The tools of ministry

Posted byMichael D JohnsonPosted inUncategorized

Dear Pastor,

As pastors, we don’t actually have that many tools for ministry.

I would propose that there are 4 basic tools we’ve been given:

  1. The Word of God
  2. Listening
  3. Time
  4. Love/Compassion

You and I don’t necessarily have a deep and full bag of tools for ministry. Instead, God has given us only a few so that in our lack, in our weakness and in spite of our personal ineptitudes we will rely completely upon the Lord’s Spirit and Word and see His glory revealed.

Are you tempted to rely upon your cleverness? Or quick wit? Or musical ability? Or a sense of humor? Do you seek primarily to use your personality, strengths or persuasiveness to build God’s kingdom?

Please remember that “unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (see Psalm 127:1). Also, we absolutely must remember that it is only the Spirit of God who gives life (see John 6:63).

Let us, as God’s instruments of grace, allow God to build the house, rely on His Spirit to do the convicting, saving, sanctifying and building. We must as pastors/Christians, of course, be the conduits He flows through. We are His body and Christ is incarnate by His Spirit in and thru His body in the world but let us never rely on ourselves.

Instead, please allow the Lord to shape and form you to use His simple and yet significantly powerful tools of His Word, active listening, invested time and sensitivity of love and compassion bring God’s hope, gospel, and kingdom to the people in front of us.

Let me close this post with a few hard-hitting questions:

  • Do you share the Bible with people in every-day conversation as much as in your preaching/teaching?
  • Are you listening to the hearts and stories of people so that you can fully discern their needs and help them to come to God (and not just to give your two cents)?
  • Is the bulk of your time spent with God and people or with books and computers?
  • When was the last time you cried with and for people?

I hope that as you dig deep into your how you are using these tools, you will once again seek God’s presence and power to truly minister in the name of Christ and for the sake of the person right in front of you.

Christ is with us, Christ is in us!

Mike J

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