KNOW YOUR GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT
Congregation members tend to be a reflection of their leaders, and leaders tend to be a reflection of their pastor. Churches will often flow in the same anointing and passion as the senior pastor. So first figure out what area of ministry your stronger gifts and passion lean towards. Some churches are known for having a focus on evangelism, others are known for their emphasis on worship, and some churches are specifically known for being prophetic or apostolic training centers. Churches should be known for all these things, but your main call and gifts should be highlighted in order to operate at your highest potential. Forcing yourself to operate outside of your main calling or gifts can cause unnecessary stress and spiritual frustration.
Identify your strengths! What are you good at? What are you passionate about? What are your favorite areas of ministry or topics you love to discuss? Do you feel called to a 5-Fold Ministry office or are you just seeking to start a Bible study group? Pay attention to where you are most drawn to and prayerfully consider where you fit best in ministry. If you don't feel led to start a church and would rather stick to developing a home Bible Study or Prayer group, then some of these next ministry tools may not apply to you.
Your passion and calling as a ministry leader should be reflected by the official Mission, Vision, and Core Values upheld by the church. Although churches can operate without an official Mission, Vision, or Core Values, having these set-in stone can help give the church specific direction and set the tone of the culture of the congregation and even regular services.
To keep the ministry on track with the mission and vision, the core goals should be mentioned regularly, either tied into a sermon, while collecting offering, or while advertising the next event. By repeating the mission and vision it will likely stick to the minds of the listeners who will see the passion you have for it as they develop their own. Passion is contagious. People get excited if the person speaking about something is excited. So, speaking out the mission and vision with passion can transform the culture of the church if there was no passion or direction beforehand.
Identify your strengths! What are you good at? What are you passionate about? What are your favorite areas of ministry or topics you love to discuss? Do you feel called to a 5-Fold Ministry office or are you just seeking to start a Bible study group? Pay attention to where you are most drawn to and prayerfully consider where you fit best in ministry. If you don't feel led to start a church and would rather stick to developing a home Bible Study or Prayer group, then some of these next ministry tools may not apply to you.
Your passion and calling as a ministry leader should be reflected by the official Mission, Vision, and Core Values upheld by the church. Although churches can operate without an official Mission, Vision, or Core Values, having these set-in stone can help give the church specific direction and set the tone of the culture of the congregation and even regular services.
To keep the ministry on track with the mission and vision, the core goals should be mentioned regularly, either tied into a sermon, while collecting offering, or while advertising the next event. By repeating the mission and vision it will likely stick to the minds of the listeners who will see the passion you have for it as they develop their own. Passion is contagious. People get excited if the person speaking about something is excited. So, speaking out the mission and vision with passion can transform the culture of the church if there was no passion or direction beforehand.
MINISTRY METHODS
Church methods that had a heavy impact 20 years ago may not carry that same kind of impact today. Times are always changing and in order to stay relevant churches should make appropriate adjustments. The original church in ACTS did not have their own building, stages, welcome centers, or even electricity. We evolved into brick and wooden churches with stained glass windows as dedicated places of worship complete with a steeple, giant cross, and organ. Today’s modern churches look a bit more different with lights, smoke machines, giant screens, electric instruments, and coffee bars. The appearance and methods may change, but the message should always remain the Word of God.
When starting a new ministry its much easier to set the tone of the church culture and flow of ministry. That being said, if you have an existing ministry that lacks structure, impact, or has an outdated feel to it, it may be time to evaluate the ministry to see if any updates and adjustments should be made. This can include dress code, worship songs, stage design, and digital advertising. Churches should appeal to multiple age groups and feel welcoming to all generations. If your church is mainly a specific age group it's likely that modern updates will attract a more diverse audience and feel more age-inclusive.
As much as we believe that biblically appearance doesn’t matter, the rest of the world has not gotten that memo. The most relevant and thriving churches are normally known for their “branding” style. Constantly changing graphic styles, fonts, and logos can create the appearance of instability and disorganization to outsiders. Cluttered and poorly made flyers will not attract as much as a carefully branded and well-designed flyer. Ideas for flyers and ads are easily accessible on Pintrest.com and certain phone apps carry great quality editing for images.
