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Trying to squeeze too many activities into too few hours can leave you overwhelmed. Especially in ministry. You may be bragging about how busy you are to other pastors or your church members because it secretly makes you feel important and successful. But you need to realize that it’s not good for you personally and it doesn’t make you look like a better leader. More likely than not, it makes you look like you’re not a good leader. This may take a bit to shift your thinking but your ministry will be much better off when you break the cycle of excessive busyness. The epidemic of excessive busyness among ministry leaders often leaves us feeling rushed, discontent, and short on time. Hurting our walk with God because we think that He will surely understand why we don’t spend more time with Him. After all, as Pastors and ministry leaders we are doing His work! However, we all know that God cares more about our relationship with Him than what we produce. Choose your priorities. In order to choose my priorities, I have to be intentional about them. I start by asking myself what is most important to me and what God has called me to do. From there, I make a list of the activities that fit into those categories and try to focus on those things each day. It's not always easy to stick to my list, but it's important to be intentional about how I'm spending my time. Here is a sample of what I have done as a Pastor to make sure I stay on my priorities each day and week: 1. Monday - Confirmation: I spend time confirming what God has done in people's lives over the weekend services. And do what follow-up is necessary to solidify that work in their lives, be it through calls, emails, staff, etc... 2. Tuesday - Concentration: This is my time to study and prepare for next weekend. No doubt there is more study and prep than just Tuesdays, but that is the priority on a Tuesday for me. 3. Wednesday - Conceptualization: This day's priority is vision. On Wednesdays, I make sure to have meetings and time set aside to focus on moving the vision for the church and ministry forward. As Pastors, we need time weekly to keep the church focused on the vision God has for us. 4. Thursday - Compilation: All those great ideas for creative messages that come from Tuesday study times have to be put together. Illustration material gathered etc. (I must confess, as our church staff has grown many times a staff member will do this for me on a Wednesday nowadays.) 5. Friday - Cessation: Cease working. Wow, what a novice idea for us as Pastors and ministry leaders! Actually, I think it is pretty much God's idea for us. To cease work doesn't mean I just lay around being bored. I heard Rick Warren speaking on this year ago. He said if you work with your mind, rest with your hands. If you work with your hands, rest by doing something with your mind. For instance, I don't read on my day of rest, I don't want to. I have to read so much for work, that sitting and reading a book does not sound enjoyable to me. I like to paint - use my hands - I find it very relaxing. 6. Saturday - Contemplation: On Saturday I want to start internalizing my message. Letting my heart and mind contemplate all that I feel the Lord has given me to teach this coming weekend. While I may do fun things with the family, I guard what they are to not allow the priority of contemplation to be stolen. 7. Sunday - Communication: It's what we do in ministry. Communicating the Good News. My priority for this day is just that. But not only giving a sermon but communicating with everyone relationally as much as possible. My priority is to be available for them before and after services and even through scheduled meetings. (For several years now we have done Saturday services so the communication priority overlaps Saturday evening and Sundays for me.) I recognize that bits and pieces of all of these priorities happen every day in ministry. the intent of living by these priorities is not that we live such orderly lives that we only communicate with our people on Sundays or only study on Tuesdays. But living by a system of priorities allows you to schedule accordingly and to have staff volunteers on the same page. They often protect and make sure you are able to do what you need to do. By living by a system of daily/weekly priorities, I have had the time to focus on so many other visions that God has placed in my heart, like writing books and devotionals and even doing a little blogging. I'm sure that as a ministry leader you have some of your own. Take it and make it your own. Move the days around according to the flow that works best for you. By getting a system of priorities in place for your days, you can begin to break the cycle of excessive busyness and enjoy the journey of ministry once again. Here's to living in the joy of Jesus every day through the ministry you are called to!

https://www.russellmoore.com/2026/02/04/when-christians-contemplate-assisted- suicide/ A reader of my newsletter asked me if he might be going to hell. Actually, the reader’s question was quite a bit more nuanced. He’s a Christian, a committed follower of Jesus. He’s also suffering from a debilitating, painful, and slowly terminal disease. Let’s call him Max. He lives in Canada, where physician-assisted suicide—or “aid in dying,” as the euphemism goes—is now legal and ubiquitous. Max says he is not at all suicidal. He is not tempted to die. But, he notes, he is looking at himself right now. Who can tell what state of mind he will be in in five or ten years? Who can predict what will tempt him later, when he might be much weaker? What if, Max wonders, a future version of himself were to make a decision he would never make right now—maybe because his disease blurred his thinking or simply because he’s in a different place spiritually. Would he go to hell? Max’s question is in some ways a very old one but in other ways a pressing matter. In Canada, medical assistance in dying (MAID) has expanded at lightning speed—from terminal illness to chronic suffering and now, in principle, to mental illness alone—making it one of the most permissive regimes in the world. In parts of Europe—such as the Netherlands and Belgium—eligibility has widened to include those with psychiatric conditions and, in some cases, even minors. Here in the United States, several states allow physician-assisted suicide, but only for the terminally ill and with tighter procedural limits. But it’s not hard to see that the framing of assisted dying as compassionate is advancing culturally. There are at least two angles to Max’s question, and all of them make me sad. The first is the gospel angle. I was hesitant to say to him, “You will not go to hell.” That’s because I was afraid that if indeed some future version of him changed his mind in a darker direction, he might use that as reassurance to choose to die. Yet if I were to use the threat of hell as a useful rhetorical tool, would I not be doing the very thing I most oppose—turning the gospel into a means for manipulation? Even worse, would I be doing what Jesus never did: breaking a bruised reed, snuffing out a faintly burning wick? What Max needs to hear right now is John 3:16–17: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (ESV throughout). In other words, God’s love for Max is real. God is not a bigger version of Faust’s Devil, looking for loopholes in a contract in order to damn one who has come to him. The very fact that Max is asking this question means his real question is whether he’s really loved or whether God loves him for his stability and strength right now. This suffering man wants to know if it’s true that, as the apostle Paul wrote, “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39). If none of that can sever his union with Christ, a future mental illness won’t either. But the second angle is the personal suffering this question reveals. Max didn’t say this, but I suspect his question is not just about uncertainty of his own resistance to temptation in the future. It may also point to an even more tragic fear: Is my living a burden to those around me? “Will I go to heaven?” might be a request for straightforward theology, but it also might hint at something else. Have you ever been somewhere, maybe a dinner party, where you wondered, Have I stayed too long? Is everyone being polite but secretly wishing I would just leave? Maybe Max is worried about that kind of future and doesn’t know what pressure he will face then, even if it’s unspoken. In the social Darwinism of this time, many people see human life as something calculable. Am I contributing? Am I useful? Am I wanted? If human beings are just machines made of meat, those calculations make sense. And if the law of nature is our morality, then few things could seem more natural than a stronger animal snuffing out the life of a weaker one to keep it from dragging down the rest of the herd. But if human life is something more—a mystery that somehow discloses a sign of God himself—then to treat that mystery as the sum of its contributions is a long disobedience in the wrong direction. And that