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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.
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.
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