Monday, January 11, 2010

Ministry Alone?

Dear Victorious,

I am active in my church and serve faithfully in many respects. The problem is that I often see ministry needs which need to be addressed ... and end up being the only one who is willing to address them! I'll start a ministry endeavor and then find it is too hard to do by myself. But I have never been very good at recruiting others to join me in such ministry work. How do I get people to get more engaged?

Tiffany M. - Raleigh, NC

Dear Tiffany,

When God truly calls us to do something, most likely He is calling others in the same way. He never meant for us to be sole operators in ministry. Rather God wants us to function in the community of other believers whom He has called similarly. So if you seem to be the only one called to do something, I'd ask a couple of questions.

First, is it possible that this perceived "calling" is really just a manifestation of your own desire to be busy, produce fruit, etc.? Often people mistake their own thinking for God's. The way to be sure of that is to look for affirmation of whatever it is you think God has called you to do. Do other spiritually mature people agree that you're being called in this way? Is there a real need that should be filled? Do you see God working in this way without you?

Second, is it possible that the people around you are actually called but they aren't listening? In other words, are you simply experiencing the consequences of someone else's sin. You in fact may be called to do something, as are others. But perhaps you're the only one who is obedient to the call. If so, you may well find yourself serving alone ... ministering alone. In that case, God is with you and that will have to do. Do you trust God to equip and empower you to steer the course? Are you willing to obey Him even if others do not?

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