I grew up in the Assemblies of God, accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at a young age and was filled with the Holy Spirit when I was about 12 years old. As I matured in the Lord, I noted strengths and weaknesses in our Pentecostal expression. My involvement with Youth for Christ in Denver as a teenager exposed me to a non-Pentecostal stream of Christianity that was used by the Holy Spirit to win many young people to Christ. Contrasting my experience in both “streams” helped me understand the significance of the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the challenges associated with human responses to the Holy Spirit. When God called me to be a pastor in the AG I became more acutely aware of those strengths and weaknesses.
First of all, the work of the Holy Spirit is without question always an asset. However, our human embellishments can be a liability. When I went to Bethel Church in San Jose, CA one of the challenges we faced was that Pentecostal expression had become a liability because of the activity of a few bold and misguided people in the public worship services. People did not want to bring friends to church for fear of embarrassment. Furthermore, the gospel was being obscured by well intentioned people who thought they were being used by God. The fruit revealed that God was not involved in a significant portion of the expressions. This was a church with about 1,200 people in attendance at the time and growth was stymied by this poor reflection of the intention of the Holy Spirit. One of my goals became to turn our Pentecostalism from a liability into an asset. So, how do we insure we welcome the Holy Spirit’s work without tarnishing the outcome?
I think the first step is to teach people a sound biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit’s work and biblical response to the Holy Spirit. We have a tradition in the AG of manifestations of the Holy Spirit in public gatherings being shouted out from the audience, hopefully, at an appropriate time. This is an interesting reality in my thinking. The bible does not direct us to a single practice for the dissemination of what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church. Spontaneous interjections of messages from the audience can be effective or ineffective. When I first arrived at Bethel Church we had more than one occasion in which two people were trying to give a message at the same time. We had a 2,000 seat sanctuary and it was hard to hear across the room. Fortunately, I had a microphone and could address the problem. Of course, it is also important that what is being delivered is in fact from the Holy Spirit and not the musings of an attention-seeking or agenda-pushing congregant (been there – seen that).
The ultimate responsibility to insure Pentecostal expressions are an asset rests with the Pastor. There needs to be clear biblical teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit and our responses in the church. There may also be times when correction needs to be done either privately or from the pulpit. I’ve found that when you have to correct someone from the pulpit, mature spirit-filled believers are very appreciative. In fact, it is a relief for most of the church to know that messages will be judged and biblical control exercised to insure that our worship expression is pleasing to God and of value to all who are present. Those who are unhappy are usually those who want the freedom to do what they want in a service without accountability. They will often argue you are quenching the Holy Spirit.
In fact, I believe we release the Holy Spirit to do more among us when we resist aberrant expressions. When there are no boundaries, dysfunctional people take over and the Holy Spirit is quenched, not released. So, clear biblical teaching and correction is important to edifying Pentecostal expression.
It is also important to note that we are not biblically obligated to our tradition of shouting out messages from the audience spontaneously in public gatherings. I know this is a sensitive subject, but requiring a screening process before Spirit inspired words are shared with the congregation is well within biblical boundaries for the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. I have often thought there are people in the body of Christ who because of their personality will not shout out a message in a public gathering but may be used by the Holy Spirit, if we had a method whereby they can participate. If a message is submitted and approved before delivery, the messenger is assured of acceptance. Also, messages can be written down and read by another person. I have frequently received messages in writing people felt the Holy Spirit was giving. I then reserved the right to read the message at an appropriate time to the congregation or not share it at all, if I discerned it was not from the Holy Spirit or for the entire body.
And, let’s not forget the gifts of the Spirit are often in operation through the worship leader and/or minister of the word in their presentations as well as through messages that are immediately noted as coming from the Holy Spirit. It is a powerful and often life-changing experience when God speaks through someone to the body and that can happen in many ways. Nothing is more exciting for a pastor than to receive a specific revelation from God concerning what he or she is to share with the congregation. And I might say it is exciting for the congregation when they hear God speaking to them through their pastor. I want us to experience that dynamic and the dynamic of trusted Spirit-led congregants delivering a word from God without the encumbrance of misguided expressions that damage the work of the Holy Spirit and hold the church back.