Companies are known for certain symbols, colors, fonts, and slogans. Anytime someone sees these colors and font they will likely immediately think of that company. The same branding techniques can be used for churches and ministries. To brand your church and catch attention of outsiders there should be a modern logo that may or may not include the actual name of the church, 1 or 2 main fonts that are used consistently, a color scheme of 3 or 4 that flows, and possibly a catchy slogan that is used that can tie into the mission or vision of the church. Once those details have been figured out, they should be used on Church T-shirts, business cards, and social media graphics. Vistaprint.com is a great resource for high quality business cards at a decent price and these cards can be given out during events, evangelism, or fundraisers. If local T-shirt shops aren’t readily available, CustomInk.com is a great website for bulk purchases of shirts and other clothing and can have your order at your doorstep in 2 weeks. Church T-shirts should be worn at community events, fundraisers, and during evangelism.
When starting a new ministry its much easier to set the tone of the church culture and flow of ministry. That being said, if you have an existing ministry that lacks structure, impact, or has an outdated feel to it, it may be time to evaluate the ministry to see if any updates and adjustments should be made. This can include dress code, worship songs, stage design, and digital advertising. Churches should appeal to multiple age groups and feel welcoming to all generations. If your church is mainly a specific age group it's likely that modern updates will attract a more diverse audience and feel more age-inclusive.
As much as we believe that biblically appearance doesn’t matter, the rest of the world has not gotten that memo. The most relevant and thriving churches are normally known for their “branding” style. Constantly changing graphic styles, fonts, and logos can create the appearance of instability and disorganization to outsiders. Cluttered and poorly made flyers will not attract as much as a carefully branded and well-designed flyer. Ideas for flyers and ads are easily accessible on Pintrest.com and certain phone apps carry great quality editing for images.
Companies are known for certain symbols, colors, fonts, and slogans. Anytime someone sees these colors and font they will likely immediately think of that company. The same branding techniques can be used for churches and ministries. To brand your church and catch attention of outsiders there should be a modern logo that may or may not include the actual name of the church, 1 or 2 main fonts that are used consistently, a color scheme of 3 or 4 that flows, and possibly a catchy slogan that is used that can tie into the mission or vision of the church. Once those details have been figured out, they should be used on Church T-shirts, business cards, and social media graphics. Vistaprint.com is a great resource for high quality business cards at a decent price and these cards can be given out during events, evangelism, or fundraisers. If local T-shirt shops aren’t readily available, CustomInk.com is a great website for bulk purchases of shirts and other clothing and can have your order at your doorstep in 2 weeks. Church T-shirts should be worn at community events, fundraisers, and during evangelism.
CATEGORIZING LEADERSHIP
Placing the wrong person in the wrong ministry can cause that ministry and the church itself to have stunted growth or even deteriorate. Whoever is placed in any area of ministry should first be spiritually right with God, equipped and trained (or willing to be taught) in that ministry, and have a passion for that ministry. Passionless people in ministry produce dead churches. Those who are in leadership or have an interest in serving should be given an opportunity to share their gifts, talents, and passions with the pastors so they can be placed in the appropriate areas in which they will be allowed to thrive. If there is a ministry need that nobody is passionate to fulfill, a rotation of trusted leaders should be made until the right person steps up to the plate. A rotation ensures that leaders won’t burn out. Also, every area of ministry should have a set of guidelines or responsibilities to avoid confusion or unapproved changes. A chain of command should also be set in place for leaders and volunteers so everyone knows who they answer to.
As an additional helpful resource, you may choose to have your leaders and volunteers take a personality test that highlights their personal strengths, weaknesses, and general character traits. This tool could help leaders and volunteers analyze what kind of ministry and areas of responsibility they are most likely to thrive in. One of the biggest issues facing many churches is lack of leadership and volunteers. Sometimes we get so caught up in the movement of ministry that we forget to take a breather. Countless times I’ve felt led to encourage a volunteer only to find out they were on the verge of giving up or quitting. Statistics show that 70% of pastors battle depression, approximately 1,500 pastors quit each month, and 80% of pastoral leadership often feels discouraged.
Fight against the statistics by having regular leadership meetings that involve fellowship, food, encouragement, and the sharing of thoughts and ideas. This keeps ministry momentum going but also provides special time for leaders to encourage one another and call out each other’s strengths. If anyone vocalizes that they are in a season of discouragement the team can use this as an opportunity to pray for that individual and bring restoration.
As an additional helpful resource, you may choose to have your leaders and volunteers take a personality test that highlights their personal strengths, weaknesses, and general character traits. This tool could help leaders and volunteers analyze what kind of ministry and areas of responsibility they are most likely to thrive in. One of the biggest issues facing many churches is lack of leadership and volunteers. Sometimes we get so caught up in the movement of ministry that we forget to take a breather. Countless times I’ve felt led to encourage a volunteer only to find out they were on the verge of giving up or quitting. Statistics show that 70% of pastors battle depression, approximately 1,500 pastors quit each month, and 80% of pastoral leadership often feels discouraged.
Fight against the statistics by having regular leadership meetings that involve fellowship, food, encouragement, and the sharing of thoughts and ideas. This keeps ministry momentum going but also provides special time for leaders to encourage one another and call out each other’s strengths. If anyone vocalizes that they are in a season of discouragement the team can use this as an opportunity to pray for that individual and bring restoration.
INTENTIONAL MOBILIZATION
Every city and community seem to have a specific culture as well as spiritual needs. Los Angeles is known for vanity, Las Vegas is known for gambling and promiscuity, New Orleans is known for alcohol and witchcraft and so on. Spirit-led churches in communities known for a specific addiction, sin, or oppression have the mandate of fighting against those specific principalities through prayer, evangelism, outreach events, and teachings that better prepare the listeners to deal with them. Once the need is understood, it should be effectively communicated with leadership and the congregation so appropriate ministries can be set in place. This is an opportunity to best serve your city according to their specific needs.
Plan a day (or several days) with your church leaders and congregation members to go out into the community and minister to the community through creative ways. Hand out free waters on street corners with business cards, set up a prayer tent in a busy park, knock on doors and hand out free cookies and a flyer to the next church event, and so on. Even is 100 flyers are passed out and only 1 new person shows up to church, that’s 1 soul that can be impacted and potentially remain and even grow into a leader over time.
Stay informed on city events and participate or attend as many as possible. Parades, festivals, carnivals, art shows, and other city fellowship events are a great way to meet new people, share the gospel, and have visible representation for your church. The greatest advertisement is word-of-mouth. When people come in contact with a passionate and lively church group out in the city they will be more likely to visit. Bring the church to the people outside the four walls and watch your impact and congregation grow.
Encourage your leaders and members of the congregation to reach out to people and talk to strangers about Jesus and their church on a daily basis. Just going about your regular day and starting a conversation with a stranger can be an open door for prayer and ministry time and lead to an invitation to church. This can be done simply by asking members of the congregation to boldly step out and pray for anyone they see who is injured (with a cast, crutches, wheelchair etc..) while in public, pray for their servers and cashiers at restaurants and stores, and so forth. People tend to really appreciate nice strangers offering prayer and encouragement and will often ask “What church do you go to?” which will open the door for an invitation.
Even if the invitation isn’t given or is turned down, those stepping out now have some experience in evangelism and have the opportunity to grow in boldness when it comes to sharing the gospel in public places. Additionally, sharing the Gospel is like sowing a seed into the ground and you never know the impact that encounter can have on a person later on (even if they never attend your church).
Increase the impact your church is having by partnering with other churches both locally and at great distances. There is much to learn from other ministries and there is much to impart as well. Ministry connections not only bring unity within the Body, but also open doors for mission outreaches and global impact. Another church may send a few volunteers to your area to join you in outreach and vice-versa.
In addition to mission trips, you may also choose to partner with missionaries or ministries in high-need areas and send financial donations to support and impact. Showing that you care about what happens outside the four walls of the church and actively assisting other ministries and non-profits will not only bear good fruit in the church, but even draw outsiders to sow financially into the ministry because they see the church on the move, reaching out, and making a difference.
Plan a day (or several days) with your church leaders and congregation members to go out into the community and minister to the community through creative ways. Hand out free waters on street corners with business cards, set up a prayer tent in a busy park, knock on doors and hand out free cookies and a flyer to the next church event, and so on. Even is 100 flyers are passed out and only 1 new person shows up to church, that’s 1 soul that can be impacted and potentially remain and even grow into a leader over time.
Stay informed on city events and participate or attend as many as possible. Parades, festivals, carnivals, art shows, and other city fellowship events are a great way to meet new people, share the gospel, and have visible representation for your church. The greatest advertisement is word-of-mouth. When people come in contact with a passionate and lively church group out in the city they will be more likely to visit. Bring the church to the people outside the four walls and watch your impact and congregation grow.
Encourage your leaders and members of the congregation to reach out to people and talk to strangers about Jesus and their church on a daily basis. Just going about your regular day and starting a conversation with a stranger can be an open door for prayer and ministry time and lead to an invitation to church. This can be done simply by asking members of the congregation to boldly step out and pray for anyone they see who is injured (with a cast, crutches, wheelchair etc..) while in public, pray for their servers and cashiers at restaurants and stores, and so forth. People tend to really appreciate nice strangers offering prayer and encouragement and will often ask “What church do you go to?” which will open the door for an invitation.
