by Kingdom Discipleship | Jun 23, 2022 | LEADERSHIP
Successful Life Doesn’t Happen By Itself, It is by Design, not by Default.
Have you ever felt frustrated because you know you can live that ideal life you’ve always wanted but just don’t know how?
Maybe day after day you waste time away being trapped in the same problems and not knowing how and where you are going to find that next breakthrough.
I have always wondered if it will ever be possible to form a set of habits so we can live a more disciplined life that can lead us there. A life that’s effective and one that counts for eternity.
I realized that it wouldn’t happen just by itself. I need to make a conscious and proactive decision to make it happen.
Do you Have a Life Mission Statement? Without one, you’re very likely to drift through life without a clear direction.
The fact is, God has a purpose for all of us.
First of all, you have to figure out what is God’s vision for your life – what is it you’re aiming for in life. Otherwise you can’t get to where we need to be. In life, it is either God’s purpose or your own purpose that will prevail.
The vision God has for you is not for sale, no matter how good the other offers might be. The roads to fulfilling your life vision might not be easy. But if you persist, you will grow. Everyone starts with one but few ever finish with one.
Know that talent alone is not enough!
Busyness is not equal to Effectiveness – Need clarity of vision to make sure you stay on track to success.
The vision & the people that God entrusted to us to accomplish the vision is our greatest stewardship responsibility (Matt 25:21)
PREPARATION POSITIONS YOUR TALENT
– VALUE of Preparation before action, invest time and work to prepare, need for discipline, a process that shape us to become who need to become.
For God, preparation is key…. Joseph had to go through it, Jesus had to go through it, Moses had to go through it. I had to go through it myself too… look at your life how has God allowed certain unpleasant things to happen in your life to prepare you for what he has in store for you?
I realised that throughout my life, God actually uses my failures to develop my characters.
Case Study: Joseph… He went from the Father’s house – to the Pit – and then to the Slave-house – then to Prison – and finally to the Palace.
Just as what was meant for evil for Joseph has been turned for his good, He would work things backwards in your life in order to fulfill the vision He has given you.
God wants to shape you into the kind of person He wants you to become so you are equipped to do the job He wants you to do. Your own vision has to die and His vision will live in again in you. He doesn’t want you to give Him some, He wants it all and He’s bidding us to die to ourselves so He can fill us with Him and His plan.
Do you only follow Jesus only when it’s convenient?
In Luke 9, we read about Jesus’ call for His disciples to follow Him.
There are 3 things that stop us from fulfilling God’s call in our life: Comfort zone, Wealth & Career, Relationship.
There’s a price we have to pay to follow Him. The young man said Yes to Jesus but upon the condition when it’s convenient for him to do so.
Many people give the same excuse – we say “Yes Lord, but after I’ve been successful in my career, my wealth, my relationship, my personal goals and my ambitions.”
It will all become too late when we eventually become old and have to go down 6 feet under.
Do we find ourselves constantly making excuses and are never ready?
Do you actually live your life on the get set?
Learn from Jesus’ 12 Disciples who forsook everything in following Him. They didn’t wait till they got everything sorted out before they followed Jesus. It was an immediate response.
Dangers of Distractions
The devil will distract you, not with obvious things that seem evil and contrary to the Word of God. Often He would use things that seem good to us. Good in our own eyes can be the enemy of God’s best for us!
Remember how Eve was tempted when she saw that the fruit was pleasant and good. Similarly, the devil can distract you with things that are good, such as Chasing after successful career & financial, comfortable life, harmonious family.
But any of these can become an idol in your life. The devil will get you busy with many things in your life except the most important thing. As a result, you’re always on the get ready, get set stage and never get going!
Following Jesus need to be of your immediate obedience and top priority.
Eg. The 3 ppl invited by the King who all declined the invitations for various reasons.
When God calls you to follow and give your life to Him, He will be the one who guide you and provide for your needs. Where there’s vision, there will be provision as well. Don’t wait till it’s convenient because by then it could be too late.
