ON THE NEVER-ENDING NATURE OF MINISTRY

If summed up in a single word, ministry is simply “readiness.” 1 Corinthians 12: 4-7. The expression and manifestation of the Holy Spirit is given to me for the benefit, advantage and profit of others.

I’ve always been perplexed with the basic view of ministry as something one must get into or sign up for, as opposed to it simply being someone you are. Lingering over ministry there looms a black cloud that implies if we’re not involved in one of the many categories or vocations of the standard ministry pool, then we are not serving the Kingdom, and therefore not in ministry. Not to negate the many core areas of need in the Church, but vocations are nothing more than things we do. As such, they can be done out of bondage, obligation, pressure and selfish motives rather than desire… turning them from ministry into misery where the heart is tainted and the results anemic, if that. True and lasting ministry resides in who we are being while doing the things we do - in vocations or otherwise. It’s about the posture of our hearts being in that special space where the fruits of the spirit are evident through counting others as more important than ourselves. It’s moving in the spirit of giving where for a time we forget about our own struggles, shortcomings, insecurities and agendas and focus on serving others with excellence and without conditions or expectations. This is ministry, and as we share our gifts with others, the fullness of Christ’s presence shines through, tasks are done, and we’re refreshed, alive, and ready for what’s next. The ministry of “readiness” knows no limits where it can show up. The light is always on, shining on others, regardless of location, vocation or situation. 

The Big Question:Do you view ministry as a place you go to, something you do, or do you see it as someone you can be… every moment of every day?

Living Out Who God Made You to Be

How much of your time do you spend doing things that you both love and excel in? Things that produce outstanding results and rejuvenate your soul—things that others look at and say, “How in the world do you do that?” To which your reply is, “I don’t know, it’s easy.” The majority of people spend their days doing things they’re reasonably good at, but not passionate about. It’s not that they’re incompetent—they’re good—they’re just not “Wow!”  They don’t hate what they do and a lot of it gives them some satisfaction, they just don’t love it—it isn’t a passion for them.

Most people never take time to discover who God made them to be and what He made them to do, so they end up living ordinary lives, devoid of the joy and purpose God has waiting for them. They work hard and have moments where they feel God’s pleasure in their work, but there’s no real passion. For them, work feels more like a hamster wheel than the exciting, abundant adventure that Scripture promises. Does this sound like you or anyone on your team?

If you’re like most people, you spend far too little time working in your God-given gifts, strengths, and passions—yet that’s what you were created to do! That’s what will bring about God’s best for your life. That’s what God will hold you accountable for.

If you’re tired of doing things which don’t seem to fit you, it’s time for a change. Discover the way God wired you—your gifts, passions, strengths and abilities. Then combine them with your life’s experiences to gain a better understanding of who God created you to be and what He wants you to do. The payoff will be amazing!

You do best what you love and were created to do—and so does everyone else!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT).

Living Out Who God Made You to Be

How much of your time do you spend doing things that you both love and excel in? Things that produce outstanding results and rejuvenate your soul—things that others look at and say to you, “How in the world do you do that?” To which your reply is, “I don’t know, it’s easy.” The majority of people spend their days doing things they’re reasonably good at—but not passionate about. It’s not that they’re incompetent. They’re good—they’re just not “Wow!” They don’t hate what they do, a lot of it gives them some satisfaction, they just don’t love it—it isn’t a passion for them.

Most people never take time to discover who God made them to be and what He made them to do—so they live ordinary lives, devoid of the joy and purpose God has waiting for them. They work hard and have moments where they feel God’s pleasure in their work, but there’s no real passion, and work feels more like a hamster wheel than the exciting, abundant adventure Scripture promises. Does this sound like you or anyone on your team?

If you’re like most people, you spend far too little time working in your God-given gifts, strengths and passions—yet that’s what you were created to do! That’s what will bring about God’s best for your life. That’s what God will hold you accountable for.

If you’re tired of doing things which don’t seem to fit you, it’s time for a change. Discover the way God wired you—your gifts, passions, strengths and abilities. Then combine those with your life experiences to gain a better understanding of who God created you to be and what He wants you to do. The payoff will be amazing!

You do best what you love and were created to do—and so does everyone else!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT).