My Ministry Essentials

a Biblical thought...
God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. (1 Cor 2:8-9)

a Book thought...
What has happened in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is by no means limited to its effects on those human beings who believe the gospel and thereby find new life here and hereafter. It resonates out, in ways that we can't fully see or understand, into the vast recesses of the universe. (p108 Wright)
a Dave thought...
After yesterdays 10 rules for balancing life I thought I would offer my 4 rules for those in ministry. If you want to serve God and his people for the long haul you must...

1. Know your God - it is very easy when you have had a strong faith for many years that you take your relationship with the big boss for granted. Remember this guy is the ultimate line manager and unless you check in with Him everyday and read His word you will eventually lose the plot. So do not neglect your first love. If you don't plan to spend some meaningful time with God on a daily basis you are planning to fail.

2. Know your giftings - be confident in how God made you. We are all different and once we have worked out what areas in our life we produce the best fruit in we will often be trying to be a person or taking a role that does not suit our gift mix. If you have never done a gift assessment, do one but better still ask those around you to confirm them in you. If you are working mostly in areas outside of your giftings not only will you get worn out but those around you will get frustrated.

3. Know your friends - ministry is not meant to be done alone. For some of us that is easy because we are in well functioning teams, but for others of us who may be isolated it is essential that you gather some friends and mentors around you who gone this distance in ministry. Not only do you need friends who know what you are facing everyday but people who will be honest with you, not just agreeing with you all the time but also pointing out areas in your life they may need some attention.

4. Know your body - as we are always doing ministry through our physical being it is essential that you look after it. Firstly that means physically and emotionally you must know your limits and how to replenish your energy when needed. Some are capable of doing ministry 24/7 while for others 30 hours a week is a push, again everyone is different and it is important to find your levels of output and put boundaries in place so when you reach your limit you can take some time out. So healthy sleep, diet and exercise habits will certainly enhance what God wants to do through you.

Sorry that it maybe too Maxwell-like for some, but for me over 20+ years when I violated one of these areas I discovered my ministry got way harder than God intended.

Just a thought.