If you won’t go, be sure that someone else will. God is never short on supply (candidates). Realize that it’s a privilege rather than a burden to serve Him.
There’s a tendency to feel inadequate for the job (Isaiah 6 Moment). Whenever you have that feeling, remember that God doesn’t call the qualified, but He qualifies the called. Your availability is often more important to Him than your ability.
Our society has placed too much emphasis on talent. All the challenges and problems in your life could very well be God’s way of preparing you for the work He’s called you to do.
When Jesus picked His 12 disciples, He picked ordinary people full of flaws and weaknesses. Realize that it’s a privilege to be God’s co-workers. Jesus prayed the whole night to choose the 12 disciples – just to make sure that He doesn’t choose according to the way humans choose, i.e. based on external reasons and outward appearance.
The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of the opportunity.
When I receive the call of God and understood the values of lost souls, I had to make a decisive action: Whether to continue focusing on my business so I have something to fall back on financially or to head straight into the harvest field and not to worry about financial provision at all.
This is when my faith in Him is put to the ultimate test.
Faith in God who calls us plays a very important role. You must be equipped with the readiness that even if we have to let go of a comfortable lifestyle, financial security, personal ambition and agenda to be rich and comfortable.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we are not responsible to provide for our family. But we are talking about a matter of priorities here. Too many people come up with excuses and push God’s calling in their life to the back seat and eventually abandon it. It is about trusting God even if we don’t have all the details & haven’t had everything figured out.
Will there be risk involved? You bet … but it’s about having the right motivation. When the Reward > Risk, you’ll have no fear.
You might not know it yet, but God is working behind the scenes to prepare you for the work He has prepared in advance for you to walk in.
Eph 2:10 – Eternal Salvation is by grace through faith but eternal rewards is through our faithfulness in doing what He commands us to do For it is Him who works in us to will and to do what He’s called us to do. We are God’s workmanship.
Talent can bring you to the top very fast but only a good character can help to maintain you there.
A great Visualization means you have visited that place in your mind that when you get there, it’s like deja vu. You’re no longer surprised by it.
From Impossible to It’s possible!
Today I look back, God used every single thing in my past to fulfill His purpose in my life… the triumphs, the failures and even all the mess…. When surrendered to God, our mess can become a message for His glory.
Most people live on the get set, but they never go. (take your mark, get set, go – 3 steps to start in a race) Even if you’re on the right track, if you don’t move, you’ll be hit by the train! You need to take small actions. Start small, move quick, do it now! Practice makes perfect.
PRACTICE SHARPENS YOUR TALENT
5 elements of effective practice: need for mentor, your absolute best, clear purpose and vision, lofty high goals and having the right resources
Jesus focused on the 12 disciples. He knew that this is the most effective method for discipleship. He didn’t focus on the big group. We are now the results of this strategy 2000 years later. Don’t despise the days of small beginning. God is after our faithfulness, He is more impressed with our faithfulness rather than our fruitfulness.
Discipline doesn’t sound sexy nor fun, it is painful. Will you pay the price of discipline now (in instalment) or the price of regret in full later on.
Either way, you have to pay!
People want the short cut, we are easily impressed with people on the limelight, but very few people pay attention to the years and years of practice and litres and litres of sweat these same people have to invest on their talent behind the curtain.
Experts have to go through the 10,000 hours of practice to become one. Divide this by the no of hours per day you’re willing to pay for it…
People don’t become successful overnight, it is the accumulation of years after years of failures, planning and hard work… that’s the Compound Effect!
Being led by the Holy Spirit to do the work. Don’t use your flesh / own strength to do a supernatural task. Depend on His leading.
Why take the stairs if you can take the elevators. Not about how well you start but about how well you finish. Be faithful till the end.
We will all stand before Christ one day on Judgment Seat of Christ – to determine the scope of our authority in the new Kingdom. Our life right now and what we’re doing (2 Cor 5:10) is the preparation for that day. We will be judged according to what we have been called according to what He’s called us to do.