brings me to the third angle: culture and policy. Consider the cultural context in which these questions of “assisted dying” are unfolding: aging populations, overwhelmed health systems, loneliness, marginalization of those with disabilities, economic anxiety, and a growing sense that everyone must justify their own continued existence. The signs are not promising when we look at the prospects of war, political collapse, and technological upheaval. In the background is a key question: Is human life to be protected precisely when it feels most burdensome, or should it be optimized and monetized and, when it no longer “works,” discarded like an obsolete digital app? The question is not just about Max—although it would be worth asking even if it were—but about what kind of society we are becoming. It is about whether we respond to despair with relationship or with an exit sign. This question is precisely what is so cruel about Max even facing this choice. What was once framed as a right becomes, in the fullness of time, a responsibility. We shouldn’t judge Max for wrestling with this awful possible temptation. He might well see an entire society saying to him, “Why don’t you just die already?” Max needs a community willing to bear his burdens—not just the burden of his illness and suffering but also the burden of his despair. If Max has put his trust in Jesus, he is not going to hell. But if we’re not careful, the rest of us could act like the Devil. And we should turn back from that before it’s too late. We should see “assisted dying” for what it is—an exploitation of the weakest among us just to keep us in our illusion that a life with suffering is no life at all. As Jesus told us, “For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!” (Matt. 18:7). After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. Peter must have had ringing in his mind the words Jesus had spoken to him before everything went sideways: “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31). Here Peter was—having run away and denied his Lord. But there Jesus was—not in judgment or anger but with the same words he said on that same shore years before: “Follow me” (John 21:19). What Max should think about, should he ever waver—and what I should think about if I do too—is how Jesus defined what it means to follow him: “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go” (v. 18). What Jesus meant by “Follow me” wasn’t summed up in Peter’s coming strength—his sermon at Pentecost, his plowing the way for the Gentiles to enter the church, his escapes from the Roman authorities. It was defined here by the very moment when Peter was at his weakest, in his deepest suffering and despair, in his helplessness to control his future. That’s following Jesus too. In many ways, that’s when following Jesus really starts. Max, if you have put yourself in Jesus’ hands, you’re not going to hell. God loves you and draws near to the brokenhearted. Of all of the things you have to carry right now, worrying about God’s perception of you is not one of them. He hears and saves all who look to him for mercy through Jesus, full stop. I want to encourage you to live. That’s not because I am worried you will go to hell. God’s mercy is greater than all our sin. It’s because your life is worth living. Your life is a mystery—indwelt by God—even when you don’t feel like it. You are not alone. It’s okay to pray now for future Max, but you don’t need to store up the grace you will need then. It’s already in the future waiting for you. I can’t imagine the suffering you face or will face. But Jesus loves you, this I know. If you are in immediate danger or are thinking of harming yourself, please, right now, reach out to someone local who can help you stay safe. If you’re in Canada or the United States, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Someone will answer 24 hours a day and can connect you with people who will listen and help you find care nearby.

Spiritually mature Christians know God intimately and experience His revelation deeply. They persevere in ministry, compassionately nurturing others.

As a young teenager, I had recently become a follower of Jesus. One day, my family took me to a revival meeting at a small church in Springfield, Ohio. While I do not recall much of what the evangelist spoke about, I distinctly remember the moment in his message when I felt a clear calling from God to become an evangelist myself. From that moment on, I began to pursue that calling with all my heart. I have fulfilled my calling through various ministry positions and serve as a local church Pastor. However, as fulfilling and rewarding as this calling has been, it also comes with highs and lows. Ministry is not a smooth ride; it can be incredibly satisfying and utterly exhausting. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that requires us to constantly lean on God for strength, wisdom, and perseverance. The truth is, the highs are high, and the lows can be pretty low. If you are like me, you've probably had those moments that were so low that you just wanted to quit. As you read this, you may be feeling that right now. Maybe you are dealing with criticism, conflict, or simply feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. I want to encourage you today to keep going because the calling of ministry is worth it. Amid all these challenges, there is a joy and honor that comes with living out our calling as leaders in God's kingdom. One thing that makes ministry so hard is that it's not just a job; it's a calling from God. As leaders in His Church, we carry the weight and responsibility to lead His people and represent Him to the world. This level of commitment can feel daunting, especially when we face challenges and struggles that seem too big to handle. We are expected to have all the answers, to be constantly available, and to pour out our hearts and souls for others. It's a constant balancing act that can take its toll on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But even amid these challenges, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that God has chosen us for this calling and will equip us to fulfill it. God cares more about you than your ministry. Despite the challenges, what makes the calling of ministry a great joy and a profound honor is that God cares more about you than your ministry. We are not merely servants but sons and daughters of the Most High. Being in Church isn't just about doing for God; it's about being with God. He cherishes our relationship with Him above all else, and it is through this relationship that we are nourished and rejuvenated. He comforts us in our trials, provides wisdom in our dilemmas, and fortifies us with His strength when we feel weak. Our ministry flows out from our connection with Him. It's easy to get caught up in the tasks and the to-do lists and lose sight of the One who gave us this calling. But remember, God does not measure our worth by the success of our ministries but by our willingness to love and serve Him wholeheartedly. This realization can bring a great sense of relief and freedom, transforming the burdens of leadership into opportunities for spiritual growth and increased reliance on God's power, not our own. A divine task and reward As we've said, the joy of ministry is not without its challenges, but it's essential to remember one of the most beautiful aspects of our role. Imagine, for a moment, if you had someone who spent their entire life helping your spouse to love you more. They dedicated their time and effort to guide them, nourish them, comfort them, and help them understand your love more deeply. What overwhelming gratitude you would feel towards such a person! Now consider this: as pastors and ministry leaders, this is the divine task we have been assigned regarding Christ's bride, the Church. We have been given the awesome responsibility to help God's people grow in their love and understanding of Him. Yes, it's a task that comes with significant challenges, but the privilege to serve Christ in this capacity and witness the growth of His love within His people is a reward. Let this truth reignite your passion and commitment to the high calling of ministry. But I have fear, doubts, and questions. Internally, we grapple with our doubts, fears, and feelings of inadequacy. We question whether we are doing enough, if we are leading effectively, and if we are genuinely making a difference. We face the pressures and expectations of the congregation and the world at large. We are expected to have all the answers, to always be there for everyone, and to navigate difficult situations with grace and wisdom. In addition, we contend with the broader societal expectations and perceptions of what a pastor or church leader should be, which often do not align with the reality of our human limitations or biblical expectations. This is where a philosophical shift is necessary. Our value in ministry should not rest on our abilities, accomplishments, or the approval of others. Instead, our worth should be rooted in our identity as children of God, called and equipped by Him for this work. We need