Simplifying the Call of Ministry
This past year I have encountered numerous ministers in transition, waiting for their next God assignment. It has been interesting to note how many of them feel purposeless because they do not currently have a paid ministry position.
A verse that those of us who are “called” to shepherd others vocationally need to memorize:
Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15
The role of the shepherd according to this verse is two-fold. We are to:
- Follow after God’s heart.
- Invest in others.
We often try to complicate the call. Sometimes we spend more time and energy trying to figure out the where and how of ministry and less time and energy on our primary calling. Obviously the where and how are important, but it seems to me that if we will concentrate on following God’s heart and investing in others that the where and how will be easier to discern.
Perhaps it would simplify our life and make our ministry more effective if we will do what we have been called to do wherever and however the situation and circumstances call for at the time and allow God to work out more of the details of our call.
Just a thought.
3 responses to "Simplifying the Call of Ministry"
I really resonate with what you’ve written. And it’s also come very timely to remind me to keep things simple.
For some reason, as humans, we tend to like to make it more ‘complicated’ than it originally intended to be… =)
If God guides, God provides. If God calls us to serve in ministry, i.e. pastor, then God will provide the place where one will be a pastor. Could be your house, could be an existing church, could be a new church plant.
We have to trust God, and listen for His whispers, and not try to do it all ourselves.
My bride and I had coffee this morning with the interim pastor at our new church, and he made a comment that Jesus didn’t say “help me build the Church.”
Time and time again, if I try to do something without God’s help or Grace, the end result could be very weak. This is why I’m not a carpenter
Blessings!
.-= Michael Levitt´s last blog ..Door closes, door opens =-.
Well said Ron.