What is God calling you to do with your life today?
How are you going to prepare as a good steward of His possessions and His resources? Dare to dream… follow that inner voice within… contribute to benefit others in your ways and gifts and win souls!
Then continue to move on little by little even when it seems slow and unfruitful at first.
Continual practice will grow and develop you into the man God wants you to be. God wants to use you for His glory.
Focus on that day when you will see Him face to face on Judgment Seat and don’t lose sight of the prize.
Don’t lose focus and be faithful all the way till the end. It will totally be worth it when you cross the line to the other side.
by Kingdom Discipleship | Jun 23, 2022 | LEADERSHIP
Have you ever felt frustrated because you know you can live that ideal life you’ve always wanted but just don’t know how?
Maybe day after day you waste time away being trapped in the same problems and not knowing how and where you are going to find that next breakthrough.
I have always wondered if it will ever be possible to form a set of habits so we can live a more disciplined life that can lead us there. A life that’s effective and one that counts for eternity.
I realized that it wouldn’t happen just by itself. I need to make a conscious and proactive decision to make it happen.
Do you Have a Life Mission Statement? Without one, you’re very likely to drift through life without a clear direction.
The fact is, God has a purpose for all of us.
First of all, you have to figure out what is God’s vision for your life – what is it you’re aiming for in life. Otherwise you can’t get to where we need to be. In life, it is either God’s purpose or your own purpose that will prevail.
The vision God has for you is not for sale, no matter how good the other offers might be. The roads to fulfilling your life vision might not be easy. But if you persist, you will grow. Everyone starts with one but few ever finish with one.
Know that talent alone is not enough!
Busyness is not equal to Effectiveness – Need clarity of vision to make sure you stay on track to success.
The vision & the people that God entrusted to us to accomplish the vision is our greatest stewardship responsibility (Matt 25:21)
PREPARATION POSITIONS YOUR TALENT
– VALUE of Preparation before action, invest time and work to prepare, need for discipline, a process that shape us to become who need to become.
For God, preparation is key…. Joseph had to go through it, Jesus had to go through it, Moses had to go through it. I had to go through it myself too… look at your life how has God allowed certain unpleasant things to happen in your life to prepare you for what he has in store for you?
I realised that throughout my life, God actually uses my failures to develop my characters.
Case Study: Joseph… He went from the Father’s house – to the Pit – and then to the Slave-house – then to Prison – and finally to the Palace.
Just as what was meant for evil for Joseph has been turned for his good, He would work things backwards in your life in order to fulfill the vision He has given you.
God wants to shape you into the kind of person He wants you to become so you are equipped to do the job He wants you to do. Your own vision has to die and His vision will live in again in you. He doesn’t want you to give Him some, He wants it all and He’s bidding us to die to ourselves so He can fill us with Him and His plan.
Do you only follow Jesus only when it’s convenient?
In Luke 9, we read about Jesus’ call for His disciples to follow Him.
There are 3 things that stop us from fulfilling God’s call in our life: Comfort zone, Wealth & Career, Relationship.
There’s a price we have to pay to follow Him. The young man said Yes to Jesus but upon the condition when it’s convenient for him to do so.
Many people give the same excuse – we say “Yes Lord, but after I’ve been successful in my career, my wealth, my relationship, my personal goals and my ambitions.”
It will all become too late when we eventually become old and have to go down 6 feet under.
Do we find ourselves constantly making excuses and are never ready?
Do you actually live your life on the get set?
Learn from Jesus’ 12 Disciples who forsook everything in following Him. They didn’t wait till they got everything sorted out before they followed Jesus. It was an immediate response.
Dangers of Distractions
The devil will distract you, not with obvious things that seem evil and contrary to the Word of God. Often He would use things that seem good to us. Good in our own eyes can be the enemy of God’s best for us!