to move away from a performance-driven mindset to one that recognizes ministry as a journey of faithfulness and obedience to God's call, recognizing that we are doing this to obey and serve Him. Jesus, our ultimate example, did not seek to please the crowds or conform to their expectations. Instead, He faithfully fulfilled God's will, even when it led to the cross. As followers of Jesus, we are to do the same. Our aim should not be popularity or success by worldly standards but faithfulness to the call of God and service to His people. We are not called to be perfect but to be faithful. This shift in perspective can free us from the burdens of unrealistic expectations and the fear of failure, allowing us to serve with joy and authenticity. Remember, in the Kingdom of God, it's not about being the best or the most successful; it's about being faithful and obedient to God's call. The value of our ministry is not measured by worldly standards but by our faithfulness to God's call. May this truth encourage and challenge you in your journey of ministry. Walking the tightrope of faithful leadership. At the heart of our calling as pastors and ministry leaders, we must recognize the significant stakes in our hands. For us, our obedience to God's call is paramount. Our faithfulness in serving Him and His people determines our spiritual growth, our intimacy with Him, and our eternal rewards. We are constantly being shaped and molded through this journey, becoming the leaders God has called us to be. On the other hand, for those we serve, the stakes are equally high, if not higher. As leaders, we play a pivotal role in their spiritual journey. Our teaching, guidance, and pastoral care can significantly impact their understanding of God, their relationship with Him, and their spiritual growth. We have the privilege and responsibility of helping them navigate their faith, encouraging them in their walk with God, and aiding them in understanding and applying God's Word in their lives. Furthermore, our leadership and actions can significantly influence their perception of the Church and Christianity. Therefore, we must strive to lead with authenticity, grace, and Godly wisdom, fully conscious of the high stakes involved in our calling. The beauty and weight of it all. Having served in the ministry for over 40 years, I have journeyed through seasons of immense joy and profound heartache. There have been times when I have felt the overpowering euphoria of a thriving ministry, seeing lives transformed and witnessing the incredible power of God's love. But there have also been moments so difficult, so challenging, that they have brought me to my knees in despair, questioning everything. Yet, through every high and low, I have come to understand that these experiences are all used by God for His glory if I will allow Him to have them and do His work in me. Each challenge, each victory, has been a vital part of my growth as a leader and follower of Christ. They have shaped me, molded me, and prepared me for the journey ahead. In the face of hardship, I have learned to lean not on my understanding but on God's wisdom and strength. In times of joy, I have learned to give thanks and recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from above. Looking back, I see not just a series of ups and downs but a beautiful tapestry woven by the hand of God, each thread contributing to the masterpiece of His calling on my life. It is this perspective that has carried me through, and it is this truth that I hope will encourage and strengthen you in your ministry journey, too. With the wisdom and experience gained through decades of ministry, I want to add with authority that the calling of pastoral leadership is not just an occupation; it is a divine appointment - a sacred trust. The highs and lows, the triumphs and trials, the joys and heartaches all serve a purpose in God's grand design. From my journey, I've learned that walking in obedience to God, leaning on His wisdom rather than my own, and trusting Him in every season is the path to true fulfillment in ministry. These lessons weren't taught in a classroom but were forged in the crucible of real-life ministry through each challenge faced, and each victory won. They have shaped who I am, deepened my faith, and strengthened my resolve to serve Christ faithfully. Remember, God's calling on your life is irrevocable, and He who has called you is faithful. He will equip you, guide you, and sustain you in every season of your ministry journey. Embrace the joy and challenge of the pastoral calling. Embracing the tension of leadership in the Church is a journey of continual growth and deep trust in God. As pastors and ministry leaders, we navigate a unique dynamic of joy and challenge. We are called to lead with authority, yet serve with humility; to be strong for our congregation, yet vulnerable before God; to speak truth, yet exemplify grace. This dual nature of our calling can often generate tension, but it is within this tension that we find our true strength and purpose. Living with this tension requires surrender, acknowledging our limitations, and our need for God's wisdom and guidance. It involves understanding that our strength is made perfect in weakness, and it's okay not to have all the answers. It means walking in humility, recognizing that we are shepherds, not The Shepherd, guides, not the destination, servants, not the Savior. It is in this space of surrender and humility that we create room for God to move, for His strength to shine through our weaknesses, and for His wisdom to guide our decisions. Moreover, living with the tension of leadership involves embracing the paradox of joy and sorrow, success and failure, certainty and doubt. It's recognizing that our journey will be marked by peaks of victory and valleys of defeat, moments of clarity, and seasons of confusion. Yet, in every high and low, in every triumph and trial, God is at work, molding us into the leaders He wants us to be and using our lives to impact others for His glory. Embracing this tension is a part of our calling, a part of our journey. It is not something to be avoided or feared but accepted and learned from. It is in this tension that we grow that we learn to rely more on God and less on ourselves. It is here that we learn to lead with grace, to serve with love, and to walk in obedience to God's call. So, embrace the tension, lean into it, learn from it, and let it shape you into the Leader God has called you to be. Here are a few things that I have found to help me live in the ongoing tension of this calling: 1. Seek God's Wisdom in All Things (James 1:5) Embrace the promise that God generously gives wisdom to those who ask. As leaders, it is essential to prioritize seeking God's wisdom through prayer, study, and meditation on His Word. This wisdom will guide your decisions, your teaching, your pastoral care, and every aspect of your ministry. 2. Cultivate a Heart of Servanthood (Mark 10:43-45) This is not my nature, but Jesus, our ultimate example of leadership, made it clear that greatness in the Kingdom of God is marked by a heart of servanthood. As a ministry leader, I pray that for his transformation of my heart daily to be like that of Jesus as a servant of all. Let's strive to model this servant leadership in our interactions with those we serve. Prioritize humility and self-sacrifice over personal ambition or recognition. 3. Persist in Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2) God values faithfulness more than flashy results or worldly success. As a pastor, your responsibility is to be faithful in fulfilling the tasks God has entrusted to you regardless of the results and leave the results in His hands. This includes faithfully teaching the Word, caring for His people, and living a life that models Christ-like character. Regardless of the season you're in, your focus should always be on faithfulness to God's call more than anything else. Despite the challenges and the seemingly insurmountable highs and lows, the pastoral calling remains a uniquely rewarding and fulfilling journey. It is a divine entrustment that calls us to dig deep into the core of our spiritual lives and lead God's people with wisdom and humility. As we live out our calling, seeking God's wisdom, cultivating a heart of servanthood, and persisting in faithfulness, we'll witness the transformative power of God at work in us. We'll see ourselves growing into the image of Christ, our ultimate Leader, and experiencing the profound joy of serving others. This transformation is not an overnight occurrence but a lifelong journey of becoming. It is a journey marked by grace, shaped by prayer, and sustained by the relentless love of God. So, let us embrace this glorious calling with courage, steadfastness, and a heart fully surrendered to God. And as we do, we can look forward to the day when we hear those words that every servant of God longs to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." May this hope inspire us to live out our calling with faith, hope, and love, and may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel we preach.