There is no “one way only” to welcome gifts of the Holy Spirit into the life of the church, and every church leadership team must discern what is best in their ministry. Such things as size of gatherings, purpose of gatherings, uninitiated people present, timing of Spirit inspired manifestations, teaching cycle on the Holy Spirit’s work, and judging messages through screening or leader response factor into the way in which every church welcomes this aspect of the Holy Spirit’s work. May we, indeed, welcome the Holy Spirit’s work and guard against human abuse.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Looking Ahead
June 1, 2009 marks the completion of my first year as District Superintendent. I want to share a few reflections on where we are and where we are going as a district. I believe a number of areas of ministry by the District are well developed and should be perpetuated without dramatic change. Our credentialing process is going forward with emphasis on encouraging young people to prayerfully consider vocational ministry. Administrative responsibilities continue including Camp Cedaredge which is being managed effectively. Our departmental leaders work diligently to provide our churches with resources and opportunities for Children’s Ministry, Royal Rangers, Girls Ministry, Youth Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and Missions. Our leaders are always looking for ways to improve as we go forward in these areas.
There are also some areas of change. For example, we have reduced the number of Presbyter Meetings from four to two a year with Executive Presbyter Meetings in between. Of course, we will caucus our full Presbyter board whenever needed by phone or internet to take care of business requiring the action of the full board. Our goal is to make more time available for our Presbyters to work within their sections to promote fellowship, provide assistance to pastors and churches, and promote the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom. I believe our Presbyters and Sectional Committeemen can be strategic in generating church development and church planting in their sections.
Church Development has been an area of emphasis in the last year as Dave Argue and his team work to assist churches in need. Currently Dave is providing various levels of assessment for several churches, and I might note that strong churches are also represented as they seek further improvement in ministry. In addition, two special opportunities for pastoral growth and interaction are available. One gathering will be In the San Juan section the last weekend of May and another in the West Central section the last weekend of June. Contact your Presbyter for full details and schedule. We anticipate more events of this nature in the future. I also believe there will be Providential opportunities for churches to partner together to bring greater strength to a struggling church and I encourage us all to be sensitive to possibilities in this area.
Church Planting continues as an area of great importance. Due to budget realities we reduced staffing in this area, but remain committed to church planting. We have a good system in place for assessment and assistance. I want to retain the opportunity for individual church planters to start churches with the district’s blessing and assistance. I believe, however, that planting churches is most effectively done by parenting churches. That can happen in two ways. A parent church can plant a district affiliated church with a process involving District approval, or a parent church can plant a satellite campus that will remain under the governance of the parenting church. We have five churches I am aware of that plan to establish satellites in the future. One is making preparation to launch in September of this year. I encourage pastors to prayerfully consider the expansion of the ministry of their church by planting a district affiliated church, a satellite church, or assisting an individual church planter. No doubt, each pastor and church leadership team must determine God’s direction for them and I fully respect that process.
My heart is to see our ministers and their families healthy, our churches effectively ministering in their communities, and a spirit of collaboration in the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom. The bottom line is making more disciples of Jesus Christ. My goal is to help those who minister achieve this purpose.
There are also some areas of change. For example, we have reduced the number of Presbyter Meetings from four to two a year with Executive Presbyter Meetings in between. Of course, we will caucus our full Presbyter board whenever needed by phone or internet to take care of business requiring the action of the full board. Our goal is to make more time available for our Presbyters to work within their sections to promote fellowship, provide assistance to pastors and churches, and promote the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom. I believe our Presbyters and Sectional Committeemen can be strategic in generating church development and church planting in their sections.
Church Development has been an area of emphasis in the last year as Dave Argue and his team work to assist churches in need. Currently Dave is providing various levels of assessment for several churches, and I might note that strong churches are also represented as they seek further improvement in ministry. In addition, two special opportunities for pastoral growth and interaction are available. One gathering will be In the San Juan section the last weekend of May and another in the West Central section the last weekend of June. Contact your Presbyter for full details and schedule. We anticipate more events of this nature in the future. I also believe there will be Providential opportunities for churches to partner together to bring greater strength to a struggling church and I encourage us all to be sensitive to possibilities in this area.
Church Planting continues as an area of great importance. Due to budget realities we reduced staffing in this area, but remain committed to church planting. We have a good system in place for assessment and assistance. I want to retain the opportunity for individual church planters to start churches with the district’s blessing and assistance. I believe, however, that planting churches is most effectively done by parenting churches. That can happen in two ways. A parent church can plant a district affiliated church with a process involving District approval, or a parent church can plant a satellite campus that will remain under the governance of the parenting church. We have five churches I am aware of that plan to establish satellites in the future. One is making preparation to launch in September of this year. I encourage pastors to prayerfully consider the expansion of the ministry of their church by planting a district affiliated church, a satellite church, or assisting an individual church planter. No doubt, each pastor and church leadership team must determine God’s direction for them and I fully respect that process.