Remember how Eve was tempted when she saw that the fruit was pleasant and good. Similarly, the devil can distract you with things that are good, such as Chasing after successful career & financial, comfortable life, harmonious family.
But any of these can become an idol in your life. The devil will get you busy with many things in your life except the most important thing. As a result, you’re always on the get ready, get set stage and never get going!
Following Jesus need to be of your immediate obedience and top priority.
Eg. The 3 ppl invited by the King who all declined the invitations for various reasons.
When God calls you to follow and give your life to Him, He will be the one who guide you and provide for your needs. Where there’s vision, there will be provision as well. Don’t wait till it’s convenient because by then it could be too late.
If you won’t go, be sure that someone else will. God is never short on supply (candidates). Realize that it’s a privilege rather than a burden to serve Him.
There’s a tendency to feel inadequate for the job (Isaiah 6 Moment). Whenever you have that feeling, remember that God doesn’t call the qualified, but He qualifies the called. Your availability is often more important to Him than your ability.
Our society has placed too much emphasis on talent. All the challenges and problems in your life could very well be God’s way of preparing you for the work He’s called you to do.
When Jesus picked His 12 disciples, He picked ordinary people full of flaws and weaknesses. Realize that it’s a privilege to be God’s co-workers. Jesus prayed the whole night to choose the 12 disciples – just to make sure that He doesn’t choose according to the way humans choose, i.e. based on external reasons and outward appearance.
The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of the opportunity.
When I receive the call of God and understood the values of lost souls, I had to make a decisive action: Whether to continue focusing on my business so I have something to fall back on financially or to head straight into the harvest field and not to worry about financial provision at all.
This is when my faith in Him is put to the ultimate test.
Faith in God who calls us plays a very important role. You must be equipped with the readiness that even if we have to let go of a comfortable lifestyle, financial security, personal ambition and agenda to be rich and comfortable.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we are not responsible to provide for our family. But we are talking about a matter of priorities here. Too many people come up with excuses and push God’s calling in their life to the back seat and eventually abandon it. It is about trusting God even if we don’t have all the details & haven’t had everything figured out.
Will there be risk involved? You bet … but it’s about having the right motivation. When the Reward > Risk, you’ll have no fear.
You might not know it yet, but God is working behind the scenes to prepare you for the work He has prepared in advance for you to walk in.
Eph 2:10 – Eternal Salvation is by grace through faith but eternal rewards is through our faithfulness in doing what He commands us to do For it is Him who works in us to will and to do what He’s called us to do. We are God’s workmanship.
Talent can bring you to the top very fast but only a good character can help to maintain you there.
A great Visualization means you have visited that place in your mind that when you get there, it’s like deja vu. You’re no longer surprised by it.
From Impossible to It’s possible!
Today I look back, God used every single thing in my past to fulfill His purpose in my life… the triumphs, the failures and even all the mess…. When surrendered to God, our mess can become a message for His glory.
Most people live on the get set, but they never go. (take your mark, get set, go – 3 steps to start in a race) Even if you’re on the right track, if you don’t move, you’ll be hit by the train! You need to take small actions. Start small, move quick, do it now! Practice makes perfect.
PRACTICE SHARPENS YOUR TALENT
5 elements of effective practice: need for mentor, your absolute best, clear purpose and vision, lofty high goals and having the right resources
Jesus focused on the 12 disciples. He knew that this is the most effective method for discipleship. He didn’t focus on the big group. We are now the results of this strategy 2000 years later. Don’t despise the days of small beginning. God is after our faithfulness, He is more impressed with our faithfulness rather than our fruitfulness.
Discipline doesn’t sound sexy nor fun, it is painful. Will you pay the price of discipline now (in instalment) or the price of regret in full later on.
Either way, you have to pay!
People want the short cut, we are easily impressed with people on the limelight, but very few people pay attention to the years and years of practice and litres and litres of sweat these same people have to invest on their talent behind the curtain.
