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Dee

Discussion: Every Christian's role in evangelism

In our pastor's Bible study class last night, we discussed the parable known to most as that of the "prodigal son" (Read all of Luke 15). I won't go into too many details, but the bottom line is: We should REJOICE when sinners come to repentance.

That's not such a hard thing for me. I am happy to see people who don't look like "typical" churchgoing folks show up at church and I wish there were even "stranger" people coming. (This was one of his examples.) And I see the Kingdom potential in many "sinners."

It's the practical application he shared that gets me: How burdened are we for the lost? We should have such a heart for those who don't know Christ that we're out there searching for them. (See the previous two parables and consider the father in the son parable.)

I don't think I'm quite there. What about you?

What's your understanding of the Bible's teaching on the subject? (Try to use Scripture to back up your answers.)

Is the "Great Commission" (Matthew 28:18-20) for only those disciples who were present, every individual Christian, or for the Church as a whole (each working in their respective assignments: making followers and teaching)?

Are we all to, like Jesus, seek the lost that they might be saved?

Should we get out of our comfort zone even if it means being a mouth when we are gifted as a hand or being an evangelist when we're called to teach? If we are neither mouth nor evangelist, is it merely as the opportunity presents itself that we are to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in sharing the Gospel?

Questions: Ready to Commit?

This is the last in a 6-part series of questions intended to help you find a long-term ministry in which to serve. Part one began with why we do or do not presently serve in a long-term ministry and to share what improvements we think our churches could make in this area. To get the most out of this series, I suggest you work from the beginning.

Are you considering volunteering to help in a ministry, but aren't yet sure whether it's for you? Here are a few questions to consider asking the ministry leader and some reflections to help in your decision.

What is the vision of the ministry? What does the ministry do and what does it stand for? What do you want to see happen? What have you seen happen as a result of this ministry? Are there any improvements you are wanting to make?
Reflect: Is the ministry glorifying to God? Does its purpose agree with your values?

What are the specific duties I would be performing? What do you think are the qualifications of an effective volunteer?
Reflect: How do these answers compare to your expectations? Is there anything you feel particularly suited to do?
What are some of the realities of the work? Are there any dangers or awkward situations? In what way does the church support volunteers in these challenges? What are the rewards of working in this ministry? (You may want to ask these questions of other volunteers in the ministry, too.)
Reflect: Are the challenges exciting to you? Are you encouraged by the support of the church? Do the rewards sound satisfying?

Decision Time: How well does the ministry opportunity fit with the way God made you? Is there anything about it that will force you to be too far removed from who you are? Sometimes it's good to make a stretch, but too much of a stretch can just burn you out.

If the ministry is one that complements your skills, drive, gifts and gears and you feel God is leading you in that direction, it's time to commit! Commit with your head, heart, and hands.

Questions: Brainstorming Exciting Ministries!

This is part five of a series of questions intended to help you find a long-term ministry in which to serve. Part one began with why we do or do not presently serve in a long-term ministry and to share what improvements we think our churches could make in this area. To get the most out of this series, I suggest you work from the beginning.

Now that you have formed a general profile of the way God has formed you, you are ready to brainstorm and compare opportunities. Have your answers from the last several entries in front of you.

If you could do anything in a ministry, even if the ministry doesn't already exist at your church, what would it be? Think creatively and try to incorporate your answers from the profile questions! It may be teaching basic skills from your job, mentoring teenagers in Bible study, or heading up an outdoor adventure retreat. Share your profile answers with others and ask for their ideas.

Do your ideal ministries coincide with any opportunities at your church? in a parachurch organization? Can you see a way to otherwise incorporate them into your life?

Is there something you've been sensing the Lord moving you to do? Pray about that and take appropriate action. For every step you take in line with God's will, you get closer to His ideal plan for your life here on earth: one that will give ultimate glory to Him!

