REFECTIONS AND CONNECTIONS

GENERAL COUNCIL:

Having just returned from the General Council I am happy to report excitement in my heart with the Assemblies of God.  Next year the movement will turn 100 years old.  Many organizations at this point in their history are in decline.  In contrast the AG continues to grow each year.  Since 1960 the AG grew 498% in the USA with growth each year over the last 23 years.  The next highest rate of growth since 1960 among major denominations was realized by our friends in the Southern Baptist convention at 66 %.  Most remained static or declined over that period of time.  With a total of 3,095,717 adherents in the USA 40% are under 25 years of age.

The AG is the largest Protestant denomination (we prefer movement) in the world with 66,383,778 adherents worldwide.  Every 25 seconds someone receives Christ through an AG church and every 39 minutes a new church is planted. 

I believe contributing factors to the overall growth and vitality of the AG are a continuing commitment to the great commission, humble reliance on God, flexibility in methods, and unwavering commitment to biblical doctrine.  I thank God for every Christ-centered, bible-believing movement and denomination, and God in His providence brought us together in this “tribe”.  May we honor Him with biblical, humble, faithful, Spirit-directed ministries, and God-honoring personal lives. 

With all the gospel work going on in the world there are still so many without Christ and so many to equip in the church.  Former AGWM Executive Director Loren Triplett said (I am paraphrasing) “We should not measure our success by what we have accomplished, but rather by what remains to be done.”  The theme of General Council was “Believe”.  The call is to believe God for greater things going forward.  May we receive this call and engage with great faith in the ministries God has assigned to each of us.

Madlyn Tombs, Pastor of New Life Christian Center, Denver, CO was given the “Female Church Planter Award of Excellence” by the Church Multiplication Network at General Council.  Madlyn and New Life Christian Center chartered four churches in the Denver area in 2012 and are poised to plant two more in September of this year.  Congratulations, Madlyn.  We are inspired by your work and appreciate all you are doing for the Lord.  So far, in 2013 we have planted or recognized six new churches in Colorado and Utah.  We thank God for this advance and pray for more.

RECENT CONNECTIONS:

On Saturday August 17^th it was my privilege to address many of our teen agers at the East Slope Campus Missionary Conference led by Youth Alive Missionary Forrest Rowell and hosted by Radiant Church in Colorado Springs.  What a remarkable group of young people who are committing themselves to minister to kids on their Middle School and High School campuses.

Sunday, August 18^th Loretta and I visited Park Fellowship in Estes Park, CO pastored by James and Ginger Carnell.  The Carnell’s have been in Estes Park for the last 12 years replanting the AG church.  The Carnell’s have done a great job raising up a fine congregation and ministering to the community.

I happened to pick a Sunday when James was resigning from the church as Lead Pastor.  In the providence of God the pastors of the community have asked James to become a city wide Youth Pastor working on behalf of all the churches.  The pastors who are from several denominations are in agreement that this will be a biblical, evangelistic ministry.  James and Ginger have established themselves in the community with an excellent reputation and are poised to reach out to the youth of the community in a united effort with all the churches in Estes Park.

As James shared the vision with the church they responded with enthusiastic support.  Not because he was resigning but because he and his family are staying in the community and engaging in this exciting opportunity to minister to the youth of Estes Park.  The plan is for their Associate Pastor, Steve Ferrante to become the new Lead Pastor and as this is put in place it is accompanied by Steve’s full support of James and Ginger remaining in Estes Park to do Youth ministry for Park Fellowship and the other churches in the community.  I shared with James and the church that this was the most unique, positive, and exciting resignation I have witnessed.  God bless you James and Ginger as you venture into a new thing the Lord is doing in Estes Park.

RECENT CONNECTIONS

My last communication was May 30^th and there is much to report.  Normally, we would be sending out a RMDC Connection magazine July 1^st.  However, my Administrative Assistant, Susan Cassell experienced a serious bout with pneumonia in May followed by a broken elbow two weeks ago.  Since she puts the magazine together I decided we would skip this issue and return to our normal schedule with the September issue. 

CAMPING MINISTRY:  About 1100 teenagers attended the three youth camps in June – a record number.  The camps were exceptional with many committing their lives to Christ and many filled with the Holy Spirit.  Thank you Lee and Renae Terry for your love for students and the ministry you are providing through these camps.

East Slope and West Slope Kids Camps were conducted in June and the Utah Kids Camp is coming up in July.  Camps for Royal Rangers and Girls Ministry are coming up in July, as well.  I pray the Lord will work in the lives of all the kids who participate.