My heart is to see our ministers and their families healthy, our churches effectively ministering in their communities, and a spirit of collaboration in the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom. The bottom line is making more disciples of Jesus Christ. My goal is to help those who minister achieve this purpose.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Recent Weekend Connections
March 1st I visited Sierra Heights Fellowship in Colorado Springs, CO and Pastor Tom and D’arcy Maher. The congregation meets in the Maher’s home with a good number of young people in attendance.
March 7th I ministered at the Radiant Church, Colorado Springs, CO men’s breakfast. Pastor Todd and Kelly Hudnall are leading the church forward with exciting ministry plans. It was great to see friends from the past and meet new men in the church.
March 8th I installed Pastor Ron and Kim Wareham at Daystar Assembly of God (now New Life Assembly of God) in Aurora, CO. Welcome to the Warehams; all the way from the great state of California.
March 15th I ministered at First Assembly of God in LaJunta, CO as Pastor Richard and Robin Johnson and their congregation celebrated 30 years in the current facility. New property has been secured and plans to build a new facility are in the works.
March 22nd I ministered at First Assembly of God in Englewood, CO with Pastor T. J. and Robin Harris. I grew up in this church and am happy to see the growth that is occurring as the Harris’ and congregation reach out to the community.
March 29th I ministered at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT with Pastor Jim and Carrie Ayers. They are bursting at the seams and many new souls are coming into the kingdom through Life Church. It was also a joy to visit with Pastor Troy Champ and hear what God is doing at Capital Church in the City and Pastor Alfred Murrillo and learn more of the expansive work of New Hope International Church.
April 5th I installed Pastor Mark and Pam Gering at Christian Life Assembly of God in Payson, UT. Welcome back to Utah, Gerings! There is much excitement going forward in Payson.
April 12th I had the extraordinary privilege of ministering at Celebration Church in Loveland, CO with Pastor Charles and Glennis Hefton. It was extraordinary because it was Easter Sunday and because this was the re-launch Sunday of our Assemblies of God church in Loveland. Due to extenuating circumstances we closed the previous church and under the leadership of Charles Hefton started Celebration Church. Exciting things are happening with this new chapter of ministry in Loveland.
April 17-19 the Fine Arts Convention held in Longmont, CO went well despite very severe weather. The great majority of participating churches were able to attend the event. When I visited Saturday night there was a high level of excitement and young people were receiving inspiring ministry. For the churches that could not attend please call the Youth Department for opportunities to perform and advance in Fine Arts. It is exciting to see so many young people using their gifts to God’s glory.
April 19th Loretta and I stayed close to home and worshipped at Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Pastor Phil Steiger had Bob Cook minister that morning, and it was great to reconnect with the Cooks as well as the church we call home. Living Hope Church is growing with several giving their hearts to the Lord in recent weeks.
I normally don’t share this much of a travelogue, but it reminds me we are part of a great team of people in ministry throughout Colorado and Utah. Also, I have heard several very encouraging reports from Easter Sunday. Many have reported record attendance and many salvations. God is using our AG pastors and churches. “… My dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
March 7th I ministered at the Radiant Church, Colorado Springs, CO men’s breakfast. Pastor Todd and Kelly Hudnall are leading the church forward with exciting ministry plans. It was great to see friends from the past and meet new men in the church.
March 8th I installed Pastor Ron and Kim Wareham at Daystar Assembly of God (now New Life Assembly of God) in Aurora, CO. Welcome to the Warehams; all the way from the great state of California.
March 15th I ministered at First Assembly of God in LaJunta, CO as Pastor Richard and Robin Johnson and their congregation celebrated 30 years in the current facility. New property has been secured and plans to build a new facility are in the works.
March 22nd I ministered at First Assembly of God in Englewood, CO with Pastor T. J. and Robin Harris. I grew up in this church and am happy to see the growth that is occurring as the Harris’ and congregation reach out to the community.
March 29th I ministered at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT with Pastor Jim and Carrie Ayers. They are bursting at the seams and many new souls are coming into the kingdom through Life Church. It was also a joy to visit with Pastor Troy Champ and hear what God is doing at Capital Church in the City and Pastor Alfred Murrillo and learn more of the expansive work of New Hope International Church.