Take it a step farther. Could you use the above answers to turn them into a full-time pursuit? If you're looking for work that's more than just a job, I highly suggest the book Live Your Calling by Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck. The assessments in that book will take you step by step through a process that will reveal how God has formed you to serve Him most effectively by living your calling.

Next, we look at some questions to ask when we're not quite sure if a ministry will fit.

Questions: Gifts & Gears

This is part four of a series of questions intended to help you find a long-term ministry in which to serve. Part one began with why we do or do not presently serve in a long-term ministry and to share what improvements we think our churches could make in this area. To get the most out of this series, I suggest you work from the beginning.

Here are some questions about your spiritual gifts and the way God has geared your personality. Next time we'll bring it all together to determine the right ministry opportunities just for you!

What seem to be your spiritual gifts? You can search online for a "spiritual gifts assessment". Assessments with at least three questions per gift will be more reliable. Have you taken an assessment and aren't sure what the results mean? Plenty of sites give explanations of what each gift means.

Tip:
Take at least a couple different assessments from time to time as you gain life experience. Why more than one? Because some assessments place more emphasis on actual experience than interest and because some test for a different number of gifts. Over time, one or more gifts will consistently stick out above the others. That's a good indication they are your spiritual gifts.

How do you like to interact with people? Are you outgoing or do you keep to yourself? Do you like talking one-on-one or to groups? Would you rather talk to people or write to them? Do you joke a lot or are you more reserved? How would others describe you?

Questions: Drive

This is part three of a series of questions intended to help you find a long-term ministry in which to serve. Part one began with why we do or do not presently serve in a long-term ministry and to share what improvements we think our churches could make in this area. To get the most out of this series, I suggest you work from the beginning.

These questions are fashioned to help you determine the things that drive you. These are the things that touch your heart and have the ability to change you from the inside out. When you think about them, you get excited and perhaps see endless possibilities in your involvement with them. These are truly fulfilling when you know you are using them for Christ. Next time, it's gifts and gears!

Whom do you like to work with or help? This could be an age group (kids, young adults, elderly) or special interest group (new Christians, singles, girls with unplanned pregnancies, motorcyclists).

What things have you done in the past that were particularly satisfying? Perhaps it was in a church or parachurch ministry or something you've done to help out someone. What part of the ministry was most rewarding for you?

What is your passion? What gets your blood pumping, be it injustice (the welfare system, church persecution), poor lifestyle choices (Sunday morning Christians, premarital sex) or excitement over something (outdoor adventures, hobbies)?
Tip: Think how you could turn those negative passions into positive ones. Examples: Go from frustration with the welfare system to helping those people find jobs, and from sadness over premarital sex to designing or participating in an abstinence education program).

If you had no other responsibilities, what would you spend your days thinking about, doing, or learning more about? When you're going through your day, what do you wish you were doing instead? Is there a way you could turn it into a ministry? I bet so! Share this/these here! If you're having trouble getting ministry ideas, post your passion here and maybe we can think of something for you!

Questions: Skills

This is part two of a series of questions intended to help you find a long-term ministry in which to serve. Part one got us thinking about why we do or do not presently serve in a long-term ministry and to share what improvements we think our churches could make in this area.

The focus of this set of questions is your skills and talents. Be sure to write down your answers somewhere (like in a file saved on your desktop) because at the end of this series, you'll be able to look back at your answers to evaluate what ministries might be ideal for you. Check back soon for questions about what really drives you!

What special skills or talents do you have? Don't be modest here! List everything that comes to mind.

What things do people compliment you on? What do they say you do well? Consider things at work and/or school, at home, or in everyday life.

What skills or talents do you really enjoy using? Maybe they're things you like to do in your job or in your hobbies, whether hands-on (filing, instructing, creating, driving) or abstract (planning, problem-solving, evaluating). Are there things you like to do that you don't get to do anymore?

Here's a fun question to which you can share your answer if you'd like: What's your hobby? If you're feeling creative: How could you turn it into a service if you had the time?