Even if the invitation isn’t given or is turned down, those stepping out now have some experience in evangelism and have the opportunity to grow in boldness when it comes to sharing the gospel in public places. Additionally, sharing the Gospel is like sowing a seed into the ground and you never know the impact that encounter can have on a person later on (even if they never attend your church).
Increase the impact your church is having by partnering with other churches both locally and at great distances. There is much to learn from other ministries and there is much to impart as well. Ministry connections not only bring unity within the Body, but also open doors for mission outreaches and global impact. Another church may send a few volunteers to your area to join you in outreach and vice-versa.
In addition to mission trips, you may also choose to partner with missionaries or ministries in high-need areas and send financial donations to support and impact. Showing that you care about what happens outside the four walls of the church and actively assisting other ministries and non-profits will not only bear good fruit in the church, but even draw outsiders to sow financially into the ministry because they see the church on the move, reaching out, and making a difference.
SMALL GROUPS
Every type of ministry has their own function, goal, flow, and general style. Ultimately if we are called to start a new small group or home ministry it should be something we are passionate and knowledgeable about. Operating a ministry outside of your immediate gifting and calling can be stressful and in some cases unfruitful. Before starting a ministry, it would be wise to be in prayer about it over an extended period of time, ask God for confirmation, and find a select few who support you and help you get the ministry going. If you are part of a church and plan on inviting church members to your home group, you should first talk to your senior pastor or leaders to receive their input on the idea. These small groups may or may not become officially connected to your church. Either way, small groups can be beneficial both in and outside of official church walls.
Below are some questions you should ask yourself before launching a Prayer Group, Bible Study, or Discipleship Group. A ministry with no vision essentially has no destination and can end up being physically busy without truly accomplishing anything. These questions and general answers and suggestions can be used to help build a foundation regarding the overall vision and mission of your home group type.
Below are some questions you should ask yourself before launching a Prayer Group, Bible Study, or Discipleship Group. A ministry with no vision essentially has no destination and can end up being physically busy without truly accomplishing anything. These questions and general answers and suggestions can be used to help build a foundation regarding the overall vision and mission of your home group type.
- Who Are You Targeting?
- What Resources Do You Plan To Use?
- When Do You Plan To Meet?
- Where Do You Plan To Meet?
- Why Do You Want To Launch This?
- Possible Next Steps?
NETWORKING & CONNECTING
As the Body of Christ, we have to recognize that we are many members of the same Body and although we may have different leaders, churches, and even doctrines, we should all have the same goal of bringing people to Jesus. That being said, denominational division and pastoral competition should become a thing of the past. A Body that is divided will always be less effective for the Kingdom!
"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:3-8 NIV
If we want to grow in our gifts, we must be willing to learn from one another. As leaders we have all experienced different situations and tried different methods of ministry. By choosing to have fellowship and connect with leaders from other ministries (whether local or distant) we receive an opportunity to expand our knowledge. It has been said that being a pastor can be one of the loneliest professions. As senior leaders you will always have to give answers to people but may not have anyone to go to yourself. This is why accountability is important. Connecting with others who are like-minded or are in the same kind of ministry we operate it can be extremely beneficial and edifying in the long run.
Even if you are not a pastor, but serve in ministry somehow, you should connect with others who serve in the same type of ministry! Together you can learn from each other's mistakes, compare ideas, and lift one another up through hard times. Ministry is not easy, and we were never meant to carry the load all by ourselves. Connect through social media, exchange numbers, conduct regular meetings, or just have fellowship with others who are similar in ministry function.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV
Another great way to help promote unity between ministries is through local events. Most churches are regularly hosting conferences, fellowships, youth nights, or forms of outreach activities. Get connected with the leadership in charge of their events, ask if you may take a group to participate or if there's anything your team can do to help serve. Simply supporting another ministry's local event can lead to a great ministerial relationship, unified events, and greater community impact!
Working closely with other local ministries can not only bring unity in the spirit, but also even attract non-believers to become a part of a church community that works together and sets a great example for the locals. Whether there is something to gain or not from showing support, edifying and encouraging our fellow brothers and sisters is always worth the sacrifice.
