Page 69 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Nature of Ministry 69

Covering the Balance
The most effective way to shift balance between gifts and responsibilities is to
develop the gifts of others. All the gifts one needs are resident in the Holy Spirit’s
work in His church. There are individuals who will thrive with those things a
minister struggles to enjoy. The task is to find those people and cultivate their
gifts for the benefit of the church.
Unfortunately, some ministers struggle to share the load with others. Often
due to feelings of personal insecurity, they question whether others will be
sufficiently committed or whether they will perform tasks with the required
quality and effort. These ministers decide it is easier to do the job themselves,
even when they do not enjoy it and may not do it particularly well. This tragic
mistake is a major hindrance to the effectiveness of the church.
The church belongs to Christ. His body should always be seen as a reflection
of His work. The minister who would not share ministry opportunity undermines
the work of Christ. Jesus commanded that we ask the “Lord of the harvest” for
laborers (Matthew 9:38). Why then would we limit the ability of the laborers He
provides? It is evident that the church was meant to grow on the strength of each
individual’s gifts. A minister who cannot cultivate that environment is destined
to be overworked and will likely become resentful. But the minister who sees
the people as the answer to his or her own inabilities and can demonstrate the
confidence to open doors of opportunity will partner with the plan of Christ to
build His church.
Establishing Priorities
The priority of the church is to reach the lost; therefore, everyone must have
a role in this task. People who are trapped in the pursuit of lesser priorities will
often question the value of their contribution, but one who sees his or her efforts
as contributing to the central function of Christ’s body has every reason to be
satisfied. The bus driver knows he or she is transporting people to the opportunity
for life-change; the usher’s friendliness may help open a heart to receive God’s
love; and the nursery worker’s gentle love communicates God’s love to a
child—a communication that may later influence the child to accept Christ as
Savior and Lord. The minister can help people find great joy in their gifts when
they are connected to the church’s greatest priority.
A second priority is the edification of the body. Tasks can be attached to the
growth of individual lives. Again, great meaning can be given to the most menial
task when we know the purpose being serving. Other purposes may offer short-
term value, but the minister must help the church hold fast to its greatest priorities.

Summary
Life in the ministry is one of high expectations. After all, we are fulfilling
eternal things. No other work is as significant as dedicating oneself to the
purposes of God. It is important to maintain this focus, for the people we serve
bring quite a list of demands. Add the expectations and needs of one’s personal
life and family, and there is a recipe for exhaustion.
But, alas, the answer can be found in right priorities and knowing one’s place
in God’s plan. Discovering gifts and strategizing to involve others in their gifts
can open the way for great joy and freedom in serving Christ.