Experts have to go through the 10,000 hours of practice to become one. Divide this by the no of hours per day you’re willing to pay for it…
People don’t become successful overnight, it is the accumulation of years after years of failures, planning and hard work… that’s the Compound Effect!
Being led by the Holy Spirit to do the work. Don’t use your flesh / own strength to do a supernatural task. Depend on His leading.
Why take the stairs if you can take the elevators. Not about how well you start but about how well you finish. Be faithful till the end.
We will all stand before Christ one day on Judgment Seat of Christ – to determine the scope of our authority in the new Kingdom. Our life right now and what we’re doing (2 Cor 5:10) is the preparation for that day. We will be judged according to what we have been called according to what He’s called us to do.
What is God calling you to do with your life today?
How are you going to prepare as a good steward of His possessions and His resources? Dare to dream… follow that inner voice within… contribute to benefit others in your ways and gifts and win souls!
Then continue to move on little by little even when it seems slow and unfruitful at first.
Continual practice will grow and develop you into the man God wants you to be. God wants to use you for His glory.
Focus on that day when you will see Him face to face on Judgment Seat and don’t lose sight of the prize.
Don’t lose focus and be faithful all the way till the end. It will totally be worth it when you cross the line to the other side.
by Kingdom Discipleship | Jun 23, 2022 | LEADERSHIP
What are the keys to having a high-impact, long-lasting successful ministry? Of course, success is not being better than, or having a bigger ministry than someone else. It means reaching and maximising your God-given potential. Also, success means doing the basics well. Everyone likes to learn something new or fancy, but it is consistently doing the basics extremely well that leads to success. Here are seven principles of successful ministry.
Principle 1: Value Your Ministry (Perspective)
Successful people in ministry think highly of their ministry and see themselves as on a mission from God. They believe that serving God is the highest and most important calling on earth (1 Tim 1:12).
The way you see yourself and your ministry dramatically affects everything you do. What you believe about God, yourself and your present situation either hinders or enhances your effectiveness.
The church you’re working to build is of vital importance. It is precious to God. It is at the very centre of His purposes (Eph.3:10-11). So, working for God’s kingdom makes you an important person. Your role may not be prominent, but it is very significant.
Two men were moving bricks on a building site. When asked what they were doing, one man said, “We’re just moving bricks from here to there.” The other man said, “We’re building a cathedral.” Same job, but different perspective!
How do you feel about yourself and your ministry calling?
Principle 2: Live Your Ministry (Example)
Effective ministry is more about who your are than what you do. Great leaders lead by example. The apostle Paul told people to follow Him, to imitate his life and to be like him (1 Cor.11:1).
Think of a person you admire. What is the one thing about them that causes you to admire them? Usually, it is a character quality or attitude, rather than outward appearance, talent or skill. In the same way, the things about you that will have the greatest influence on others are more likely to be character qualities. Character is the foundation for all effective ministry. Ultimately, the people you influence will be a reflection of you, for better or worse.
Paul told the leaders of the church at Ephesus to give careful attention to their own lives and then to the church (Acts 20:28). We must beware of getting so caught up in the activity of ministry that we neglect our own personal lives.
Successful leaders walk in integrity (Prov.10:9) and they keep a clear conscience in all matters, whether they be ethical, financial or sexual. They understand that failure is more often a slide, than a sudden fall and so they keep alert.
Be an example. Who you are speaks louder than what you say.
Principle 3: Love Your Ministry (Attitude)
Successful ministers develop and maintain a positive attitude in all situations. They love the church and God’s people. They enjoy their work and they are enthusiastic about it.
Attitude is a choice we have every day. You can’t control what happens to you but you can control what happens in you. You are responsible for your attitude and your attitude definitely shows.
Some important attitudes to develop are joy (Ps.100:1), gratefulness (1 Thess.5:18), enthusiasm (Rom.12:11) and a positive outlook (Phil.2:14).
