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.