SERVANTHOOD & HONOR
All believers are called to lead others by example. Jesus Christ gave the perfect example when we explained to his disciples that those who are considered great in the Kingdom of God are those who serve others. A heart of servanthood can be imparted to leaders, church members, and anyone in your sphere of influence through example. We are called to serve regardless of what title, position, or rank we hold in the church or in the world. When leaders serve, those under their leadership begin to follow and duplicate what they see.
A church with a servanthood culture most likely has senior leadership who are friendly, humble, and willing to go out of their way to assist others in need. A church without a servanthood culture is more likely to lack volunteers and be in need of staff members to carry the majority of the ministry load. Not having a servanthood culture can place heavy burdens on ministry leaders who can often get burned out with their many responsibilities. Ultimately, we should follow the example of Jesus and lead others to do the same.
A church with a servanthood culture most likely has senior leadership who are friendly, humble, and willing to go out of their way to assist others in need. A church without a servanthood culture is more likely to lack volunteers and be in need of staff members to carry the majority of the ministry load. Not having a servanthood culture can place heavy burdens on ministry leaders who can often get burned out with their many responsibilities. Ultimately, we should follow the example of Jesus and lead others to do the same.
"But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:25-28 NLT
Before a church or ministry can develop a culture of honor, honor must first be birthed within the leaders. To honor someone doesn’t mean that you agree with everything he or she says and does but that you understand his or her right to choose. You might not always agree with other leaders or pastors, but you should honor them anyway because of who they are. To honor someone is to not offend, speak against, or degrade him or her in any way. We should show honor to not only our leaders but also to the lost sheep we aim to reach. Not all people deserve to be treated as heroes for their actions, but as Christians, we should treat others with a certain level of respect.
If you look at the life of David in the Bible in 1 Samuel 16 and 18, you will see the perfect example of honor and servanthood. At a young age, God chose David to replace Saul as king. Not once did David let his calling get to his head. David remained a shepherd and served King Saul in the royal court. Even though David was aware that he was greater than Saul in the eyes of the Lord, he honored Saul’s leadership and became his right- hand man. Saul even tried to kill David on several occasions because of his jealousy, and David continued to serve Saul without complaining.
If you look at the life of David in the Bible in 1 Samuel 16 and 18, you will see the perfect example of honor and servanthood. At a young age, God chose David to replace Saul as king. Not once did David let his calling get to his head. David remained a shepherd and served King Saul in the royal court. Even though David was aware that he was greater than Saul in the eyes of the Lord, he honored Saul’s leadership and became his right- hand man. Saul even tried to kill David on several occasions because of his jealousy, and David continued to serve Saul without complaining.
"Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” 1 Peter 2:17 NIV
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” Romans 12:10 NIV
Pride is the killer of ministries and can destroy growth in any Christian. By submitting to our leaders and honoring them, we are honoring God and doing exactly what we are commanded to do. We show honor by obeying without grumbling. We show honor by treating people like they are worthy of our respect even when they aren’t.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
LEADERSHIP STANDARDS
Leadership, by nature, requires a walk that others should follow. Leaders are held to a higher standard in purity and conduct, and as such, should not be a believer who wavers, but should be someone who is consistent in their faith. They have an ability to counsel, be led by the spirit, and understand spiritual atmospheres. Ministry overseers also have the ability to lead ministries, and can creatively bring the Kingdom into whatever ministry they are heading.
In order to have a healthy church and a spirit-filled environment, great leadership must be set into place. Just as children are often a reflection of their parents, the church culture is a reflection of the pastors, leaders, and volunteers. Leadership can either make or break the effectiveness of a ministry. Before volunteering or becoming a leader, be sure you are ready to commit to the responsibilities you are given and are willing to serve with all of your heart. If you are a leader already, it would be best to ensure that the rest of your team follows the biblical guidelines for leadership. Setting standards and accountability can help ministries run much smoother.
Biblical qualifications for leadership can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 6:1-9 and are as follows:
In order to have a healthy church and a spirit-filled environment, great leadership must be set into place. Just as children are often a reflection of their parents, the church culture is a reflection of the pastors, leaders, and volunteers. Leadership can either make or break the effectiveness of a ministry. Before volunteering or becoming a leader, be sure you are ready to commit to the responsibilities you are given and are willing to serve with all of your heart. If you are a leader already, it would be best to ensure that the rest of your team follows the biblical guidelines for leadership. Setting standards and accountability can help ministries run much smoother.