REFLECTIONS:  I know we are all concerned about the decision of the Supreme Court recently with regard to gay marriage.  Dr. George Wood issued an excellent statement on the matter which I believe you received in his email posting.  The day may come when the church in America will be persecuted for not conducting gay marriages or supporting the LGBT agenda.  The meaning of pluralism has been shifting from acceptance of people with differing points of view to requiring support of differing points of view.  In particular, those points of view regarded as politically correct by the popular culture.

The secularization of our culture is leading our nation down a path of relativism in which moral absolutes are being replaced by the whims of fallen human nature.  This is all distressing to us who are accustomed to a culture that revered Judeo-Christian principles.  But, where sin abounds grace does much more abound.  The bible predicts a great falling away in the end times, but it also predicts a simultaneous ingathering of souls into the Kingdom of God. 

Maybe I am too optimistic but when sin abounds its fruit is more readily exposed.  Devastation is an avenue to repentance for souls willing to respond to the Holy Spirit drawing them to God.  This is an opportunity to let the light of Jesus Christ shine more brilliantly.  The answer for a lost world is not a culture that provides a wise way of life muting the effects of sin, but rather the realization that Jesus Christ is the answer for time and eternity.

May we stay faithful to God’s Word in our personal lives and public ministries.  May we love all people and share the good news of Jesus Christ without prejudice.  May we faithfully teach God’s people to obey all the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ.  May we be salt and light in a world experiencing deterioration and darkness.

CONNECTIONS:  In my May communication I overlooked my visit with Southwest First Assembly of God and Pastor Jim and Gina Brummett in Lakewood, CO on May 12^th.  I want you to know about the exciting things that are happening!  They sold their previous church building and purchased a beautiful office building and some adjoining undeveloped property at 3199 South Wadsworth Blvd. debt free.  They are worshipping in the lower level of the building while renovating the upper level which will be their new worship center.  With the change of location they are experiencing significant new growth and excitement in the church.  God bless you Jim and Gina.

On June the 8^th I met with the board of First Assembly of God in Delta, CO and then had the privilege of ministering in their morning worship service on Sunday, June 9^th.  The church is in the process of seeking a new Lead Pastor.  Pastor Bobby Wilson is filling in during this key moment in the life of the church.  This is a strong church with a great influence in the Delta area and we pray the Lord will bring the Pastor of His choosing.

On Friday, June 14^th it was my honor to speak at James Call’s funeral at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, CO.  James Call is truly a man of God.  His ministry had great impact.  As an example there are at least 50 ministers who are the product of Pastor Call’s ministry.  Thank God for James Call.

Sunday, June 16^th I was able to visit Power Invasion Ministries, Pastor Randy and Dawn Scott in Denver, CO.  Randy and Dawn have sustained an effective ministry in Denver for many years.  One of the enduring dynamic features of their ministry has been outreach to destitute people.  God bless you Randy and Dawn!

Thursday night, June 20^th Loretta and I visited Steel City Biker Church, Pastor Curtis and Teresa Hubbell in Pueblo, CO.  What a joy to experience this unique ministry.  The gathering consisted of a meal, preaching of the word, prayer, and fellowship.  It reminded me of the gatherings we read about in the book of Acts.  Motorcycles, jeans, leather vests, and doo rags are common in the congregation.  I sold my motorcycle years ago but I do have jeans, and they accepted the non-bikers as freely as bikers.  Curtis continues to minister in the biker culture around the nation in addition to leading the church.  Way to go Curtis and Teresa.

Sunday, June 23^rd Loretta and I joined First Assembly of God in Dove Creek, CO, Pastor Buddy and Cecily Bishop for their one year anniversary.  What a joy to share God’s word with this new congregation and several visiting friends totaling about 85 people.  The AG church in Dove Creek was closed several years ago and the Bishops had the vision to plant a new work.  God has been at work in this effort and there is now a flourishing church with excellent leadership in place.  Who knows what the Lord has in store for Buddy and Cecily when they retire again.

June 26^th we traveled to Springfield, MO for the District Leadership Conference held in conjunction with Missionary Renewal by AGWM.  Jerry Cassell, our District Missions Director and I had the privilege of participating in the commissioning of Tyler and Rebecca Shults as RMD missionaries to India.  Tyler and Rebecca have been part of the Chi Alpha team at Colorado State University and will be working with University students in India as well as Project Rescue.

