Church leaders are constantly tempted to approach ministry with a sculpture’s eye. Always looking for that imperfect piece to knock off or the area to modify. Constantly seeking their idea of perfection. Vision becomes blurred with preference and the input of others can be viewed as hostile and invasive. This is a dangerous place to be and not at all a Biblical approach. We have to remember that God gives vision and our ministry is only productive when we follow His will for that ministry. Any given ministry is not mine, yours, or someone else’s. It is God’s avenue of reaching the lost and discipling His followers through us, as vessels. We do not own a church or ministry department. Honestly, we don’t have enough self-created vision to keep any ministry successful long-term.
Personally, I got caught up in approaching ministry through a sculpture’s eye during a particularly frustrating season of my life. Fortunately, for that ministry and I, God graciously spoke to me through some interest I had in bonsai trees. I realized that though bonsai trees are works of art and beautiful to its artist and caregiver, they are of no real use. They don’t provide shade, much fruit, wood for burning, or a place of rest. But, take that same bonsai tree, plant it in fertile ground, and it will naturally grow the way God intended. It will become a great resource to its environment. Churches, outreaches, centers, and ministry departments operate in somewhat the same nature. They will grow the way God intended if we spend more time caring for them than trying to sculpt them. God will continue to give vision and creativity, allowing it to flourish and impact its environment. I don’t have to worry about making it perfect if I am trying to keep it healthy. God will provide the necessary workers, funds, and resources if I am willing to stick with His vision and purpose.
Through my lesson I have learned to often ask myself, “Am I sculpting or caring?”
1 comment:
I think that's a very important concept to grasp. At times leaders are so preoccupied with obtaining the perfect ministry instead of the most effective ministry. The most effective ministry is one where the workers are excited about what they are doing and are growing in Christ as well as reaching out to others. Accepting people's imperfections and allowing them to minister even if they don't quite do it the way I prefer is part of helping them develop into effective leaders. Of course that also means transplanting workers to other areas of ministry and even pruning when needed, which can be a painful process.
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