A good attitude won’t stop you from having negative feelings, but it can prevent negative feelings from stopping you. Negative emotions can be extremely destructive and need to be dealt with quickly (Eph.4:29-32. Phil.5:6).
Do a quick attitude check: What do you think about the church, the people you serve and the work you are doing?
Principle 4: Grow Your Ministry (Excellence)
Successful ministries are committed to continual growth and the pursuit of excellence. They believe that God’s church is called to be glorious and therefore, they do their very best for God (Col.3:23-24).
Excellence means being above average, going the second mile, refusing to be ordinary, learning from failure and a commitment to continual growth or improvement. Pat Riley, an outstanding basketball coach, says, “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” We often see the end product of people’s ministry development and think we could never do what they do. However, we don’t see the process of their ministry development along the way. We can achieve excellence through the same process of living, learning and growing.
Paul challenged Timothy to spiritual progress (1 Tim.4:12-16). He told him to devote himself to personal growth and the development of his God-given gifts and abilities. The result would be that his progress would be seen by all and his ministry would be more effective.
Are you declining, maintaining or progressing?
Principle 5: Focus Your Ministry (Priority)
Successful people know their priorities and focus all of their energy on them. They put first things first. They know what’s important and they do it (Mt. 6:33).
As leaders, it is essential that we use our time wisely in order to accomplish what God has called us to. We need to ensure that urgent things don’t keep us from doing what is really important. What’s your priority? It’ll be a busy year and you’ll fill up a lot of time, but what with? Activity does not always equal accomplishment.
Paul tells us that the difference between the wise and the foolish person is their understanding of God’s will and their wise investment of time into daily opportunities (Eph.5:15-17).
Our major priority is to help people. Church work must have a people focus. We are in the people business. Develop good people skills. Walk slowly through the crowd. Smile, say hello, introduce yourself, ask questions, call people by name, be friendly and helpful, be sincerely interested in their life, be generous with praise and cautious with criticism.
Principle 6: Share Your Ministry (Teamwork)
Successful ministries don’t go it alone. They build and develop a team around them. They are committed to helping others get involved in ministry. They continually gather, motivate, train and mobilise people.
To be a good team player, you need to first learn to be a good follower of those to whom you are accountable. Then you need to be able to partner effectively with those who are your peers. Finally, you need to give good leadership to those for whom you are responsible.
Good teamwork requires a commitment to quality relationships, strong unity, continual encouragement, undivided loyalty, open communication and genuine love.
Principle 7: Fuel Your Ministry (Prayer)
Successful ministries continually fuel their lives with prayer. Prayer helps them develop a vital and personal relationship with God, which then provides the power and energy to get the job done.
The bottom line when it comes to prayer is dependence. When I don’t pray, I’m saying to God, “I can do this”. When I do pray, I’m saying to God, “Lord, I need you.” The truth is that we need Him all the time and without Him we can do nothing of lasting value.
We all know that ministry can be hazardous to our lives. Therefore, a living, dynamic relationship with God is essential to prevent us from burning out or dropping out of the race and to keep us enjoying the journey.
I hate stopping to fill up my car with petrol because it slows me down, makes me stop and worst of all, allows all those cars I’ve just passed, to get ahead of me again. Yet, it is only through stopping that I can refuel and gain the resources to keeping going on my journey. The challenge in ministry is that we often get so busy working for God, like Martha, that we neglect taking time to stop and sit at His feet, like Mary did (Lk.10:38-42).
The best habit I’ve developed over the last eighteen months is the practise of taking a Retreat Day every month. During this day, I take time to refuel – to pray, to evaluate my life and ministry, to review the previous month to see if I’m on course and to plan the coming month. When I first started this habit it was so hard, because I was thinking of all the work I wasn’t getting done. Now it’s an absolute priority, because I see it as an investment of my time that produces a greater freshness and effectiveness in my daily life and ministry.
The Race is on!
The Christian life is not a hundred-metre sprint. It’s a marathon. It’s not just about how fast you run, but how long you last. Let’s be ministers who run with all our might, but most of all, let’s finish well (2 Tim.4:7).
