Today's Devotion

December 6, 2010

Three Characteristics of an Effective Ministry

Today we look at a passage of Scripture that reveals the mighty workings of God. Not like in the past, but with an emphasis now upon the work being done through God’s people. Hopefully, we can learn to serve as the apostles did long ago. Now, let’s look at three characteristics of an effective ministry.

Frist, let’s define an effective ministry as one where the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of people. Not necessarily saving people, but at least convicting people both saved and unsaved. Of course when this is happening, many will likely be converted, but conversion is not the litmus test for effectiveness.

To that end it is also true that all three of these qualities are not a litmus test. However, it is a place to begin our self-examination. See if these things don’t ring true to you. If they do, then evaluate your ministry, and gain insight into how to change and or pray for it.

“And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” (Acts 5:12-16 NKJV)

An Effective Ministry has Faithful Leadership
Notice the passage says that, “through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done.” Remember that God had said they would receive power from on high and become witnesses (Acts 1:8). The ministry had faithful leadership, leadership that obeyed God and remained in Jerusalem until the appointed time. Not only did they obey God’s command, but they also busied themselves with godly discipline while they waited by praying and reading the Scriptures.

Effective ministry happens when individuals and organizations discipline themselves from the top down. Those who lead by example are magnetic. They draw others to follow and encourage like behavior. That’s why Paul was not afraid to say, “Imitate me, just as I also [imitate] Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV)

Individuals and organizations with leaders who only pretend to be spiritual will have little power. While it’s possible to fool many for a long time, God sees every thought and every motive. It is God that does the work and not we. If we fail to abide in Christ, He has said we can do nothing (John 15:4).

Beyond what God sees, the people also eventually see through a leader’s hypocrisy. Over time, as God’s people see the failings of their leadership, they begin to excuse themselves from godly disciplines. This is devastating to the body of Christ, and so leaders should guard themselves to walk carefully after the law of God least they become a stumbling block to others by their sinful behavior.

To that end let’s look at some things that might indicate a leader’s hypocrisy. This is meant for self-examination not to enlist people for a witch hunt. Remember, you are a leader, too! We all are at some level.

Signs of Hypocrisy
1. A lack of humility/unwillingness to confess obvious mistakes. This will usually be accompanied by defensive posture toward others.
2. A desire to excuse oneself from hands-on ministry by reason of position. That doesn’t mean a leader should serve tables, but the desire is in question. Examine your motive.
3. Repeatedly saying what one should do while excusing yourself because of leisure time or even pressing ministry. The busyness of ministry has ruined many men.
4. A lack of the Holy Spirit‘s testimony / feelings of separation.

An Effective Ministry has Unity of Spirit
Notice in our passage the people were of one accord, united in spirit and purpose. This was so evident that others dared not join them. To join them would require the same spirit and purpose otherwise they would be recognized as an imposter. While having respect for the people, highly esteeming them, the onlookers knew they would not fit in.

Holiness is purifying like that. When individuals walk in holiness, the difference becomes obvious. Conviction drives the unholy away, and draws the thirsting into the fold.

An Effective Ministry has Real Power
This is where some caution needs to be given. In the latter days there will be all kinds of lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). In this first-century church, God was working mightily through the apostle’s hands to establish the church and validate their ministry (see Tongues). Those sign-gifts are no longer needed to establish God’s word. However, the power of the Holy Spirit to change a life has not diminished at all.

When the Word of God is preached accurately by individuals walking in holiness, lives are changed. The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). It will have its affect. While that effect may not be seen in conversions, it will be seen in the lives of God’s people.

Therefore, if your ministry is not touching lives something is wrong. Look first to yourself for sin issues. Look next to your methodology. Are you teaching / preaching the Word of God or the philosophies of men? Lastly, are you humbly seeking God’s power by prayer? We often have not because we don’t ask (John 16:24; James 4:2).

How Are You Doing?

An effective ministry has faithful leadership, unity of spirit, and real power. How would you rate your ministry? God didn’t leave us here to do nothing. He doesn’t need us to accomplish His goals, but He wants to use us for His glory and our benefit. Living your life in the middle of God’s will is the most exciting and joyful place anyone could find. Seek to find that place with all your heart. You won’t be disappointed.