The Challenge of the Ministry

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Whether your ministry is to a household of four, a workplace of fifty, or a church of one thousand, the challenge for Christ-honoring service is the same. The most important challenge of ministry is maintaining a fresh, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our service for Christ is clumsy and frustrating if divorced from the adventure of intimately knowing God.

Your relationship with Jesus is fuel and food for the journey. If you neglect your relationship in order to concentrate on your task, you will be ill at ease in your spirit and fatigued in your work. Jesus calls you to Himself first and then sends you out.

The next important challenge of the ministry is to be faithful, not successful. We can do much in the energy of the flesh that looks successful to others. God is interested in men and women who obey Him in the small as well as the great matters.

Let nothing distract you from personal devotion to Jesus Christ. He is your Master and you are in His employ. If you faithfully follow His principles and obey His voice, you will meet the challenges of ministry with confidence and trust in the wisdom and power of your Lord. There is no other way.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...” Matthew 28:19