Sunday, June 30^th I had the privilege of speaking at the Durango Cowboy Church, Pastor Stan and Gail Formby.  Stan and Gail have been pastoring in Durango for many years.  God birthed a new paradigm of ministry in Stan’s heart and last November with the support of the congregation changed the format of ministry to a Cowboy Church.  Stan grew up around the Cowboy culture and fit right in with this direction.  Since making the change in the method of ministry the church has more than doubled in the last 7 months! 

Cowboy boots (I wore mine after dusting them off), jeans, western shirts, and Cowboy hats were the normal attire.  The service included western style music, cowboy poetry, coffee around tables filling the sanctuary, and a relaxed interactive atmosphere.  It was exciting and fun to experience the blessing of God with this church.

During the summer on Monday nights Stan conducts horseback riding lessons for children in Durango.  Parents are required to stay with their kids and part of the program is to share one cowboy ethic (which happens to coincide with the ten commandments) each evening.  This has proven to be a very popular program for families in the Durango area.  God bless you Stan and Gail.

Sunday evening and Monday morning, June 30-July 1 Loretta and I joined the kickoff of the West Slope Family Camp at Camp Cedaredge.  Sunday evening the chapel was packed with 450 people worshipping and taking in the preaching of God’s word.  Jason Neely together with other West Slope Pastors lead the camp and it is experiencing revitalization.

PRAYER:  Lowell Anderson passed away yesterday, July 2, 2013 after a long battle with cancer.  Lowell served on the Pastoral staff of Grand Junction First AG many years ago, then managed Camp Cedaredge  for a season, and then pastored in Michigan for several years before moving to Delta, CO to retire.  He will be missed.  The funeral will be Saturday morning, July 6^th at Delta First AG.  The time of the funeral has not been set as of this writing.  Please pray for Sandy and their family.

 

RECENT CONNECTIONS

 

RECENT CONNECTIONS:

Since my last Ebulletin I have had the privilege of visiting Radiant Church in Colorado Springs for their Saturday night service April 13^th.  Radiant is growing and alive with God’s blessing.  God bless Pastor Todd Hudnall and his leadership team.

On Sunday, April 14^th Loretta and I joined the Praise Assembly of God congregation in a farewell reception for Pastor Bobby and Alvena Wilson.  Thank God for Bobby and Alvena and their faithful and effective ministry in Pueblo, CO for 45 years.  Bobby remains active in ministry and though he has not asked I mention this I highly recommend him as a guest preacher/teacher.

On Sunday, April 21^st I shared in the installation of Steve Chavez as the new Lead Pastor of Praise AG.  God bless you, Steve and Bonnie as you shoulder the leadership of this great church.

The 96^th District Council of the Rocky Mountain District convened in Colorado Springs, CO at Radiant Church April 23-24.  We experienced the presence of God, meaningful ministry in the services and workshops, rich fellowship, and productive business sessions.  The services and leadership workshops will be posted on our District website at www.rmdc.org.

The results of various elections are as follows:  Don Steiger was elected Superintendent - Alex Lucero was elected Assistant Superintendent (for the unexpired term) - Dane Wead was elected Utah Regional Executive Presbyter (for the unexpired term) - All Presbyters elected during the Sectional Tour were ratified - The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent were nominated for the General Council Nonresident Executive Presbytery to be voted upon at General Council - and Jason Neely was nominated for the General Council Executive Presbytery as the under 40 Ordained RMD minister to the General Presbyters who will in turn select four names to be voted upon at General Council.

May 2-3 I attended the SAGU Board of Regents meeting in Waxahachie, TX.  SAGU is an excellent AG University that continues to grow in student body size and education capability.

Sunday, May 12^th I was honored to speak to the congregation of Cortez First AG, Cortez, CO.  That evening I chaired a business meeting in which the church was set in order as a General Council church and Ted Britain was elected as Lead Pastor going forward.  Congratulations Ted and La Dell!

May 15^th the Utah North Section convened to elect a new Sectional Presbyter since Dane Wead vacated that office when he was elected to the office of Utah Executive Presbyter at District Council.  Under the leadership of Alex Lucero and Dane Wead the section elected Lonnie Campbell to serve as their Presbyter going forward.  Congratulations Dane and Lonnie!

May 17-19 I attended the District Men’s Retreat at Camp Cedaredge.  The Saturday night service was particularly powerful as Neil Kennedy ministered and called men to the altar to deal with bitterness and unforgiveness.  Thank you, Greg Hawkins for your work as District Men’s Director.  Greg is available to consult and encourage Men’s Ministry in our churches.

