Page 81 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Life of Ministry 81

literally to follow Him—to be where He was. This is perhaps the best view of the
call of God for us as well.
In responding to what may prove to be full-time vocational ministry, a
minister should not simply see him- or herself as choosing a life behind the
pulpit. Instead, he or she must see the priority of following or being with Jesus.
It was in the extended period with Jesus that the disciples had much of their lives
changed. His teaching chipped away at their rough edges. His priorities rewrote
their own. Only after a period of many months did He begin to indicate where
their discipleship might lead.
2 What do you understand For us, the conclusion is clear. The call of ministry is a call to follow Christ,
of God’s call in your own life? and it requires a pursuit of His presence and a hunger for more opportunity
to be with Him. The call is not defined by tasks or locations. It is revealed
by a relationship that must be cultivated daily. When one accepts God’s call,
one chooses to be with Him, wherever that might lead and however it might
ultimately take shape.
Preparing to Serve
All the skill one can attain will never replace the power of God’s presence.
In rebuilding the temple, Zechariah noted the value of God’s presence: “‘Not by
might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6). Today,
there still is no greater contributor to our success than God’s presence, and there
are no shortcuts to that relationship. The minister must understand that every
effort of ministry can be affected by time spent with God.
3 Explain the importance As a minister’s experience increases, it is easy for him or her to start relying
of spiritual power in fulfilling on human strength and reasoning to accomplish tasks. This same error was seen
ministry tasks. in Old Testament leaders who had experienced God’s great power only to fail to
rely on Him when the next challenge came. Each time God allowed them to fail
as a reminder of the importance of depending on Him.

A Devotional Life

A key means for cultivating close relationship with God can be found in
the minister’s devotional life. Private times with God and His Word are the
nourishment every minister needs. While there are many ways to pursue a
devotional life, the key components are worship, study, reflection, prayer, and
expression. A devotional life should make use of each of these elements.

4 Why is the attitude of Worship
the heart so important in To worship is to ascribe worth to God. A heart that worships is one that
worshipping God?
recognizes its own inferiority and focuses its attention on the superiority of God.
The two-fold theme of worship is the worshipper and actions of God toward him
or her. A minister would do well to spend time worshipping every day.
Worship can be communicated through several means. One can speak one’s
thoughts concerning God’s greatness or offer gratitude for the privilege of
knowing and serving God. However, mindless repetition in the name of worship
is useless. Only the true communication of our hearts is pleasing to God. Phrases
that fail to connect with our hearts offer no more adoration to God than a
husband’s unfelt words of flattery for his wife.
Worship can also be communicated through song. The Psalms are rich with
worshipful expressions. Many of the traditional hymns, as well as the great
number of new spiritual songs found in our churches today, will aid the servant
during times of personal devotion to God.