A final thought. Knowledge doesn’t change the world, action does. It’s what you do about what you’ve just read that determines whether it will help you or not. How about rating yourself from 1 – 10 on the seven principles listed above (1 being “poor” and 10 being “outstanding”). Which principle had the lowest score? Think about what you could do about improving this area in the next week. Finally, just do it!
The above material is summarised from Mark Conner’s book Successful Christian Ministry, which is available in Australia from CityLife Church Bookshop (Phone 61 3 9871 8339 or online shop at www.citylifechurch.com).
by Kingdom Discipleship | Jun 23, 2022 | RELATIONSHIP
What are the keys to having a high-impact, long-lasting successful ministry? Of course, success is not being better than, or having a bigger ministry than someone else. It means reaching and maximising your God-given potential. Also, success means doing the basics well. Everyone likes to learn something new or fancy, but it is consistently doing the basics extremely well that leads to success. Here are seven principles of successful ministry.
Principle 1: Value Your Ministry (Perspective)
Successful people in ministry think highly of their ministry and see themselves as on a mission from God. They believe that serving God is the highest and most important calling on earth (1 Tim 1:12).
The way you see yourself and your ministry dramatically affects everything you do. What you believe about God, yourself and your present situation either hinders or enhances your effectiveness.
The church you’re working to build is of vital importance. It is precious to God. It is at the very centre of His purposes (Eph.3:10-11). So, working for God’s kingdom makes you an important person. Your role may not be prominent, but it is very significant.
Two men were moving bricks on a building site. When asked what they were doing, one man said, “We’re just moving bricks from here to there.” The other man said, “We’re building a cathedral.” Same job, but different perspective!
How do you feel about yourself and your ministry calling?
Principle 2: Live Your Ministry (Example)
Effective ministry is more about who your are than what you do. Great leaders lead by example. The apostle Paul told people to follow Him, to imitate his life and to be like him (1 Cor.11:1).
Think of a person you admire. What is the one thing about them that causes you to admire them? Usually, it is a character quality or attitude, rather than outward appearance, talent or skill. In the same way, the things about you that will have the greatest influence on others are more likely to be character qualities. Character is the foundation for all effective ministry. Ultimately, the people you influence will be a reflection of you, for better or worse.
Paul told the leaders of the church at Ephesus to give careful attention to their own lives and then to the church (Acts 20:28). We must beware of getting so caught up in the activity of ministry that we neglect our own personal lives.
Successful leaders walk in integrity (Prov.10:9) and they keep a clear conscience in all matters, whether they be ethical, financial or sexual. They understand that failure is more often a slide, than a sudden fall and so they keep alert.
Be an example. Who you are speaks louder than what you say.
Principle 3: Love Your Ministry (Attitude)
Successful ministers develop and maintain a positive attitude in all situations. They love the church and God’s people. They enjoy their work and they are enthusiastic about it.
Attitude is a choice we have every day. You can’t control what happens to you but you can control what happens in you. You are responsible for your attitude and your attitude definitely shows.
Some important attitudes to develop are joy (Ps.100:1), gratefulness (1 Thess.5:18), enthusiasm (Rom.12:11) and a positive outlook (Phil.2:14).
A good attitude won’t stop you from having negative feelings, but it can prevent negative feelings from stopping you. Negative emotions can be extremely destructive and need to be dealt with quickly (Eph.4:29-32. Phil.5:6).
Do a quick attitude check: What do you think about the church, the people you serve and the work you are doing?
Principle 4: Grow Your Ministry (Excellence)
Successful ministries are committed to continual growth and the pursuit of excellence. They believe that God’s church is called to be glorious and therefore, they do their very best for God (Col.3:23-24).
Excellence means being above average, going the second mile, refusing to be ordinary, learning from failure and a commitment to continual growth or improvement. Pat Riley, an outstanding basketball coach, says, “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” We often see the end product of people’s ministry development and think we could never do what they do. However, we don’t see the process of their ministry development along the way. We can achieve excellence through the same process of living, learning and growing.