Saturday night on Memorial Day weekend, May 25^th Loretta and I visited Restoration Church in Colorado Springs, CO and received a wonderful message from Associate Pastor Dave Johnston.  A large portion of the Restoration congregation is military people.  Dave Johnston served honorably in the military for many years and God in His providence is using Dave together with Lead Pastor Paul Aragon and the people of Restoration Church to effectively minister to the large military population in the Colorado Springs area.

UNITY and DISTRICT COUNCIL

UNITY:  When pastoring I prayed earnestly for unity in the church.  I learned early on that a church divided is ineffective.  Unity in the church is a powerful principle that provides a healthy atmosphere in which believers can grow in Christ and unbelievers are more inclined to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Unity puts the love of God on display through our love for one another and releases the Holy Spirit to draw people to Christ through the church.   “My (Jesus) prayer for them is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one. Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.  May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  (John 17:20-21).

Jesus prayed for unity in the church.  And, his word teaches the following important keys to unity: unity of the faith, unity of the Spirit, unity of purpose, and unity of structure.

Unity of the faith (Eph 4:13) is based on agreement with essential biblical truth.  A qualifier for membership and leadership in the church is agreement with sound biblical doctrine.

Unity of the Spirit (Eph 4:2-3) is based on love and acceptance of one another.  This includes the ability to unite together in spite of differences of opinion in non-essential areas such as personal convictions.

Unity of purpose (Mt 28:19-20) is based on Christ’s plan for the church to disciple people from all nations to Him.  When we establish a vision to achieve that mission it helps to unite the church.

Unity of structure (1 Th 5:12-13) is based on a biblical organization of the church.  The scriptures teach there are those God has called into church leadership and believers are to follow them so long as they lead biblically.

When one or more of these areas are not functioning a church suffers from dissention and loses its ability to effectively carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ.  This is not to say that all attendees of a church will be in accord with these principles.  For example, at any given time there should be unbelievers attending the church who may not agree on biblical truth – not yet.  However, the believers in the church are the ones on whom it is incumbent to live in unity.  When they do so the perpetual evangelistic evolution of unbelievers belonging (being received and loved by the church), then believing, then becoming will be encouraged and not disturb the unity.

Unity in the church should transcend the local congregation and be observed among bible-believing Pastors and churches by the support, respect, and love we display for one another.  This is a worthy goal to advance the kingdom of God on a micro and macro level.

DISTRICT COUNCIL:  The 96^th District Council of the Rocky Mountain District convened in Colorado Springs, CO at Radiant Church April 23-24.  We experienced the presence of God, meaningful ministry in the services and workshops, rich fellowship, and productive business sessions.  The services and leadership workshops will be posted on our District website at www.rmdc.org.

The results of various elections are as follows:  Don Steiger was elected Superintendent - Alex Lucero was elected Assistant Superintendent (for the unexpired term) - Dane Wead was elected Utah Regional Executive Presbyter (for the unexpired term) - All Presbyters elected during the Sectional Tour were ratified - The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent were nominated for the General Council Nonresident Executive Presbytery to be voted upon at General Council - and Jason Neely was nominated for the General Council Executive Presbytery as the under 40 Ordained RMD minister to the General Presbyters who will in turn select four names to be voted upon at General Council.

CURRENT EVENTS

 District Council is April 23-25 at Radiant Church in Colorado Springs, CO.  Also, there is still space available to join the golf tournament preceding Council at beautiful Pine Creek Golf Course Tuesday morning, April 23^rd.  Information about District Council is on our web site, www.rmdc.org.

We will be voting on the following positions: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent (unexpired term), Utah Executive Presbyter, nominee to National Executive Presbytery from Ordained ministers under 40 years of age, and ratification of new Presbyters.  There will also be Leadership Training sessions, enriching services, and the Ordination of several candidates.  I encourage you to come.

Pastor Bobby Wilson is handing off the baton of Leadership at Praise Assembly of God after 45 years of outstanding ministry.  The congregation will honor Pastor Bobby and Alvena Wilson Sunday evening, April 14^th.  Thank you Bobby and Alvena for your faithful and effective ministry that has influenced not only Pueblo, CO but also people across our nation.

Sunday, April 21^st, Steve Chavez will be installed as the new Lead Pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Pueblo, CO.  Congratulations Steve and Bonnie as you assume this new assignment.

