Ministry 101

Before moving here, my purpose was to 1) learn Chinese, 2) check out different ministries, and 3) get to know the people of Taiwan and their needs.

Something that God has been teaching me since moving here is how to do ministry.

1) Always, ALWAYS do ministry WITH PURPOSE. routine, popularity, and even fun, are secondary to the purpose set before us. all the components/activities of the day should serve that purpose: sm groups, games, crafts, etc.

2) the purpose should gear towards the needs of the people you are ministering. it sounds easy, but what i'm trying to say is that sometimes over time, we need to change our purpose according to the needs of the people. people change.

3) Sin boldly, make mistakes boldly...because that's when grace is even greater and we experience God's love, forgiveness, and grace (or let's hope that our co-workers can do the same)

4) If you're in a team, teamwork is ESSENTIAL. as a team, we need to know who's in charge, what is most important for what we want to teach that day, and to know each other as humans, individuals, friends. we need to trust each other's motives and hearts. but also be able to accept constructive criticism and be able to speak the truth in love.

5) Open and honest communication is important.

6) Be flexible.

7) Plan ahead. If you're in charge of a certain lesson, give yourself ample time to plan out what you will say and do and if unexpected things come up, how you'd respond. bring this lesson before God. Let him do the work. if you're nervous, ask God to calm your heart. Not planning ahead is not just a disadvantage to yourself, but you're cheating the people you're ministering out of some good things. but remember, God's grace is sufficient as well.

8) Let go. sometimes as leaders we don't feel like our coworkers can do the work; only we can do it effectively and right. this will lead to a burnt out soul. it's the same as not trusting God to work through them.

9) you don't need status to have an impact. we don't have to be on the forefront to be influential. we don't have to be on stage all the time or up front and center to have an impact on their life.

10) be teachable. granted we're doing the ministry of Jesus Christ, He still has stuff to teach us on how to teach and love like He does. our love for Jesus Christ is never perfect.

10 seems like a good number for now.