Tuesday, March 31, 2009

My Return On Ministry

Ministry and effort. As followers of Christ, we are called to ministry. This ministry requires effort. This effort requires energy. And, this energy requires time. Whew. I’m exhausted already. So, are you ready for the big question with the ever changing and evolving answer?

What combination of effort, energy, and time yields the greatest return on ministry? Don’t stop there. Let’s dig a few shovels more. What is this return on ministry and how do you define it? Can you define it? Is it cars in your lots or bodies in your pews? Perhaps it’s dollars in your offering or talents on your stage? Kids in the hall or teens at the camp? Number of baptisms or dedications? These questions quickly unravel with the trail left to the interpreter. I’ve always believed you can create or find statistics to back just about any viewpoint. If not, we’d never have any debates. How boring!

So, back to my point. How many pastors, ministers, or leaders does it take to address these questions? One. Yep…you guessed it. His name is Jesus Christ.

Perhaps I’m oversimplifying a whole bunch of concepts or issues. But, that’s ok. We must first apply and grasp this simple truth before unpacking any concepts or issues. So, let’s not get distracted with a self defined return on ministry. Keep not only your eyes on the cross but your ears as well. Listening to the compelling call of Christ for your congregation and life. It may be touching thousands or transforming one. Regardless, it must be this compelling call? This compelling call is your return on ministry. So, how do you measure?

We’ll discuss this compelling call within the weeks ahead. Until next time. Jed.

Friday, March 20, 2009

When Will The Fog Lift

Well…week three at the new digs is nearly under belt. It’s been fulfilling and fun. Also, the robins are singing, the sun is shining, and the trees are popping. Spring is here! Although you never thought it would arrive…it has. Funny how that goes. Longing and waiting for a season that comes ever so slowly and goes ever so quickly.

This coming and going transcends life. You often don’t even realize that you’re out of one before being engrossed into another. Perhaps you’re shaking hands with stress and strife. Or, you may be sitting in the midst of uncertainty with doubt and fear hammering away. You wonder…how did I arrive? How can I get out? Or, more importantly, when will I get out? I need clarity. Now!

Sorry. But, there’s no magic cure or three step program for success. My advice is to never forget that God has not forgotten. God has heard your cries, pleas, and prayers and He has not forgotten a single one.

Sitting here today…I’m blessed. For years…I’ve chased, hunted, and pursued the present day. Fog often plagued my path. However, this path was paved by God. He did not forget! So, despite your current circumstances, a clearing will come. I’m proof! Until then…stay the course, stay the course, stay the course, and stay the course. God has not forgotten a single one.

Now, is it time to take the land or perhaps send some spies first? A discussion for another day. Until next time. Jed.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Still Here

Blog? What blog? Man…it has been weeks since any post which has completely derailed all nurtured and constructed momentum. What happened? I’m unsure how to answer this question or if an answer even exists.

God has remained faithful…a promise that will thankfully never change. Cool news - I changed careers. Not just a lateral transition…but, a whole new venue. Not just additional opportunities…but, a melding of the passions God has placed upon my life. Not just happenstances…but, truly molded and prepared by the hand of God. Blessed does not even begin to express my gratitude to my Lord and Savior. I’m amazed and stand in awe…honored and humbled.

I’ve basically felt like a sponge the past week or so. I’m saturated and need a good ringing to continue absorbing. Praise God!

The timing although questioned by me throughout the past few years was perfect down to the day…down to the hour. And I chuckle as if this timing was ironic. God was closing and wrapping one chapter while another was and is being paved. I’d love to share the specifics with any and all. Just get in touch with me as the story truly is a cool one.

More than anything, the essence of the ordinary seems to ring loud. I’m a pretty ordinary guy and that’s ok. There are others with the same gifts and talents. Others with similar issues, praises, and questions. Others with similar stories. There are simply others. God makes me unique. An extraordinary God.

Lay aside the preconceived notions of self. Stop looking inward. Remember…there are simply others. Others looking, seeking, and searching for truth. On a global scale…we as followers of Christ need to transform from inward to outward. While programs for self may be noteworthy, they likely miss these others. If we miss…let’s not travel down this if as the corresponding then is quite sad.

Button those shirts. Lace those shoes. Cloth the ordinary and let loose. The extraordinary God from within will overflow and use the ordinary to do the extraordinary. What an honor to be a child and friend of God. All to His glory. Until next time. Jed.