"Ministry" can mean many things. For the new year ahead, let's talk just a moment about personal and corporate ministry performed in faith.
Ministry, whether viewed as one's personal service
in the names of God and Christ, or of the corporate sort -- as in a
church setting -- is likely in a continual state of flux; its
effectiveness may ebb and flow with the times and circumstances.
Ministry that isn't actually "ministering" to anyone may possibly be dead. It
just hasn't fallen down yet. To be kinder, we could say that if it just
exists without any directional movement it has entered a static mode of operation.
Growth of a ministry is what is joyfully desired and is where any ministry's
effectiveness is most easily seen. Let's call this a "positive" state
of ministry.
But "negative" ministry that apears to be standing still -- or worse,
sliding backward -- can still give cause for rejoicing. IF, that is, IF
it was a worthwhile ministry in the first place and its impending loss
would leave a void that another ministry cannot effectively refill.
Thus, rejoice! There could be wonderful opportunity for resurgence and
a new outlook.
Few folks will join in a venture that is unmotivated and seemingly
pointless, but the same folks can almost always be inspired to help
improve a ministry that is recognized as needful. It is often said by
folks with a positive outlook in times of discouragement that "hope
springs eternal," but ministry without hope is always discouraging. And
without a positive outlook, well....
What is it that makes the crucial difference to our group of folks, the ones we called few in number? HOPE!
Necessary to bringing about such hope is often a change in leadership
or ministerial direction. If you have the same people involved in the
ministry demonstrating their unwillingness to seriously engage new
ways, or they show no desire to change the focus or direction of the
ministry, it very well may soon be numbered among ministries abandoned
for lack of valid effort. In that case, assuming personnel won't step
aside to allow new members and ideas, then accept it that your time
will be better spent elsewhere.
We'll be looking at ministry in 2009 and considering things that work
as well as things that don't. Got an idea to share, or something you'd
like to discuss with us? Please send email -- we'd enjoy both hearing
from and working with you!
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