Ministry | Update Your Apps

school of ministry | the serialisation | part 1

As I embark on the fourth book in this series, I thought I might blog some short extracts here over the coming weeks/months. Though this blog is more of a general introduction, a few opening thoughts before we get down to the business of being better equipped to serve God and His Kingdom agenda. It’s all presently a work in progress.

First there was a change of title. I moved my initial thoughts away from writing a School of Leadership to the broader subject of a School of Ministry. To be honest, there are plenty books on the market about leadership, Christian leadership, servant leadership, church leadership, leadership development and team building. I’m not so aware of similar manuals on church ministry. However, to avoid disappointment, be assured this is far from being an exhaustive volume, I take a fairly autobiographical approach, hanging some gladly learnt insights on a series of personal mantras and memorable cliches.

My basis of thinking is probably along the lines of - God is infinite, and His power within us can achieve more than we can ask or even imagine. Therefore, there’s no excuse for being boring - in fact, it's borderline blasphemy when examples of Christian ministry are so mediocre - such expressions should be viewed as an insult to God’s character and purposes.

Lowered expectations, emotional tiredness, unresolved cynicism, poor resilience to criticism, faithlessness, fear of others, low self-esteem, along with inadequate theology from an unintentionally redacted Bible, are all possible contributing factors in facilitating disappointing acts of public worship and exercising ineffective church ministry.

I’m still convinced there are basics that many congregations have yet to grasp. Such as discovering a model for genuine biblical praise, operating in prophecy and deliverance ministry without damaging your health or the health of others, and valuing both the Scriptures and their Author to nurture a consistent walk with God.

However, I refuse to get negative, that would be a waste on so many levels. Please friends, don’t let bitterness and picking over the past rob you of your future hope and destiny. Discern wisely, you don’t need to operate on every field of conflict - it’s better to enter the fields of praise and find lasting restoration and even new horizons.

Jesus promised, in His list of ‘blessed joys’, that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, will be satisfied. So, a good opening question would be,

‘Are you spiritually satisfied?’

Ask yourself. Ask your team the next time they meet.

There again, having been wonderfully saved by grace - how can I dare to feel dissatisfied with God? However, Jesus promised ‘even greater things’, and back to my earlier text, God in us can do more than we can ask or imagine.

I can only really afford to be dissatisfied if I’m also willing to pursue that which is necessary for change. Otherwise I’ll just wallow in self-pity, defeatism, and inevitably end up blaming others for my spiritual malnutrition.

If we desire to walk in the Spirit, we need to keep in step with the Spirit. For 7 days avoid acquiring more information and learn to consolidate what God has already imparted to you.

• What are the truths that motivate you to get up in the morning?

• What is the standout thing about Jesus that leads your heart to worship?

• Do you have any spiritual catalyst moments?

Those encounters or revelations that quickened your spirit with spiritual zeal, or calmed your mind with His all surpassing peace - in brief, unforgettable precious God moments that changed you! Recall them. Don’t neglect the times when God deliberately got your attention.

Choose to cultivate your ‘secret’ life with God (read Matthew 6), seek His rewards, by seeking His face, His kingdom and His righteousness.

The many apps on my phone receive updates. Though, without first choosing to install the app, the updates can’t be downloaded.

Restoring the original factory settings of your Christian life. What are the default apps you get when you open your heart to God? Perhaps the following, but it’s by no means a complete list. An accessible Bible, the Holy Spirit’s tangible presence, a greater ability to forgive and receive forgiveness, a new heart, a renewed mind, a new language, a new purpose, etc…These apps not only need to be activated, but also updated. No one wants yesterday’s papers or stale bread.

If you’re in the highly privileged position to minster and serve others, then start praying, praising, and asking beyond your imagination. Be a life-giving servant, a breath of fresh air, stay sharp and stay updated from heaven.

Is this all just rhetoric?

It is if you do nothing.

But if you give God 15 minutes of your day to soak in His presence, to allow Him to order your thoughts, clean your heart. and renew your spiritual faculties - a personal spiritual change will become evident. Learn to catch the rhythm of His steps. And get all the latest downloads for your apps of communion, sanctification, and ministry.

15 minutes a day for 7 days. Take the challenge and see the difference. Don’t let your personal Christian life expire and pass its ‘best before’ date. Please note, I’m not talking about having a ‘quiet time’, rather this is finding the space for the Holy Spirit to overshadow you with His presence and to encounter the activity of the Third Heaven. A week will help to kickstart that which has gone quiet within you.

And, in the coming weeks right here, get ready for the School of Ministry (the serialisation), be stretched, be challenged, be encouraged and be freshly envisioned. There’s no greater privilege than serving Him by serving others. Amen.

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Scriptures used in the article

Ephesians 3:20

John 14:12

Galatians 5:25

Matthew 6:1-34

1 Timothy 4:14

ALREADY IN PRINT