My Personal Ministry Plan

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Introduction

A plan cannot be developed to counter a problem unless the problem can be identified and defined. Ministry culture is the expectation of what is expected of one who is involved in ministry. These are preconceived non-biblical expectations placed on those in leadership positions either by themselves or by those who have been appointed in oversight leadership positions or a preconceived identity achieved through higher education or personal experience. Typically those in leadership positions who let their lives be deceived by these preconceived ideas let their ministry define their identity, they preach a gospel that is not relevant to their own lives, they forget who God is, and they settle for a level of mediocrity that significantly brings down the body of Christ by not letting others mature in their spiritual giftedness. To remedy this problem, I think one would have a plan to counter these pre-conceived ideas (Prov. 16:9)

Bare Necessities

            The bare necessities of obedient Christian living, is having a relationship that is centered on Christ (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal 2:20). We continue to build upon the foundation that we were created on (Lk. 6:47-48). When the storms of life come, or the challenges of daily living seem to overcome us we can rest upon this foundation that was built upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Constantly being reminded of that foundation in Christ is a key ingredient to living a life of obedience even in the midst of ministry overload.

            Another key to living in a ministry culture that seems to siphon the life out of Pastor is that of accountability. Sharing life with someone you can trust and have confidence in this side of heaven is important. Just as important as being accountable to someone else, is sharing life with someone you can mentor and bring a long (Col 1:28). I call this one up and one down accountability (2 Tim. 2:2).

            The last ingredient to living an obedient Christian lifestyle is doing life in community. Sharing life with another group of like-minded individuals (Gal 1:7; Heb 10:24-25). A place that you aren’t looked to for leadership. A place where you can let your hair down and be one of “the guys.” You let people see the real me even if it is ugly at times.

Self- Assessment

            Familiarity can be a bad thing. Am I so familiar with God and His message that I’ve lost that excitement of ministry? I couldn’t wait to become a full time staff minister. I would not have all the distractions of bi-vocational ministry. Boy was I ever wrong. Being on full-time I lost the excitement of ministry because it became mundane. Self-assessment includes “time off” to regroup and rethink what you are doing. Taking time off each year is critical to my life as a Christian leader so I can regroup and retool the things in me that are so important to stay focused on Christ instead of myself (Gal. 6:1).

Separation from the World

            Do I preach a gospel that is different from the one I’m hearing each week? Do I practice what I preach or do I keep pumping out sermons that have no relevance in my own life because they have become routine and second natured. Asking those who are closest to me for their opinion and critique is important to counteract this. Not to achieve any glory from man (Gal. 1:10), but to get an honest assessment of how I’m doing. Do they see Christ in me, or an impostor? Is there enough evidence in me to see the love of Christ daily? Not looking for the platitudes of men, but just looking for an honest appraisal of how I’m doing and areas that need improvement. Do I recognize the grace of God and accept my limitations? I’m I handling the Word of God correctly, is it more about me than He? Am I following the worldly culture that I’m immersed in each week and still desire the things of this world (1John 2:15-16), or do I recognize that I’m called to a higher standard (Phil 3:13-16). In my own life, with the help of the Holy Spirit working in me, if I can stick to the bare necessities, routinely conduct a self-assessment, and stay focused that I am not of this world, my plan to counteract the ministry culture of today will keep me in His will for the rest of my life so that I can finish the race set before me 2 Tim. 4:7-8).