April 5th I installed Pastor Mark and Pam Gering at Christian Life Assembly of God in Payson, UT. Welcome back to Utah, Gerings! There is much excitement going forward in Payson.
April 12th I had the extraordinary privilege of ministering at Celebration Church in Loveland, CO with Pastor Charles and Glennis Hefton. It was extraordinary because it was Easter Sunday and because this was the re-launch Sunday of our Assemblies of God church in Loveland. Due to extenuating circumstances we closed the previous church and under the leadership of Charles Hefton started Celebration Church. Exciting things are happening with this new chapter of ministry in Loveland.
April 17-19 the Fine Arts Convention held in Longmont, CO went well despite very severe weather. The great majority of participating churches were able to attend the event. When I visited Saturday night there was a high level of excitement and young people were receiving inspiring ministry. For the churches that could not attend please call the Youth Department for opportunities to perform and advance in Fine Arts. It is exciting to see so many young people using their gifts to God’s glory.
April 19th Loretta and I stayed close to home and worshipped at Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs, CO. Pastor Phil Steiger had Bob Cook minister that morning, and it was great to reconnect with the Cooks as well as the church we call home. Living Hope Church is growing with several giving their hearts to the Lord in recent weeks.
I normally don’t share this much of a travelogue, but it reminds me we are part of a great team of people in ministry throughout Colorado and Utah. Also, I have heard several very encouraging reports from Easter Sunday. Many have reported record attendance and many salvations. God is using our AG pastors and churches. “… My dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Friday, March 27, 2009
Holiness - is it obsolete
In our world we talk about integrity and ethics, but with a wide range of meaning. An overarching concept that brings clear definition to these matters is the biblical term holiness. Of course, we don’t hear people talk about holiness in day to day conversation because it is not to be found apart from God. Our government is not holy, our schools are not holy, our shifting ethical concepts fall far short of holiness; in fact, God alone is holy. Only He is absolutely morally pure and He provides the definition of moral purity through His word and the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
With that in mind God says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15). We can be holy only through the forgiveness of sins He offers, the impartation of His righteousness, and the resulting identification with Him. Holiness is God’s gift to us, not our gift to God. Then as we walk with Him, holiness begins to take shape in us and we are transformed increasingly into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Holiness is a compelling quality. It certainly was in the life of Jesus. It is a quality that brings wisdom and well-being to life. The “beauty of holiness” working in the life of believers individually and in the church collectively is a compelling witness to a confused, dysfunctional world. It will never be seen in completion in the church on earth because of our continual need for growth and the continual introduction of new believers into the kingdom. However, it will be in evidence in the biblical message of the church and our transformed lives.
The word holiness is not a familiar term to lost people, but the concept is timeless, trans-cultural, always relevant, and desperately needed. The fact that the world doesn’t know the concept, much less the word, makes our work even more important.
With that in mind God says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15). We can be holy only through the forgiveness of sins He offers, the impartation of His righteousness, and the resulting identification with Him. Holiness is God’s gift to us, not our gift to God. Then as we walk with Him, holiness begins to take shape in us and we are transformed increasingly into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Holiness is a compelling quality. It certainly was in the life of Jesus. It is a quality that brings wisdom and well-being to life. The “beauty of holiness” working in the life of believers individually and in the church collectively is a compelling witness to a confused, dysfunctional world. It will never be seen in completion in the church on earth because of our continual need for growth and the continual introduction of new believers into the kingdom. However, it will be in evidence in the biblical message of the church and our transformed lives.
The word holiness is not a familiar term to lost people, but the concept is timeless, trans-cultural, always relevant, and desperately needed. The fact that the world doesn’t know the concept, much less the word, makes our work even more important.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Spiritual Pride
Most of February was devoted to the annual sectional tour. After many conversations, united prayer, business meetings, ministry, dinners, and miles I can say it was good to be with God’s people. We are indeed a very diverse family ministering in a great variety of contexts. This is not news to you, but experiencing the heartfelt fellowship of all our ministers and church leaders is enriching.
There are a number of things that can interrupt Christ-ordained unity and fellowship, such as cultural differences, ministry styles, gift projection, personal preferences, etc. But, the glue that binds us together is our shared devotion to Jesus Christ and his mission. Reflecting on the importance of mutual respect and love, I would also say that a key inhibitor to shared fellowship is spiritual pride.
