photo by bubblewrap
Whether it’s the beginning of a calendar year or a school year, most of us make New Year’s Resolutions of some sort or another. Perhaps you’ve decided that this is the year to get in shape, get out of debt, go on weekly dates with your spouse, be more positive, or read your Bible a bit every day.
As you ponder which resolutions you want to make for 2009, I encourage you to include your ministry in the mix. In our Sunday morning children’s program this month, we will be learning Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for men.”
Since the time you spend ministering to kids, whether it’s directly or indirectly, falls under the category of “whatever you do,” why not engage in a little introspective thinking over the next few days to determine whether or not you’re working at your ministry with all your heart?
Here are a few questions you could use. Who knows, you just might discover a tip or two that will help you get even better at helping kids connect with God.
1. Do I pray regularly for this ministry?
2. Do I expect God to do amazing things in this ministry?
3. Am I interacting with God through Bible reading, reflection and prayer throughout the week?
4. Do I evaluate my ministry skills on a regular basis to identify things I’m doing well and things I could be doing better and then make concrete steps to get better?
5. Am I open to learning from others how to be a more effective leader and do I ask others for ideas?
6. Do I arrive early so I’m ready to greet kids when they arrive and/or so the program can start when scheduled?
7. Am I prepared before kids arrive?
8. Do I greet the kids with a big smile and show them I’m glad they came?
9. (For those who work directly with kids): Have I set spiritual goals for the kids I lead in the areas of social interaction, Bible literacy, prayer, and application and am I working toward those goals?
10. (For those who work directly with kids): Do I take the lessons we are presenting to kids to heart and ask God to change my life as I hear and/or teach them?
God is honored when we strive to get better at ministry, whether we’re a small group leader, greeter, nursery volunteer, storyteller, a one-on-one helper, praise team leader, tech person, attendance taker or director.
Don’t let another year of ministry pass you by without devoting a little more time and energy into getting better at whatever it is that God has called you to do. Choose one area. After you’ve made progress in that area and it has become a habit, focus on another area. Don’t make resolutions in many different areas at the same time. Instead, focus on one area, but keep changing. Twelve months from now, you’ll be able to look back and see that God has more of your heart and you are even better at what you do.
As for me, I’m starting with #2 — I’m going to expect God to do amazing things in and through our ministry this year and watch for Him to show up. What about you? What’s the first thing you’re going to do to make 2009 a better year of ministry than 2008? To share your resolution, click on the comment link.
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