When describing teenagers, a popular image gets used a lot: a moody, awkward, and explosive young person. And while there's undoubtedly some truth to that characterization, it's not the whole story. Teens are also incredibly creative, full of energy, and capable of great things. But unfortunately, they don't always get the support they need to tap into their potential. As a result, many teens feel lost and uncertain about their future, but it doesn't have to be this way. Like most adults, they struggle with self-doubt. They think they are not good enough, and the world is against them. After all, they are going through one of the most turbulent periods in their lives, transitioning from childhood to adulthood. All along, parents are going through all of this with them. They often do not know what to do. They hope that they, both their teens and themselves, survive. With no surprise, it seems to be a mess. Parents depend on the church, specifically the youth Pastor or youth leader. The Pastor is doing the same thing by focused on teaching and leading adults. They often forget that what the adults need is help with their teenagers. What do you do? It's Time For a Big shift One of the best ways to help teens is to shift our ministries to partner with parents. Too often, parents are left out of the equation, and that's a mistake. They're the ones who know their kids best and they need to be involved for ministry to be effective. Partnering with parents looks different depending on the ministry. One of the biggest mistakes we make in ministry is that we are asking something more of the parents. We ask them to attend another class at church or another event. Like all of us, as much as we love our kids and want them to succeed and live as followers of Jesus, we are spent, exhausted. So, how do you tackle this problem? We already have everything we need for those who are a part of the church. We need to do some realignment of how we do what we do. Imagine the Outcome Imagine that you are partnering with the parents in your church while they are already at your services. And no, you don't need to move them out of the adult service to a class. Instead, you align the teachings at age-appropriate levels. In other words, the adults are hearing a sermon or message as usual about a Biblical topic and applying it to their lives. At the same time, the teens are learning the same Biblical passage at an age-appropriate level. Now partnership can truly begin. For example, the lead Pastor may mention something to parents as he is preaching, like, "your teens are learning this same thing today; on your way home, be sure an talk about..." Likewise, the youth leader can do the same, "be sure and talk with your parents about this issue on the way home and throughout the week." Always Provide Resources More than likely, you are already providing parental resources in your ministry. If not, it's time to start. Unfortunately, in most churches, we provide resources to parents that require them to go home and do more homework. Something most of us couldn't wait to get out of school to quit doing. By getting in alignment with your teachings, there is no more homework. There are receiving the training they need during the service. And the follow-up resources are a result of both the learning for adults and teens. Communicate, communicate, communicate Communicate with parents regularly. You may be thinking our youth Pastor does that already. That is not what I said. Pastor, lead Pastor, communicate with parents regularly. Get on the same page with the youth Pastor in the communication during services and throughout the week. If you are a lead or senior Pastor, you are the one who is totally and entirely responsible to "teach these new disciples to obey my commands" (Jesus, Matthew 28). Not only is it essential to partner with parents, but with your pastoral staff and volunteer leaders. They represent you and your ministry leadership every time they have a gathering or teaching. With the teaching alignment, you can talk about what you are teaching at a new level. Not only will you be better at communicating with parents and teens, but you will also be better at communicating and working with your team. They will feel part of the vision and mission of the church like they never have in the past. In the same way that parents should not just be handing their teenagers off to the church and hoping the youth group and youth Pastor will make them a disciple, you as a Pastor and church shouldn't either. You are in this together; ultimately, the success or failure of the youth ministry is on you as the leader. Pray for Parents Finally, we need to pray for parents and their kids. They face many and varied challenges and can't do it alone. We need to ask God to help them stay strong in their faith and to guide their kids through the difficult teenage years. Do this publicly and privately. When you have your teachings aligned, at the end of a service, you can pray for the parents then and there. You don't have to have a separate prayer meeting. At that moment, ask those in your congregation that don't have teenagers to commit to praying for parents throughout the week. You will begin to build unity as everyone gets on board with the vision. Looking Back, Looking Ahead Most of us, as adults, look back on our teens years with fond memories, even when going through mood swings, dramatic outbursts, and embarrassing situations. We recall our adolescent years with fondness. But, if we as church leaders take the steps described, we will raise a generation of leaders who don't have to dig to remember teen years with fond memories. Instead, we will raise a generation that values the formative years of becoming adults alongside parents and pastors who cared enough to pour the life of Jesus into them. And, in turn, will be warriors for the teens under their care.

Leadership can be tricky. It requires vision, courage, and dedication to succeed. Jesus understood this better than anyone else and offered us an example of leadership that can make a difference in our lives and the world around us. In His ministry, He focused on creating a clear vision for His followers to inspire them to take action. However, he also showed us how to guard against those things that could kill our visions before we can bring them into reality. Following Jesus' example of leadership, we can learn how to focus our ministry and church through vision. 1. Prepare In Private One of the critical lessons we can learn from Jesus about creating a vision for our ministry and church is the importance of preparing in private. In the Gospels, we see Jesus often retreating to quiet places to pray and seek guidance from His Father before making important decisions. As ministry leaders, setting aside time for personal reflection and prayer to seek God's direction for our vision is crucial. This time allows us to develop a clear vision or strategy and deepen our relationship with God as we seek His will for our ministry. Too often, leaders get caught up in the excitement of a new idea or trend and must remember to count the cost of what it will take to achieve the vision. By reflecting privately, we can continue to evaluate how we pursue our vision and what it will take to make it a reality. Furthermore, private preparation helps us focus on our vision, especially during challenging times. When we face opposition or roadblocks, our private preparation reminds us of why we started on this journey in the first place. It strengthens our resolve to press forward, despite the obstacles ahead. Preparing in private is an essential component of effective ministry leadership and ensuring we stay on vision. 2. Be Okay with Vision Uncertainty Uncertainness is part of the process as much as we want a clear and specific vision for our ministry and church. Jesus often taught through parables and used metaphorical language to share His vision for the kingdom of God. He understood that His followers may not always understand the whole picture, but that didn't stop Him from sharing His message. The same is true for us as ministry leaders. We may not have all the answers or know exactly where our vision will lead, but we should still pursue it. Instead of letting uncertainty paralyze us, we must embrace it as an opportunity to grow in our faith and trust God's plan. One of the benefits of vision uncertainty is that it allows us to remain flexible and open to new possibilities. When we become too attached to a specific outcome or plan, we risk missing out on other opportunities that may align better with God's will. By being open to uncertainty, we create space for God to work and reveal His plan for our ministry in new and unexpected ways. However, being okay with vision uncertainty also means being prepared to face new challenges and setbacks. Jesus often faced opposition and persecution in His ministry, but He remained steadfast in His vision because He knew it was part of God's plan. As ministry leaders, we need to be prepared to face similar obstacles and setbacks as we pursue our vision. To be okay with vision uncertainty, we can follow Jesus' example by remaining faithful and trusting in God's plan. We can also surround ourselves with a community of believers who will support and encourage us. By acknowledging our limitations and submitting to God's will, we can embrace uncertainty as an opportunity to grow in our faith and trust God's plan for our ministry and church. 3. Guard Against Vision Killers Once we have established a clear vision for our ministry and church, we must protect it from vision killers. Vision killers can surface in various forms, including doubt, fear, distractions, or even people. These threats can dilute our focus, compromise our values, and divert us from our vision. Jesus understood the importance of guarding against vision killers. In Matthew 16:23, Peter attempted to dissuade Jesus from pursuing His vision of sacrificing Himself for the salvation of humanity. However, Jesus quickly rebuked Peter, recognizing his words as a vision killer. Nevertheless, he knew that His commitment to His mission was non-negotiable, and no obstacle or detractor could sway Him from it. In the same way, as ministry leaders, we need to be aware of the various vision killers that may arise and take steps to prevent them. Here are some practical ways we can safeguard our vision: Stay focused: Once we have a vision, we need to remain vigilant and focused on it. We must prioritize our time, energy, and resources in alignment with the vision. We must also address any distractions or temptations that may hinder our progress. Surround ourselves with positive influences: We need to surround ourselves with people who support our vision and will provide us with constructive feedback. These individuals can be our sounding board, offer us insight and advice and help us to stay accountable. Stay grounded in God's Word: Regular study and meditation on God's Word will help us to discern His will and stay focused on Him. His Word will give us the strength and wisdom to overcome the obstacles that we may face. Pray without ceasing: Prayer is our direct line to God, and it is essential that we continually seek His guidance, wisdom, and protection. Through prayer, we can also ask God to reveal any vision killers we may not be aware of and give us the strength to overcome them. Guarding against vision killers requires discipline, focus, and perseverance. It is not always easy, and there may be times when we are tempted to compromise our vision. However, by following Jesus' example, remaining faithful to our mission, and relying on God's strength, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve the vision He has called us to pursue. 