Next Thursday, April 18^th Rock Canyon Church in Provo, UT will have a Retiring from Ministry reception for Dean and Marlys Jackson.  Dean served as Lead Pastor of Rock Canyon for 22 years and also as Presbyter for South Utah for several years.  Friends as well as the congregation are invited.  The reception will be at the Riverside Country Club at 2701 North University Parkway, Provo, UT from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Since my last report, I had the privilege of speaking at Amazing Grace Fellowship for Pastor Mark Apodaca on March 17^th.  What a blessing to worship with this exciting church.  God bless you Mark as you continue to lead this church forward.

Sunday, March 31^st Loretta and I joined the thousands (praise God) who attended Red Rocks Church for their special Easter services at the First Bank Center in Broomfield, CO.  Several hundred people stood to accept Jesus Christ after Chad Bruegman delivered a clear message of the gospel.  God bless Pastors Shawn Johnson, Chad Bruegman, and Scott Bruegman together with their entire leadership team as they continue to seize the opportunity to impact the Denver area for our Lord.

Sunday, April 7^th we visited New Destiny Christian Center in Thorton, CO.  Pastor Keenan Roberts delivered a wonderful, biblically balanced message on healing with prayer for the sick at the conclusion of the service.  God is at work in and through this church.  On Easter weekend several gave their hearts to the Lord and many rededicated their lives to Christ through the dramatic presentation provided by New Destiny.  God bless you Keenan and Angela as you lead this church forward.

 

RECENT CONNECTIONS

January 12 I spoke to the men of Church at Briargate in Colorado Springs.  This church has an impressive foundation of godly men.  God bless you Pastor Scott Bottoms as you lead this church forward.

January 13 I spoke for Pastor Albert Lopez at Lighthouse Worship Center in Walsenburg, CO.  This is a fine congregation with an excellent spirit.  God bless you, Albert as you continue your ministry in Walsenburg.

January 16-17 we conducted our January Presbyter meeting in Colorado Springs.  Wednesday evening the Presbyters gathered with our Ordination candidates and spouses for a wonderful banquet marked by an excellent message on the ministry by Phil Steiger.

January 20 I had the honor of installing Tony Jensen as the new pastor at Praise Community Church in Eads, CO.  Tony served as the Youth Pastor in this church in years past and returns with a respected history of ministry in the community.  The church built a beautiful new facility last year which we enjoyed in the morning installation service and also in the sectional evening service as the churches in the Southeast Section gathered for worship and fellowship.  Congratulations Tony on this new ministry assignment and to the church for the new facility.

January 26 I had the privilege of participating in the memorial service for Violet Bluhm.  Violet was an AG ordained minister who died at the age of 100 years.  She left a wonderful legacy of ministry.

In February we conducted our annual sectional tour travelling throughout CO and UT to meet with our ministers and church delegates.  It was an enriching time of ministry, fellowship, and business.  We have a great network of ministers doing good work. 

On Sunday, February 24^th I had the privilege of speaking at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT for Pastor Jim Ayers.  This is one of our largest churches in the district with a growing congregation of people excited about their faith.

Sunday, March 3^rd I installed Chris Johnson as the new Lead Pastor at Journey Church in Strasburg, CO.  Chris and his wife Karen have four children and are excited about God’s call to Strasburg.  Welcome to the RMD Johnson family and may God abundantly bless your ministry.

CONGRATULATIONS;

Bethany Hines, daughter of Cordell and Erin Hines was chosen to receive the Riggs General Superintendent’s scholarship, and will be attending Southwest Assemblies of God University.  Congratulations Bethany on this wonderful achievement.

PRAYER NEEDS:

 

Paul Scholtz was recently diagnosed with bone cancer.  Treatments began this month, but Paul needs a miracle.

Willard Coleman is in need of our continued prayers for physical healing and recovery.

James Call needs divine healing and physical strength.

SUSTAINING EFFECTIVE MINISTRY

 

“…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)

Fifteen hundred ministers leave the ministry each month in the USA!  This is a startling statistic and reminds us that sustaining effective ministry is a challenge.  There are some who discover that God is directing them into another profession and their departure from the ranks of vocational ministers is understandable and appropriate.  Indeed all believers are ministers, but those who serve as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries are unique in their influence over the church and their visibility as leaders in the Kingdom of God.  This reality is accompanied with its own complexity and makes the occupational minister a target for Satan.  I would like to suggest some ideas that are critical to sustaining effective ministry.

