to be Effective

The Bible provides a list of specific traits that will help us be both effective and productive.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 1:5-8)

The Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool highlights some important ministry qualities and emphasizes how character development needs to be grace-based and a growth process. This resource looks at nine key elements to doing ministry God’s way with ministry qualities being one of those elements.

To do ministry God’s way, we must not only “do” ministry in alignment with Him, but we must also “be” in alignment with Him. Being God’s servant requires ministry qualities He views as important.

Lots of Important Ministry Qualities But One that Matters Most

We can look at Christ-like qualities like humility and servanthood.

• Church Leadership Qualities: Be a Servant
• Jesus’ Example of Servanthood

Such qualities, as well as many others, should be found in those who serve the Lord. But, God identifies one trait as most important — love. Without love, all of our ministry efforts are nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3). When we love, the other needed qualities tend to be there as well.

• Characteristics of an Effective Ministry Worker
• The Greatest of These is Love
• To Love More & More
• Want to be More Discerning? – Learn to Love More

For more about ministry qualities as God looks for them, check out the Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool. That resource also examines eight other key elements in doing ministry God’s way. Three pages are devoted to each element with the first two answering questions about that element and the third being a Bible study guide about it.