4. Watch for Resources As ministry leaders, we may often face challenges finding the necessary resources to bring our vision to fruition. These resources could take various forms, such as funding, human resources, or even physical resources, such as a building or equipment. Jesus understood the importance of having resources to carry out His mission. In Luke 10:2, He advised His disciples to pray for laborers to help in the harvest. He recognized that even with His supernatural abilities, He could not fulfill His mission alone. Similarly, we must know the resources we need to bring our vision to life. Therefore, we need to keep our eyes open for potential opportunities and resources that may present themselves. Here are some ways we can watch for resources: Seek God's guidance: We must seek God's guidance and wisdom to know where to seek resources. He may open doors or provide us with new ideas. Utilize online platforms: We can use numerous online platforms, such as social media platforms, tithe.ly app, or crowdfunding sites, to raise funds or resources. We can also use them to network with like-minded individuals or organizations. Network: Networking is an excellent way to connect with people and organizations with similar visions or goals. We can attend conferences or events related to our ministry and connect with speakers, attendees, or exhibitors. Partner with other organizations: Partnering with different organizations can help us leverage resources we don't have, such as expertise, human resources, or equipment. Leverage technology: Technology can help us work smarter and faster. We can use online tools to help us manage our resources, keep track of finances, or even automate some of our processes. Cultivate donor relationships: Donors are crucial resources for any ministry or church. Therefore, we must cultivate and maintain relationships with our donors so they continue to support us. 5. Celebrate Victories One of the most critical aspects of achieving our vision is celebrating our victories along the way. Celebrating the small wins will help us to stay motivated, energized, and committed to our vision. Jesus understood the importance of recognizing and celebrating victories. In Luke 10:17-20, when the disciples returned from their mission, they were filled with joy and celebration because of the successes they experienced. Here are some ways we can celebrate our victories: Acknowledge progress: We should acknowledge and celebrate our progress toward achieving our vision. This could be as simple as recognizing an achievement during a team meeting or sending out an email update to our supporters. Host an event: Hosting an event is a great way to unite people, celebrate our successes, and share our vision. It could be a fundraising event, a volunteer appreciation event, or a celebration of a particular milestone. Share on social media: Social media is an incredibly effective way to share our victories with a broader audience. We can share updates, photos, or videos of our progress and wins, which can also help to attract more supporters and raise awareness of our ministry. Thank our supporters: Our supporters are partners in achieving our vision, and we must express our gratitude for their support. Sending a thank-you note or hosting a donor appreciation event is an excellent way to show our appreciation and celebrate our victories with them. Reflect and evaluate: Celebrating our victories allows us to reflect on our progress and evaluate our strategies. We can assess what worked well, what didn't, and what we need to adjust going forward. By celebrating our victories, we recognize our progress and share our successes with others, which can inspire and motivate them to support our vision. It is essential to remember that the journey toward achieving our vision is long, and we must celebrate each milestone along the way. 6. Talk about the Vision One of the most critical elements of leading a ministry or church is articulating the vision clearly and concisely. Jesus was a master at painting a picture of His vision for the world using parables and stories. For example, in Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus spoke about the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed that grew into a great tree, showing how something small and seemingly insignificant could grow into something significant. Here are some reasons why we should talk about the vision at every opportunity we get: Inspiration: When discussing the vision, we inspire others to join us in our mission. People are drawn to leaders who are passionate about their work and have a clear sense of purpose. Communicating our vision enthusiastically creates excitement and energy around our mission, motivating people to get involved. Alignment: When discussing the vision, we create alignment among our team, volunteers, and supporters. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves, but they also want to know that their efforts contribute to a larger purpose. When we communicate the vision clearly, we create a shared understanding of what we are working towards, which can help everyone align their efforts toward achieving our goals. Clarity: We clarify our priorities and goals when discussing the vision. As leaders, we are responsible for articulating the vision in a way that is easy to understand and remember. When we communicate the vision consistently and continuously, we create clarity around what we are trying to achieve and how we plan to get there. Evangelism: When discussing the vision, we create opportunities to share our faith and values with others. Our vision reflects our beliefs and values, and when we communicate the vision, we create opportunities to share these foundational beliefs with others. Momentum: When discussing the vision, we create momentum toward achieving our goals. Our words have the power to build momentum and speed progress. When we consistently communicate our vision, we develop a sense of urgency and excitement around our mission, propelling us toward achieving our goals. Jesus demonstrated the power of words in communicating a clear vision and inspiring others to join Him in His mission. As leaders, we can learn from His example and use our words to create a shared understanding and commitment toward achieving our vision. So let's speak up and talk about the vision at every opportunity. Vision is not just a buzzword in the world of ministry and church leadership. It is an essential tool that can help us focus our efforts, align our priorities, and inspire others to join us in our mission. Jesus was the ultimate visionary leader who used parables and stories to communicate His vision clearly and concisely. As His followers, it is our duty to do the same. By preparing in private, embracing uncertainty, guarding against vision killers, watching for resources, celebrating victories, and talking about the vision, we can create a powerful vision that guides us toward our goals. Let us remember the impact of Jesus' words and strive to use them to inspire, unify, and create momentum in our ministry and church leadership.

Many Christians believe that pursuing our goals goes against certain Christian beliefs and counteracts God’s plan for us. On the contrary – The scriptures encourage us to pursue our goals and achieve success. Consider these passages from the Bible: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” The Promise of God In Jeremiah, God tells you there is a plan for you: a wonderful and unique plan. It’s a plan for success and joy. While that verse is written to Israel regarding their specific situation, He has a plan for all of us as His chosen people. His plan for you was put into place as He formed you in the womb: “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:16 (NLT) Paul speaks of how God’s plan for you is good: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) And he confirms that God’s plans for you are not only good but pleasing and perfect in Romans 12:2: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” After reading all those scriptures, you have to ask yourself, “where did God plant that plan?” In your heart, of course! God has given you the desire to succeed in His plan for you and manifest His work in this world. The question is, “How do I find that plan?” Since God planted the plan in your heart, look in your heart. Look prayerfully and carefully. Ask God to give you ears to hear what the His Spirit has planted in your heart. It is easy to listen to what we want according to our flesh rather than His good, pleasing and perfect will. I had a man in our ministry that always had all these grand plans that he felt God was giving him. None of them ever came to pass. Nor were they confirmed by his gifts, talents, or abilities – His God-given makeup. One day in our conversations, I told him to consider that he may have a “hearing problem.” In other words, in His prayer life that He may not be truly listening to God but to self. Several years later, as his life went in directions he had never dreamed of, he came to me and reminded me of that comment. He said, “you were right; I had a hearing problem. I wasn’t listening to God.” That can happen to any of us. “God give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying.” This is not something you are just dreaming up for selfish reasons. Consider James warning about doing this for ourselves: “Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” James 4:13–17 (NLT) Try these strategies to discover this plan: What is your passion? Your passion holds the dreams which God planted in your heart. Follow your passion. When you are living in God’s plan for you, it is the safest place to live. It is the most fulfilling and satisfying life that you could ever imagine. It may not be the most profitable financially or