When I lived in California I noted a CA pride. I encountered wonderful, godly people who believed they were more advanced than the people who lived in “fly-over” country. They seemed to have a respect for east coast people, but looked down on mid-America. This is not true of many CA people, but in Silicon Valley I encountered this attitude from time to time. On the other hand, I was ministering in a Colorado church a few weeks ago and one gentleman in the church asked me about my CA experience and before I could respond he proceeded to say he thought our nation would be better off without CA. After my comments he seemed willing to concede there are fine people in CA, too.
Regional pride is one thing, but spiritual pride is more problematic. I am currently enjoying a good book on a particular paradigm of church ministry. I was reading a section just before penning these words and was saddened when I noted the author making his point about developing authentic relationships by stating how inferior other churches are to his in this area. His remarks seemed to move beyond an objective analysis to condescension. His church may indeed excel in this area, but disrespecting others to make his point strikes me as unnecessary and damaging to the body of Christ.
Bottom line, I think spiritual pride is a sign of immaturity and produces nothing of value. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:9). So, let’s keep growing in our ministry proficiency and lift others with us in the process with a humble and helpful spirit.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
There are a number of things that can interrupt Christ-ordained unity and fellowship, such as cultural differences, ministry styles, gift projection, personal preferences, etc. But, the glue that binds us together is our shared devotion to Jesus Christ and his mission. Reflecting on the importance of mutual respect and love, I would also say that a key inhibitor to shared fellowship is spiritual pride.
When I lived in California I noted a CA pride. I encountered wonderful, godly people who believed they were more advanced than the people who lived in “fly-over” country. They seemed to have a respect for east coast people, but looked down on mid-America. This is not true of many CA people, but in Silicon Valley I encountered this attitude from time to time. On the other hand, I was ministering in a Colorado church a few weeks ago and one gentleman in the church asked me about my CA experience and before I could respond he proceeded to say he thought our nation would be better off without CA. After my comments he seemed willing to concede there are fine people in CA, too.
Regional pride is one thing, but spiritual pride is more problematic. I am currently enjoying a good book on a particular paradigm of church ministry. I was reading a section just before penning these words and was saddened when I noted the author making his point about developing authentic relationships by stating how inferior other churches are to his in this area. His remarks seemed to move beyond an objective analysis to condescension. His church may indeed excel in this area, but disrespecting others to make his point strikes me as unnecessary and damaging to the body of Christ.
Bottom line, I think spiritual pride is a sign of immaturity and produces nothing of value. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:9). So, let’s keep growing in our ministry proficiency and lift others with us in the process with a humble and helpful spirit.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
Friday, January 23, 2009
Weeping and Rejoicing
We live in a hurting dysfunctional world. As a minister, you are exposed to a great deal of that pain from week to week. This morning I shed some tears with a close friend in ministry as he shared with me a heartbreaking development in his church family. His love for those who are hurting and his leadership of the church in a compassionate manner reveals the presence of Jesus Christ. Nothing can be more healing than the revealed presence of Jesus Christ in his church.
The presence of Christ in our lives causes us to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2a). When I visited Israel years ago I noted that from Golgotha’s hill, Jesus, hanging on the cross, looked down upon the Roman road between him and the wall of Jerusalem where scoffing people passed by observing the execution. As he lifted his eyes he looked upon Jerusalem, the city he wanted to gather into his care like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. And then as he raised his head he looked over Jerusalem and the Kidron valley to the Mount of Olives, the location Zechariah spoke of when he described the second coming of Christ and declared, “Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem … Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him,” (Zechariah 14:3,4a,5b) ALL THE HOLY ONES WITH HIM – they are the redeemed – the ones for whom he suffered on the cross. His sustaining joy was the realization that you, and I, and multitudes of lost souls would be saved by his sacrificial work.
We enter his afflictions when we minister to the hurting in Christ’s name, and we enter his joy when we see the lost redeemed, the sorrowing comforted, and the wounded healed. “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24).
This necessary process of joining the weeping to gain the rejoicing marks the life of the servant of God and achieves God’s grand purpose. I pray you do not grow weary in well doing and that you will experience an abundance of rejoicing that comes from God’s work of grace in people you serve.
