“So, how did you come to make this ministry decision?”
Recently I was asked this question while sharing the changes made in our local church ministry since Covid.
My answer: “Prayer.”
There was silence for a moment as if perhaps another answer we expected. Quite frankly, that should be the first answer for every decision of ministry. Why?
- The Church and the ministry of the Church belongs to God (1 Timothy 3:15) and exists to glorify Him alone (1 Corinthians 10:31).
- Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18).
- Jesus Christ clearly told us that we can do nothing without Him (John 15:5).
- The Holy Spirit leads the Church into all truth (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16).
- The Church is moving forward in supernatural ways so we need supernatural, not natural, power to accomplish supernatural ministry (Matthew 16:18).
We are in danger of substituting churchly work and a ceaseless round of showy activities for prayer and holy living. A holy life does not live in the [prayer] closet, but it cannot live without the closet. (E. M. Bounds)
So, today, you may be very tired and weary after a long weekend of ministry. Perhaps you are “itching” to get right back into ministry full-throttle! Or this may be a day to rest and be renewed. No matter, the starting place is always prayer.
Begin this day on your knees. Walk today with the Head of the Church on your knees.
What will you say the next time someone asks you how you came to make a certain ministry decision?
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5 NKJV)
From A Pastor's Heart 