what the world would look at and consider success. But it is life in you and your days! Are you pushing it away? Is something lingering in your mind you're trying to avoid? Could you bring it to the forefront? Look at it. This may contain God's plan for you that your ego wants to avoid. Your ego is that part of you that wants your will, not God's. This is where James’ warning comes in not to be “boasting in our own pretentious plans.” Always ask, "What then?" Ask yourself, “Once I achieve that goal, what then would God want?” Keep asking "what then" until you have this profound confirmation from God that says, "That's it. That's the ultimate plan for my life." The path to get there may not be clear, but you know the direction He is leading. And as you follow His plan, “through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Trust in God's Promise God's not going to give you the entire plan at once. After all, you might get scared if you discover all that God wants you to do and how He wants to use you. Especially when you begin to see the investment in time and energy, perhaps even the stretching of your faith to get to where He is leading you. He is such a gracious God that He shows us what we need to do next rather than all that is coming. Think about it; if you knew every difficulty you might encounter as you set off on vacation, you might not even leave the house. Because of this, we often feel that God doesn't seem to write or direct us with straight lines. It looks like the path may meander about. This is especially true the more you interject your own will. God then re-writes the way, and you're set again, heading toward the destination He had in mind from the beginning. The key is trusting that God has everything in hand, even when you can't see more than 10 feet in front of you. You often look back at those moments and see that your faith in Him grew the most. After all, this is a journey of faith. The Prayer of Jabez The prayer of Jabez is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10. “He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.” (NLT) While we don’t know a lot about Jabez, we see this short and to-the-point extraordinary, powerful prayer. And we see that God granted his request. Once you know the direction you're going, even if you only know the first step or two, let God know you're ready. Let Him know you are willing and want His plans to come to pass in your life. Tell him that you are giving yourself to Him as a “living sacrifice” in worship, as Paul speaks about in Romans 12:2. Consider these thoughts found in the prayer of Jabez: 1. Jabez asked God to "bless me and expand my territory." You can ask God to: Bless you with the wisdom, knowledge, and resources needed to accomplish His plan for you. Bless your ministry or business, so it expands in every way according to God's will for you. Bless your relationships so that they would honor Him and that you would always grow closer to Him and others. 2. Then Jabez requested, "Please be with me in all that I do…" Jesus promised: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, NLT) Thank Him for that truth. Ask Him to guide and direct you, inspire you, and let you know each next step. Tell God that you'll listen to His messages to you. Stay in communication with God through prayer and His Word. He will never lead you in a direction against His Written Word. 3. Lastly, Jabez asked, "… keep me from all trouble and pain!” Ask for God's protection in every area of your life - for you, your family, and your business. Jesus said it this way: “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13 (NLT) It’s not that you won’t have any problems in this life; in fact, Jesus told us the contrary to be true as you follow Him and His plan: “here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT) In all this, we can have joy and peace instead of living with a troubled soul in pain and sorrow. Implied in your request is that your actions will be according to God's Word. Again, the words of Jesus: “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10 (NLT). There is a very different and difficult pain that comes with the choice to sin. To live a plan that is self-made, outside of God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect plan” that He has for us. We have all experienced this. God wants to spare us from continuing to live in and experience this pain and sorrow. 4. Then, you're told that God granted his request. God promised through Jeremiah that He has plans for you: "… plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Since God is the one who created you with a plan, His plan, it makes sense that as the creator of the universe, all-powerful, almighty God, He makes a way to grant your request for His will to come to pass. When you’re living God's plan for you and asking for His assistance, the goals you set will be according to that plan. Your goals are God's goals for you. You can crush those goals and all your future ones with His strength, guidance, and leadership.

Proverbs 29:18 emphasizes the importance of having a clear sense of direction and purpose in life, stating that "where there is no vision, the people perish." However, it's important to note that a vision cannot be brought to life without individuals willing to obey. The second half of the verse explains that "whoever obeys the law is joyful," highlighting the joy that comes from taking action to fulfill a vision. In this blog, we will explore the power of obedience in unlocking vision and how it can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Start with a "Yes" to God. When we think of vision, it's essential to understand that it's not just about seeing what could be. A vision is a call to action, a task that must be completed. Let's consider this: would a wise and loving God impart a vision to someone who had no intention of obeying it? It's highly unlikely. God knows us intimately, including our strengths, weaknesses, and intentions. He knows whether we will follow through with the tasks he assigns us. Therefore, if we're finding it difficult to discern a clear vision for our lives, we must examine our hearts and willingness to obey. We must ask ourselves: "Am I receptive to the changes this vision might require? Am I prepared to obey God's guidance, no matter where it leads me?" Only when we are truly ready to say 'yes' to these questions are we ready to receive and fulfill God's vision for our lives. "Yes" must be built on trust. The word "Yes" is based on trust. It's difficult for most of us to obey someone else's plans for our lives as we prefer to be in control. However, when it comes to obeying God, trust becomes essential. We must remember that our Heavenly Father always has our best interests. He knows what we need even before we ask for it (Matthew 6:8). C.S. Lewis once said: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." Trusting in God's plan and purpose allows us to see things from His perspective. With this newfound trust, we can confidently and courageously say 'yes' to God's vision. When we trust in God, we can surrender our plans and desires and fully commit to His will. This act of obedience allows us to enter into a deeper level of intimacy with Him, where we can better understand His vision for us and receive the strength and guidance we need to fulfill it. Understanding Proverbs 29:18 in reverse Let's revisit the beginning of this blog: "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18a KJV). When we apply what we've discussed about obedience and flip it around, it becomes "without people willing to obey; there will be no vision." In other words, visions cannot come to fruition without individuals who are open to God's plan and purpose for their lives and willing to follow through with it obediently. The power of obedience is not just about fulfilling a task or achieving a goal. It is about aligning ourselves with God's perfect will for our lives. When we choose obedience, we allow God to work through us to bring His plans to life. It's easy to get caught up in our plans and desires, but the truth is that without obedience to God's will, there can be no true vision for our lives. We may come up with our ideas and goals, but without obedience, they will never truly align with God's plan for us. As we continue our faith journey, let us remember the power of saying "yes" to God and trusting His perfect plan for our lives. Let us be willing to obediently follow Him wherever He leads us so that we can see His visions brought to life. Cultivating Obedience within the Church: Guiding Towards Vision As spiritual leaders, it's our responsibility to guide our congregations toward obedience to God's will. This helps us to steer them towards His vision effectively. To cultivate a culture of obedience within our churches, we can implement the following strategies: Proclaim the Word: The Bible is our ultimate guidebook for obedience. Regular preaching and teaching from it will provide clear instructions on how to live according to God's will. We should encourage our people to study the Bible personally and provide resources to aid them on this journey. Model Obedience: Our actions speak louder than words. As leaders, we must live out the obedience we preach. When members of our congregations see us living in obedience to God, it encourages them to do the same. Foster a Spirit of Humility: Obedience requires humility - acknowledging that God's way is superior to ours. We should cultivate humility in our churches by acknowledging our dependence on God and praising Him for His wisdom and guidance. Encourage a Prayerful Life: Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. We should encourage our congregation to pray daily, asking for God's guidance and expressing their willingness to obey Him. Instilling a culture of obedience in our churches is crucial to leading our congregations toward God's vision. Often, we live in a leadership culture that prioritizes vision over obedience, which can lead to disappointment. However, we should flip that around and start obediently, trusting God to reveal His vision for our lives. By doing so, we can experience the fullness and abundance of living a life obedient to our Heavenly Father. Saying 'yes' to Him every day and following His path opens the way for His will to be done, His kingdom to come, and His vision to be fulfilled. We must guide our people in obedience as we progress towards God's glorious vision. Without obedient people, God's vision will perish. Therefore, let us cultivate a culture of obedience in our churches, trusting in God to reveal His vision for our lives. By doing so, we can bring His visions to life and experience the fullness of joy that comes from living a life of obedience to our Heavenly Father.