Paul challenged Timothy to spiritual progress (1 Tim.4:12-16). He told him to devote himself to personal growth and the development of his God-given gifts and abilities. The result would be that his progress would be seen by all and his ministry would be more effective.
Are you declining, maintaining or progressing?
Principle 5: Focus Your Ministry (Priority)
Successful people know their priorities and focus all of their energy on them. They put first things first. They know what’s important and they do it (Mt. 6:33).
As leaders, it is essential that we use our time wisely in order to accomplish what God has called us to. We need to ensure that urgent things don’t keep us from doing what is really important. What’s your priority? It’ll be a busy year and you’ll fill up a lot of time, but what with? Activity does not always equal accomplishment.
Paul tells us that the difference between the wise and the foolish person is their understanding of God’s will and their wise investment of time into daily opportunities (Eph.5:15-17).
Our major priority is to help people. Church work must have a people focus. We are in the people business. Develop good people skills. Walk slowly through the crowd. Smile, say hello, introduce yourself, ask questions, call people by name, be friendly and helpful, be sincerely interested in their life, be generous with praise and cautious with criticism.
Principle 6: Share Your Ministry (Teamwork)
Successful ministries don’t go it alone. They build and develop a team around them. They are committed to helping others get involved in ministry. They continually gather, motivate, train and mobilise people.
To be a good team player, you need to first learn to be a good follower of those to whom you are accountable. Then you need to be able to partner effectively with those who are your peers. Finally, you need to give good leadership to those for whom you are responsible.
Good teamwork requires a commitment to quality relationships, strong unity, continual encouragement, undivided loyalty, open communication and genuine love.
Principle 7: Fuel Your Ministry (Prayer)
Successful ministries continually fuel their lives with prayer. Prayer helps them develop a vital and personal relationship with God, which then provides the power and energy to get the job done.
The bottom line when it comes to prayer is dependence. When I don’t pray, I’m saying to God, “I can do this”. When I do pray, I’m saying to God, “Lord, I need you.” The truth is that we need Him all the time and without Him we can do nothing of lasting value.
We all know that ministry can be hazardous to our lives. Therefore, a living, dynamic relationship with God is essential to prevent us from burning out or dropping out of the race and to keep us enjoying the journey.
I hate stopping to fill up my car with petrol because it slows me down, makes me stop and worst of all, allows all those cars I’ve just passed, to get ahead of me again. Yet, it is only through stopping that I can refuel and gain the resources to keeping going on my journey. The challenge in ministry is that we often get so busy working for God, like Martha, that we neglect taking time to stop and sit at His feet, like Mary did (Lk.10:38-42).
The best habit I’ve developed over the last eighteen months is the practise of taking a Retreat Day every month. During this day, I take time to refuel – to pray, to evaluate my life and ministry, to review the previous month to see if I’m on course and to plan the coming month. When I first started this habit it was so hard, because I was thinking of all the work I wasn’t getting done. Now it’s an absolute priority, because I see it as an investment of my time that produces a greater freshness and effectiveness in my daily life and ministry.
The Race is on!
The Christian life is not a hundred-metre sprint. It’s a marathon. It’s not just about how fast you run, but how long you last. Let’s be ministers who run with all our might, but most of all, let’s finish well (2 Tim.4:7).
A final thought. Knowledge doesn’t change the world, action does. It’s what you do about what you’ve just read that determines whether it will help you or not. How about rating yourself from 1 – 10 on the seven principles listed above (1 being “poor” and 10 being “outstanding”). Which principle had the lowest score? Think about what you could do about improving this area in the next week. Finally, just do it!
The above material is summarised from Mark Conner’s book Successful Christian Ministry, which is available in Australia from CityLife Church Bookshop (Phone 61 3 9871 8339 or online shop at www.citylifechurch.com).