WORK IN THE RIGHT WAY:  This entails WORKING IN THE RIGHT PLACE.  You can only do God’s work by God’s empowering grace and if you are out of His will that empowerment will be missing.  An honest look at what the Spirit is saying, your strengths and weaknesses (natural and spiritual), the input of others in the body of Christ, and the evidence of God’s blessing or lack thereof on what you do helps you determine your sweet spot in ministry.

Also, WORKING WITH THE RIGHT MOTIVES is essential to sustainability.  Righteous motivation starts with your love for God; serving Him and not yourself.  Jesus challenged Peter (John 21:15-23) with the question “do you truly love me?”  When Peter responded, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you” then Jesus said “Feed My lambs”.  His love for the Lord was the foundational motivation for Peter’s ministry.  Righteous motivation then moves to your love for people; a quality gained by the love of God being poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit.  It plays out in a self-sacrificing effort to see the purposes of God achieved in this world. 

In a game against the Boston Celtics, Michael Jordan (the great Chicago Bulls basketball player) scored 63 points.  Jordan’s team mate Will Perdue scored two.  After the game Perdue was asked what it is like to play with Michael Jordan.  He replied, “I will never forget this night because Michael and I joined to make 65 points to win the game.”  Perdue exemplified a selfless attitude that made him a valuable contributor to the success of the Chicago Bulls.

Also, in Jesus’ conversation with Peter in John 21 He reveals that Peter will experience a violent death and concludes with the words, “Follow Me.”  Peter saw John nearby and asked “Lord, what about him?”  Jesus answered “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?  You must follow me.”  Jesus was honing Peter’s perspective to a singular focus of obeying Jesus because he loved Him above all else.  Keeping your relationship with God paramount and comparisons with others under control is essential to sustained ministry.

A.W. Tozer said “A true and safe leader has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of circumstances.  The man who is ambitious to lead is disqualified as a leader.  The true leader will have no desire to lord it over God’s heritage, but will be humble, gentle, self-sacrificing.”

WORK SMART:  Once you are in God’s will working with righteous motivation then you need to work smart to be effective and sustained.  To work smart you must first of all TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.  Your first responsibility in ministry is your family.

Second, DON’T WORK ALONE.  You need friends in similar ministry to provide encouragement, counsel, and accountability.  In my first few years pastoring Radiant Church I would drive to Pueblo, CO and meet with Pastor Bobby Wilson to glean from his experience as a pastor and to receive encouragement from one who understood the unique challenges of a Lead Pastor.  His friendship was a sustaining factor in my 22 years of ministry at Radiant Church.

Partnership in ministry also includes delegating work to the body of Christ.  The more you try to do by yourself the less you will get done and the wearier you become.  Equip and release the body of Christ to do the work of the ministry.

Third, DEAL WITH CHANGE EFFECTIVELY.  Jesus established the mission and it does not change, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20).  However, the vision – the way you achieve the mission – must change over time and from one place to another for you to be effective.  Factors that produced success 20 years ago may produce failure today.

A friend who is a venture capitalist shared with me that very few CEOs succeed at more than one company.  After experiencing success in one company they move on to another and try to duplicate what they did before without taking into account the uniqueness of their new assignment.  This lack of flexibility and wisdom leads to failure as they discover a new approach is needed in the new company.  Working smart means prayerfully and studiously shaping the vision to achieve the established mission.

WORK HARD:  The text makes that clear when it says “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord”.  I am not suggesting you become a workaholic.  That is counterproductive.  But, after establishing the right place of service, the right motives, and a smart approach then you must work hard if you hope to accomplish what Jesus called you to do.  A wise balance in a minister’s life will include hard work in the ministry.  This informed hard work produces results and that also becomes a sustaining factor.

WORK IN FAITH:  The results of ministry are sometimes easily measured and sometimes not.  Whether God has called you to a place where the results are immediate or delayed, there is an eternal reward awaiting you for your work in God’s Kingdom.  It is always complicated to talk about success in the ministry because there are seasons of sowing and of reaping.  Jeremiah’s ministry resulted in rejection and hardship, and yet he was obedient to God.  The Apostle Paul’s ministry, though marked by suffering, brought extraordinary results in souls saved and churches established.

You are responsible for the work you do for the Lord; He controls the outcome in time and eternity.  Willing obedience and the quality of your work (“gold, silver, costly stones” 1 Corinthians 3:12) is the measure of success and Jesus will reward His children for their work at the judgment seat of Christ.

A golf commercial says, “Bobby Jones worked on his swing, not his score.  That is how he became the best golfer of his generation.”  Work on your swing and let God take care of the score.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.  We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.  We do not want you to become lazy, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:10-12)