The well-known scripture 'without a vision, the people perish' is a testament to the powerful impact that clarity of vision can have on any institution, organization, or ministry. As ministry leaders, our efforts should be in sync with the mission of Jesus, consistently striving for spiritual clarity and divine guidance for the vision of our ministry. The Tremendous Benefits of Clarity in Vision: A clear vision has an array of benefits for leaders and followers alike. Here are some of the most significant advantages of having a well-defined vision: 1. Unity in Pursuit: Nothing unites people more than a common, clear vision. When everyone understands the collective goal, it eliminates confusing efforts, strengthening the ministry in the process. 2. Optimal Resource Allocation: With clarity of vision, your ministry can ensure the right priorities are receiving the proper attention, resources, and energy necessary for successful outcomes. 3. Preventing Mission Drift: A crystal-clear vision provides a framework that keeps the ministry's core values intact and prevents unforeseen distractions from derailing its goals. 4. Reducing Frustration: A defined vision helps maintain the morale of volunteers and staff by providing them with a sense of direction and purpose, thereby reducing frustration and confusion. Guiding Steps for Leaders to Foster Clarity in Vision: Here are some actionable steps that ministry leaders can take to develop and maintain a clear vision for the success of their ministry: 1. Communicate the Vision Regularly: Be vocal about your ministry's vision whenever you speak to your congregation, be it sermons, meetings, or casual conversations; repetition is key. 2. Use Vision as a Decision-Making Filter: Your vision should guide every decision you make. Before taking any significant action, ask yourself if it aligns with the vision you have set forth for the ministry. 3. Stay the Course: Don't get sidetracked or lose focus of your vision. It's easy to give up when challenges arise, but as a leader, it's your duty to ensure that you and your team stay true to the vision. 4. Delegate and Empower: A truly God-sized vision requires the involvement of others. Delegate responsibilities and hand over authority to your team members, inspiring them to play an active role in fulfilling the vision. 5. Seek God's Guidance Perpetually: Trusting in God is central to developing and maintaining a clear vision. Pray for guidance and wisdom in all aspects of the ministry, and allow God to show you the way toward a vibrant and successful future on an ongoing basis. The tremendous power of clarity in vision should not be underestimated. It serves as the cornerstone of effective leadership in Ministry, galvanizing your congregation and fostering a community of devoted, vision-driven individuals. By taking the guiding steps mentioned above, you will be well on your way to realizing this power and achieving the divine goals set forth by your ministry's vision.

Reaching those far from Jesus is one of the most important ways to invest in the future of the Church, but it can also be challenging. Evangelism is a significant part of the mission that Jesus left us with. Therefore, not only do you have to keep the passion of evangelism stoked within your heart continually, but we also need to train and compel those we lead to live out the mission of Jesus. The good news is that there are as many ways to make evangelism a crucial part of our Church and ministry as there are different gifts and personalities. It is not one size fits. Instead, evangelism is an excellent way to build a valuable community without the stress that we often think comes with it. Of course, just like any part of being successful in following Jesus and ministry, you will still need an effective strategy. So, keep these tips in mind for effective evangelism in 2023 and share them with others to broaden its effective reach. 1. Decide Where You Can Be The Most Effective Probably the most important part of building a successful evangelism mindset into our hearts and the heart of our church is to see where we, as individuals, can be most effective. This becomes a part of a prayerful strategy to seek opportunities to build relationships and ultimately share faith with those far from God. As a pastor, I always seek connections outside my church to be evangelistic. My channels of effective evangelism have changed with each season of my life. When my kids were younger, they were on the sidelines of sporting or school events. One of my passions is art, in particular painting, so now I have found gatherings of artists to be one of my places to be effective. It could be the golf course, work, neighborhood gatherings, and the list goes on and on with as much variety as our lives are lived out in areas of different interest. 2. Connect with the Right People It’s easy to think that “everybody” is the right person. And ultimately, that is true. However, I will reach some people that others simply will not, and vice versa. Being willing to be evangelistic in any situation is essential. That’s part of having a servant’s heart, a passionate heart for those far from Jesus. However, the reality is that we all run in different circles of influence. For instance, my heart is to reach other artists. Most of the people in our church are not artists, so for them to want to focus on reaching artists is not a natural fit. They will not be able to go to workshops where artists gather or be in shows where artists submit work. You get the idea. So, as a pastor, I want to constantly speak about how each person in our church needs to connect with the right people and share their faith. It might be to say, “I want to build a relationship with everyone,” but you will probably reach no one with that mindset. 3. Focus on Industry Peers. Connecting with people you already have something in common is a solid start to building relationships where you can be evangelistic. For example, the common link of being in the same business or industry is a common head start. Keep an open mind about your relationships with everyone you encounter through your work environment. See them through as people God has put in your life for a reason. Ask Him to give you a passionate heart to reach them with the good news of Jesus. You might be surprised to discover how God will use you to make an eternal difference. When someone offers to introduce you to someone who thinks you could help in your business or help you, start praying about those connections from an evangelistic point of view first and foremost. 4. Make Evangelism (A passion for reaching people who are far from Jesus) a Regular Matter of Prayer. When you’re starting in anything, you spend time focusing on and developing skills. If you are going to be good at anything, you schedule a time to learn about it, and all that is happening in that area. You begin to consume content, look for it on social media, join forums, and participate in conversations. The most important conversation you can and should have about having a passion for reaching people far from Jesus is with Jesus. It is so easy to get busy interacting with people without prayerfully considering how God wants to use us to change their eternal lives. It’s easy to think about this as a church without considering the reality of the fact that the church as a whole is made up of us as individuals. The more you make evangelism a matter of prayer, the more likely God will open the door for you to connect with those ready to hear the good news of Jesus and want to strike up a conversation. 5. Invest In Relationships Regularly Suppose you’re going to grow in a relationship with those far from Jesus and allow God to open doors for you to share your faith. It would be best if you worked to connect with them through genuine friendship. You can’t expect to have the opportunity to talk about life transformational issues without genuinely investing in the relationship first. The more you invest in relationships, the more you’ll learn that people want to connect with you as you care about them. So look for opportunities to be helpful to those you are investing in a relationship with. The key word here is “invest.” We are investing in others for the sake of eternity. Keep Working on It God wants us to reach people who are far from Jesus passionately. We don’t have to pray about whether that is true. He gives us this as His plan throughout scripture. I’m so grateful for those who were passionate about reaching me when I was far from Jesus. God plans that we continue to do the same. Of course, you won’t always be an instant success or see the outcome you want. But this is, after all, about our hearts and our obedience. Only God, through His Spirit, can transform lives. My part is to keep the passion burning, the passion that sent Jesus to the cross. This must be the passion of The Church!

