A 2021 Charge for Our Fellow Ministers, by Jeff & Dale
2020 was certainly different. It was a challenge for many of us and was full of lessons for us to learn.
- we can adjust
- we can't predict the future
- be careful who your experts are
- the church is stronger worldwide than most believed it could be
- Christians give.
As we enter 2021 we have a charge for our fellow ministers. We feel sure most of you are like us, we try to challenge ourselves to be better and to keep growing all the time. We want to share a few with you for 2021.
Remain true to the Word of God and to the Church: There are so many voices right now saying "if you want to make changes now is the time." They are right you know. But as you consider those changes do not change your commitment to the Word of God or the Family of God.
Launch out with faith and optimism: It certainly seems 2020 was a year in which the drama was greatly turned up. It seems that it was easy to be drawn in or drawn down by this upturn. As we are propelled into a new beginning let us act in and with faith. Let us remember "the future is as bright as the promises of God" and let's approach that future with all the optimism that belongs to us as People of God.
Stay spiritually healthy: Most ministers we know are doing more video than they would have ever imagined. Be careful that you don't become lazy spiritually in that increased activity. There is always the challenge to keep nurturing your own spiritual growth.
Emphasize the purpose and priority of the church: The church growth movement of the '70s led to the practice of not preaching doctrine in the '80s which led to a generation who in many places does not understand the purpose and priority of the church. Don't be a part of minimizing the purpose of, and the importance of that which Christ shed His blood for.
Push yourself to be your best: Find those who love you but will be honest with you about how you can be better. Then proactively try to improve.
Preach Balanced sermons: Obviously, balance involves two sides. Are you heavy on doctrinal first principles? You may need to preach more on the doctrine of grace. Do you lean into the practical? Perhaps you need to focus some on teaching. Strive to preach with balance.
Don't judge your work on one experience, season, or crisis: Most of us have been hurt or gone through experiences that were painful. Sometimes from the point of that hurt forward, we allow our work to center or even be negatively influenced only by that hurt. Perhaps you had a bad experience with an eldership. Don't think all elders are to not be trusted. Maybe you didn't get the job you wanted. Don't spend the rest of your ministry questioning your value.
Spend a lot of time in prayer: Take every issue you struggle with to God. Make prayer your go-to reaction when someone shares a concern with you, a request with you, or a problem with you. We often go into self-fix-it mode rather than handing it first to the one who can fix whatever comes.
Communicate with fellow preachers: We need the mutual encouragement our brothers can provide and they need ours. They can help you understand what all is going on and help you evaluate how to handle the challenges of ministry and advise on direction and decisions. We can work together or be enemies. We are not to be enemies. satan already fills that role completely.
Glorify God in your preaching and in your life! This is our primary purpose for existing. Everything else must find its proper place in line behind our call to glorify Him.
We are thankful for you and pray God's best for the exciting ride before us.