In the previous post, we talked about asking the right ministry questions and preparing ourselves spiritually for ministry. Now let’s consider the “what not” to do in ministry. As lead in a ministry area, we often learn more by our mistakes than we do our successes. Stop and just list a few of your own lessons from failure that impacted your life and ministry.
OK, I know this is taking the “negative” stance, but just go with me here.
1. Do NOT hide the vision. If God had called you to a ministry position, He must have given you a vision of how your investment can impact the Kingdom. Know what it is, write it down and read it regularly, then share it every opportunity you can as you relate to women.
2. Do NOT work alone. Always ask God to raise up those who also grasp the vision of reaching and discipling women for Christ…those who will work along side you to accomplish that vision.
3. Do NOT focus the ministry only on one program or personality. If you do, what happens when that personality is not longer a part of the ministry? What happens if all your efforts are in one way of doing ministry, one program, and that program isn’t reaching the majority of women? Seek what God wants for each area of ministry with women and be flexible enough to be able to switch and change as He leads.
4. Do NOT focus on program rather than people. If we are all about the “program” then we are not watching and connecting with women to even know what their needs are and what is going on in their lives. If we fail to connect personally with women, we will not have effective ministry with women, even if all the “program” pieces are in place! For those of us who are task oriented, we have to be intentional in building relationships and surround ourselves with relational leaders to balance the tasks.
What other do NOTs can you think of that God has taught you? Please share them here. Watch for more “life lessons” posts coming soon.
Further reading, Women Reaching Women.