Many Christians believe that pursuing our goals goes against certain Christian beliefs and counteracts God’s plan for us. On the contrary – The scriptures encourage us to pursue our goals and achieve success. Consider these passages from the Bible: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” The Promise of God In Jeremiah, God tells you there is a plan for you: a wonderful and unique plan. It’s a plan for success and joy. While that verse is written to Israel regarding their specific situation, He has a plan for all of us as His chosen people. His plan for you was put into place as He formed you in the womb: “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm 139:16 (NLT) Paul speaks of how God’s plan for you is good: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) And he confirms that God’s plans for you are not only good but pleasing and perfect in Romans 12:2: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” After reading all those scriptures, you have to ask yourself, “where did God plant that plan?” In your heart, of course! God has given you the desire to succeed in His plan for you and manifest His work in this world. The question is, “How do I find that plan?” Since God planted the plan in your heart, look in your heart. Look prayerfully and carefully. Ask God to give you ears to hear what the His Spirit has planted in your heart. It is easy to listen to what we want according to our flesh rather than His good, pleasing and perfect will. I had a man in our ministry that always had all these grand plans that he felt God was giving him. None of them ever came to pass. Nor were they confirmed by his gifts, talents, or abilities – His God-given makeup. One day in our conversations, I told him to consider that he may have a “hearing problem.” In other words, in His prayer life that He may not be truly listening to God but to self. Several years later, as his life went in directions he had never dreamed of, he came to me and reminded me of that comment. He said, “you were right; I had a hearing problem. I wasn’t listening to God.” That can happen to any of us. “God give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying.” This is not something you are just dreaming up for selfish reasons. Consider James warning about doing this for ourselves: “Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” James 4:13–17 (NLT) Try these strategies to discover this plan: What is your passion? Your passion holds the dreams which God planted in your heart. Follow your passion. When you are living in God’s plan for you, it is the safest place to live. It is the most fulfilling and satisfying life that you could ever imagine. It may not be the most profitable financially or what the world would look at and consider success. But it is life in you and your days! Are you pushing it away? Is something lingering in your mind you're trying to avoid? Could you bring it to the forefront? Look at it. This may contain God's plan for you that your ego wants to avoid. Your ego is that part of you that wants your will, not God's. This is where James’ warning comes in not to be “boasting in our own pretentious plans.” Always ask, "What then?" Ask yourself, “Once I achieve that goal, what then would God want?” Keep asking "what then" until you have this profound confirmation from God that says, "That's it. That's the ultimate plan for my life." The path to get there may not be clear, but you know the direction He is leading. And as you follow His plan, “through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Trust in God's Promise God's not going to give you the entire plan at once. After all, you might get scared if you discover all that God wants you to do and how He wants to use you. Especially when you begin to see the investment in time and energy, perhaps even the stretching of your faith to get to where He is leading you. He is such a gracious God that He shows us what we need to do next rather than all that is coming. Think about it; if you knew every difficulty you might encounter as you set off on vacation, you might not even leave the house. Because of this, we often feel that God doesn't seem to write or direct us with straight lines. It looks like the path may meander about. This is especially true the more you interject your own will. God then re-writes the way, and you're set again, heading toward the destination He had in mind from the beginning. The key is trusting that God has everything in hand, even when you can't see more than 10 feet in front of you. You often look back at those moments and see that your faith in Him grew the most. After all, this is a journey of faith. The Prayer of Jabez The prayer of Jabez is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10. “He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.” (NLT) While we don’t know a lot about Jabez, we see this short and to-the-point extraordinary, powerful prayer. And we see that God granted his request. Once you know the direction you're going, even if you only know the first step or two, let God know you're ready. Let Him know you are willing and want His plans to come to pass in your life. Tell him that you are giving yourself to Him as a “living sacrifice” in worship, as Paul speaks about in Romans 12:2. Consider these thoughts found in the prayer of Jabez: 1. Jabez asked God to "bless me and expand my territory." You can ask God to: Bless you with the wisdom, knowledge, and resources needed to accomplish His plan for you. Bless your ministry or business, so it expands in every way according to God's will for you. Bless your relationships so that they would honor Him and that you would always grow closer to Him and others. 2. Then Jabez requested, "Please be with me in all that I do…" Jesus promised: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, NLT) Thank Him for that truth. Ask Him to guide and direct you, inspire you, and let you know each next step. Tell God that you'll listen to His messages to you. Stay in communication with God through prayer and His Word. He will never lead you in a direction against His Written Word. 3. Lastly, Jabez asked, "… keep me from all trouble and pain!” Ask for God's protection in every area of your life - for you, your family, and your business. Jesus said it this way: “And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13 (NLT) It’s not that you won’t have any problems in this life; in fact, Jesus told us the contrary to be true as you follow Him and His plan: “here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT) In all this, we can have joy and peace instead of living with a troubled soul in pain and sorrow. Implied in your request is that your actions will be according to God's Word. Again, the words of Jesus: “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10 (NLT). There is a very different and difficult pain that comes with the choice to sin. To live a plan that is self-made, outside of God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect plan” that He has for us. We have all experienced this. God wants to spare us from continuing to live in and experience this pain and sorrow. 4. Then, you're told that God granted his request. God promised through Jeremiah that He has plans for you: "… plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Since God is the one who created you with a plan, His plan, it makes sense that as the creator of the universe, all-powerful, almighty God, He makes a way to grant your request for His will to come to pass. When you’re living God's plan for you and asking for His assistance, the goals you set will be according to that plan. Your goals are God's goals for you. You can crush those goals and all your future ones with His strength, guidance, and leadership. P.S. At One Voice Ministries we want to help you have the freedom and time to reach the goals in your ministry that God has given you. The demands of the weekend service planning and preparation often takes over the big picture vision. We want to come alongside of you and your leadership team to give you back the time and energy you need to be the Pastor or Church leader you were created to be - crushing your God-given ministry goals. Schedule a time to talk today.

One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is to teach your children to pray. You want them to have a joyful and easy relationship with Jesus. You want them to be able to talk to Jesus about anything. For example, during his nightly prayers, Jason, age 5, pleaded with Jesus to help him be able to put his face in the water the next day during swimming lessons. Up to that point he had been terrified of doing so. Since swimming classes were part of the after-school program, his parents wouldn't be there during the lesson. When his mom picked him up, he jumped in the car and excitedly said, "Let's hurry and get home so I can tell Jesus how I put my face in the water. His mom grinned and responded, "Let's tell him right now." Helping Your Child Learn to Pray You teach your child this important skill through your own example! Let's look at these important steps: 1. Show them how you pray. They won't know how important prayer is if you don't show them. Show them how to integrate prayer throughout their day. Express gratitude before each meal. Give thanks for the meal and for anyone who had anything to do with bringing the meal to the table. Mention the cook and those who prepared the table. You can also go around the table and share something that happened that day for which each person is thankful. 2. Be with them to end each day with prayer. During this special time, guide them in ways to pray. Teach them to give thanks for what they're learning, the time they have to play, and the people in their lives. Share what you’re thankful for. What do they need help with? This can be school work, a teacher or peer they're having difficulty with, or putting their face in the water even when afraid. Model for them your own prayers for assistance. Who do they want to pray for? Once children get the hang of this, you'll hear them ask for blessings and help for parents, grandparents, friends, cats, dogs, and almost anyone. 3. Pray with them for healing. Bumps, bruises, and hurt feelings occur throughout the day. Teach them to ask God to heal them of these hurts. A powerful way to pray is to gather your family together and one at a time pray that God gives them all the love they needed that day but didn't receive. Rarely does anyone receive all the love they need. 4. Pray for forgiveness. During night prayers, when there is tension or harsh words, teach them how to ask God for forgiveness. This isn't a time to shame or embarrass them. Tell them they simply need to say, "Jesus, please forgive me for being mean to my sister." As difficult as it may be for you, use difficult situations for you to show them how to do this by praying. It can something as simple as, "Jesus, please forgive me for losing my temper with my children." 5. Teach them short prayers. Put "short prayers to teach children" in your internet search engine and you'll have a number of options. Of course, when they're old enough, teach them The Lord's Prayer or special verses from scripture. 6. Read them children's books about prayer. There are numerous books about prayer for children. Again, your search engine is your friend. 7. Bless them before they leave for their day. When you take a minute to send your child off to school with a blessing and then end the day with night prayers, you demonstrate how God is with them all day, every day. Praying is a skill that will benefit your children for the rest of their lives. Teaching them to pray will come easy to you if you have an active prayer life yourself. Use these ideas to get you going. Your children will pick up praying as a regular part of their daily routines.