If you were to ask five people for the keys of effective ministry, you would probably get five different answers. So, I didn’t ask! I went straight to the bible looking for examples of effective ministry and asked God. Novel idea, right? Here is what I discovered!
This quest for answers was spurred on by a question from a friend. Honestly, I didn’t have a response! I have witnessed God heal many people through my prayers. I have seen others delivered from personal bondage, hearts mended, and marriages restored. Yet, there is an acute awareness that my ministry is far from successful!
I’m not referring to being successful in the eyes of people; I am talking about hearing “well done, good and faithful servant”. I want to know I am doing what God wants me to do, in the way He wants me to do, in the place He has called me.
Key #1 – He Called
One training method say:
- I do. You watch.
- I do. You help.
- You do. I help. We talk.
- You do. I watch. We talk.
- You do. Someone else watches.
With Jesus, His method seemed to jump from step one to step five rather quickly!
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together…”
Luke 9:1
This isn’t the first time Jesus called the twelve apostles and sent them out. Luke 6:6 talks about the beginning of such journeys. The apostles already had experience both in watching how Jesus ministered and in activating those principles in practical ministry settings.
When Jesus called, it means, He called them to Himself. He invited them to draw near. He called them not just into ministry, but more importantly into relationship with Him.
The first secret to successful ministry is responding God’s call to intimate relationship.
Jesus remained close to the Father. He was close enough to see what the Father was doing and hear what the Father was saying.
Unless I consistently draw near, I won’t be able to receive His direction. I desire an intimacy close enough to hear God’s whisper.
His call over my life must be unquestionably real! When I know what He is asking me to do, I can go in full confidence! Knowing His will, I am able to walk in His directive! It is the sweet spot of ministry!
My desire isn’t sufficient! My way will lead me off course! Ministry must always be on His terms! I must guard against being lured outside of that call.
Key #2 – He Gave
“He gave them power and authority
to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.”
Luke 9:1
I can be in the right place at the right time, but if I am going in my own strength it will get me no where fast!
As a matter of fact, the more natural ability I have, the greater the temptation will be to begin doing things in my own strength. I may be able to fool those around me, but I sure won’t be able to fool God or the demons of hell! Trouble is just around the corner!
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’
says the LORD Almighty.”
Zechariah 4:6
More than any other factor for successful ministry, this one cannot be forfeited! Without the power of Holy Spirit, I can do nothing of significance for God’s kingdom.
Jesus later added,
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit,
just as my Father promised.
But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes
and fills you with power from heaven”
Luke 24:49
“Stay here!”
Holy Spirit brings all the power and authority we need to minister successfully. People may want to promote you too soon! Don’t move! Stay! Stay where you are until the Holy Spirit fills you with everything you need!
Everyone in the will of God, doing the purposes of God, is marked for success!
Key #3 – He Sent
When Jesus says, “Go!” It is time to go! Without excuses! Without hesitation!
Wherever God calls, He equips for sending!
If His call is into your home, go! Be the best Spirit-filled husband/wife, father/mother, peacemaker, child-raiser, and homemaker you can be!
If His call is in the workplace, go! Be the best employee or boss, servant, and worker, you can!
Don’t waste any time looking over your shoulder at someone else’s call or try to fill someone else’s shoes. Be the best you can be, wherever God sends!
Perhaps God is sending you into full-time ministry. Go!
Let’s each do our very best to be all God has chosen us to be, wherever He sends us!
Successful Ministry! Proclaim and Heal!
Wherever He plants us, it is with purpose! He has given us what we need to proclaim the Good News of the gospel, Jesus saves! His mandate still stands! Proclaim the good news of the Kingdom and heal. Let’s faithfully take the presence of Jesus everywhere we go.
[bctt tweet=”His divine power has given us everything we need!” username=”MAWardAuthor”]
To be successful, we don’t need to be the biggest, the best or the strongest. We don’t to be wisest or the most beautiful.
“His divine power has given us everything we need
for a godly life through our knowledge of him
who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
2 Peter 1:3
Being successful in ministry means far more than seeing lives changed and transformed. Some day, it will be an honour to lay every gift and ability at His feet. Then…
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.
You have been faithful in handling this small amount,
so now I will give you many more responsibilities.
Let’s celebrate together!’ ”
Matthew 25:23
The apostles demonstrated successful ministry when they
obeyed His call,
used what He gave them,
and went where He sent them.
That, my friends will be our seal of successful ministry as well!