Biblical qualifications for leadership can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 6:1-9 and are as follows:
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All leaders and volunteers should always be in communication with their overseers and follow through with their responsibilities in a timely manner and to the best of their ability. Always remember that we are here to serve the needs of the people and in doing so we are also serving God. Leaders and volunteers should keep their ministry areas clean and organized at all times. Regardless of title or position, leaders and volunteers should work together to keep the church clean, greet people, answer questions, and fully support church services and events by attending and participating. If someone has a question you do not know the answer to, find out for them or guide them to a person who does. Lastly, keep in mind that working in ministry is not about your needs; it’s about serving others and reaching the lost. Remain respectful to everyone, speak in grace and love, and always remember that you are glorifying God through your servanthood.
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved." 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NLT
THE HEART CHECK
Regardless of your gifts, talents, and anointing, always check that your heart is right before ministering. There are many people who flow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit that do not represent Jesus properly because their hearts are not right with God. Hidden sin isn’t always the culprit. Your gifts and talents have the capability to be misused if you are lusting for the person you are ministering to or if you have a side agenda. Spiritual gifts are intended to edify people and bring them to God. Words of knowledge, wisdom, and prophecy can be given in a misleading or manipulative way. Though the word given may be generally right, the method and implications may be totally out of God’s order. In 2 Corinthians 14:32, we are informed that “the spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.” This means that we have the ability to willingly change how we give messages. All ministering should be done in love and honor to both God and the person being ministered to. Selling the gifts as a form of monetary gain is also out of order. Jesus gave of Himself freely and never charged anyone for an encounter with Him. Though offerings and tithes are collected for the church, individual solicitation for ministry should never be done. Ministry is not about getting rich; it’s about reaching unsaved people for the Kingdom of God.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. 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 Samuel 16:7NIV
When David was chosen by God to be the next king, his heart was judged. He was not prepared or trained to be a king, but God saw that his heart was right for the job and chose him. David was a loyal shepherd and an obedient servant. He did everything he could to honor those in authority as well as protect the flock he was overseeing. We too should always ensure that when we minister to others, we truly have their best interests in mind.
THE BODY CONNECTION
“Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all” Ephesians 4:2-6
Contrary to popular belief, being a Christian has nothing to do with fitting in with the church crowd. We are united in belief, salvation, and the works of God, but as individuals, we are not called to be the same. Each person has a specific calling on his or her life that is tailored to his or her personality, capabilities, and overall life. You’ve seen the differences between those who are in the five-fold ministry as well as the differences between the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Though they are all appointed by God and made manifest through His will, they are capable of operating apart from each other.
People have different callings, gifts, personalities, and are on different roads that lead to God’s will. Sometimes, our paths cross, and sometimes, we walk side by side. And other times, we never see each other. But one thing is certain: though we operate differently, we still need each other to function properly. It’s important to accept and respect those who have been called to walk a different path than most. There are callings apart from the five-fold ministry and the gifts of the Spirit. Some people feel called to start orphanages, counseling centers, shelters, or to just release God’s presence in their secular jobs. Still others are drawn to a much darker path of ministry as they preach God’s kingdom to prostitutes, psychics, drug addicts, witches, and satanists. Regardless of the call, we are one church body and should be for one another.
“If the foot says, “I’m not part of the body because I’m not a hand,” does that mean it’s not part of the body? If the ear says, “I’m not part of the body because I’m not an eye,” does that mean it’s not part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, what would happen to the hearing? And if the whole body were an ear, what would happen to the sense of smell? But as it is, God has placed each one of the parts in the body just like he wanted. If all were one and the same body part, what would happen to the body? But as it is, there are many parts but one body. So the eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you,” or in turn, the head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” Instead, the parts of the body that people think are the weakest are the most necessary. The parts of the body that we think are less honorable are the ones we honor the most. The private parts of our body that aren’t presentable are the ones that are given the most dignity. The parts of our body that are presentable don’t need this. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the part with less honor so that there won’t be division in the body and so the parts might have mutual concern for each other” 1 Corinthians 12:15-25 NIV
Don't Put Yourself In A Box - “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ” (1 Cor. 1:10-12).
Value Others More Than You Value Yourself - “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil. 2:1-3).
Comfort Each Other - “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).
Honor One Another - “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10).
Encourage One Another - “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:12-13).
Help Each Other - “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:1-2).
Love One Another - “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister” (1 John 4:19-21)
Value Others More Than You Value Yourself - “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil. 2:1-3).
Comfort Each Other - “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).
Honor One Another - “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom. 12:10).
Encourage One Another - “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:12-13).
Help Each Other - “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:1-2).
Love One Another - “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister” (1 John 4:19-21)
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