The presence of Christ in our lives causes us to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2a). When I visited Israel years ago I noted that from Golgotha’s hill, Jesus, hanging on the cross, looked down upon the Roman road between him and the wall of Jerusalem where scoffing people passed by observing the execution. As he lifted his eyes he looked upon Jerusalem, the city he wanted to gather into his care like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. And then as he raised his head he looked over Jerusalem and the Kidron valley to the Mount of Olives, the location Zechariah spoke of when he described the second coming of Christ and declared, “Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem … Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him,” (Zechariah 14:3,4a,5b) ALL THE HOLY ONES WITH HIM – they are the redeemed – the ones for whom he suffered on the cross. His sustaining joy was the realization that you, and I, and multitudes of lost souls would be saved by his sacrificial work.
We enter his afflictions when we minister to the hurting in Christ’s name, and we enter his joy when we see the lost redeemed, the sorrowing comforted, and the wounded healed. “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24).
This necessary process of joining the weeping to gain the rejoicing marks the life of the servant of God and achieves God’s grand purpose. I pray you do not grow weary in well doing and that you will experience an abundance of rejoicing that comes from God’s work of grace in people you serve.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Challenges of Growth in Ministry
I hope you are enjoying a blest holiday season with family and friends. Looking ahead to 2009 I covet the advancement of your ministry – sustained and strengthened personal integrity, a deepening walk with our Lord, a healthy and happy family, financial blessing, continued spiritual growth of those under your ministry, and many more souls coming into the Kingdom of God through your ministry and church. I pray your ministry will expand to the glory of God and for the sake of souls.
Ministry presents many challenges, not the least of which is growth. Jesus exemplified effective steps to deal with expanding ministry. There are many measures of success and one is growing crowds. As the crowds increased, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mark 3:13-15).
Success can drive you. You find yourself in demand with increased expectations placed upon you. Jesus experienced this and took time to get away from the demands as He went up on a mountainside. Jesus set priorities and boundaries to maintain His effectiveness and sustainability.
Success can deceive you into thinking you have all the answers. In Luke’s account it says, “…Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God…” (Luke 6:12). Jesus prayed before making the important decision of selecting apostles. His success did not relieve Him of the need to seek the Father’s will. Humility remained characteristic of Jesus throughout His life.
Success can isolate you. Jesus called to him those He wanted to be with Him and to do ministry. Ministering as a “lone ranger” is perilous in many ways and Jesus invited people into His life and ministry. In so doing He provided for them and Himself an important level of accountability. I don’t think the Son of God needed accountability, but He conducted His ministry in an exemplary way to show us an effective way forward, given our vulnerability to sin, and error.
Success can also entrap you. On the mountainside Jesus was preparing to delegate ministry to meet immediate ministry needs and provide for future succession. The work was too great for one person. He designated them apostles and began the process of training. I find it interesting that He selected “those He wanted”. Since God shapes the desires of the heart of those who seek Him, I think Jesus chose people He liked, and people He believed the Father had called to be apostles.
We face many challenges in ministry, such as sacrifice, disappointment, spiritual warfare, problematic personalities, etc. – and the unexpected challenge of success. Don’t let it defeat you.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
Ministry presents many challenges, not the least of which is growth. Jesus exemplified effective steps to deal with expanding ministry. There are many measures of success and one is growing crowds. As the crowds increased, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mark 3:13-15).
Success can drive you. You find yourself in demand with increased expectations placed upon you. Jesus experienced this and took time to get away from the demands as He went up on a mountainside. Jesus set priorities and boundaries to maintain His effectiveness and sustainability.
Success can deceive you into thinking you have all the answers. In Luke’s account it says, “…Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God…” (Luke 6:12). Jesus prayed before making the important decision of selecting apostles. His success did not relieve Him of the need to seek the Father’s will. Humility remained characteristic of Jesus throughout His life.
Success can isolate you. Jesus called to him those He wanted to be with Him and to do ministry. Ministering as a “lone ranger” is perilous in many ways and Jesus invited people into His life and ministry. In so doing He provided for them and Himself an important level of accountability. I don’t think the Son of God needed accountability, but He conducted His ministry in an exemplary way to show us an effective way forward, given our vulnerability to sin, and error.
Success can also entrap you. On the mountainside Jesus was preparing to delegate ministry to meet immediate ministry needs and provide for future succession. The work was too great for one person. He designated them apostles and began the process of training. I find it interesting that He selected “those He wanted”. Since God shapes the desires of the heart of those who seek Him, I think Jesus chose people He liked, and people He believed the Father had called to be apostles.
We face many challenges in ministry, such as sacrifice, disappointment, spiritual warfare, problematic personalities, etc. – and the unexpected challenge of success. Don’t let it defeat you.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
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