The kind of ministry focus that will truly make a difference is that which centers all attention around God — His character, heart, ways. We can too easily turn the focus onto ourselves — who we are as a Church or ministry (denomination, building, pastoral staff), what we do (programs, worship style, etc.), what we view as important (attendance, style, methodology). When our focus turns to anything other than God, it’s misplaced.
Misplaced Focus Diminishes Ministry Effectiveness
Our focus in ministry matters because
. . . it’s where we point people to.
Our words can be pointing to God, but people tend to look more in the direction we’re looking.
To Read:
. . . it’s what we use as a standard.
We can do a lot of good in ministry but still get off track and miss the mark if we aren’t doing what God views as most important. (e.g., 1 Cor. 13:1-3)
To Read:
. . . it’s who or what gets the credit.
When the focus is on us and what we do rather than on God and what He does, we fail to give Him the glory.
To Read:
- Ministry Endeavors: Doing Whatever You Do to the Glory of God
- Not to Us, O LORD, but to Your Name Be the Glory
The above points are listed in the Ministry God’s Way Discipleship Tool along with a reminder to keep our focus on God — His character, heart, and ways — and the difference that makes. Using John the Baptist as an example, it also give us cues as to where we might be putting our attention. In addition to Ministry Focus, this resource looks at eight other key elements of doing ministry God’s way.