I remember as a kid, all I wanted to do was to be independent. I said to my mom, “No help. I do,” as I pushed her hand aside and proceeded to pour my own milk – right onto the floor. The need to be self-sufficient is brought on from an early age. Unfortunately, it can continue well into adulthood.
Pastors and ministry leaders often find themselves with a similar attitude – I can do it myself. They see the offer to help as an inditement of their own abilities and calling; this couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead of seeking help, asking for help or even welcoming help, they avoid anyone who would offer help and choose to go it alone.
Ministry was never meant to be done alone.
From the early days in Jesus’ example to the early church, you’ll read the stories of ministry in collaboration and partnership. Ministers joined forces and faith to see great things accomplished. Where one lacked, the other contributed and so on. Jesus Himself chose to do ministry in teams. These disciples would have had input into Jesus’ life and ministry.
Never forget that the task is too great for you to accomplish on your own. Here’s how you can go farther together:
Get into coaching. Find an ABNWT coach that can help you develop your skills and abilities. They see things you can’t see because you’re too close to the project. Coaches will help you improve on the God-given abilities you have and refine the ministry goals and objectives given to you by the Holy Spirit.
Join a cohort. All across the ABNWT, cohorts gather to connect, share and encourage one another. A cohort is a great way to glean from others and share with others. Your ministry will increase naturally simply by being with other ministers who are facing things similar to yours. If you’re not in a cohort, get in one.
Sign up for a church or ministry consultation. The Discovery Weekend or Acts 2 Journey (email for more info) are two great tools that help churches and ministries collaboratively seek their next. These consultations work WITH the church to develop a tailored and contextualized plan for effective ministry in the next 18 months. If you did one of these more than three years ago, it’s time to do another one. Regular church/ministry consultations keep the foot on the gas for effectiveness when the natural rhythms could be to slow down and drift.
Your ABNWT District Resource Centre has shifted its entire ministry to be your resource as you seek to reach the 4.4 million souls in our region. There is nothing we won’t come beside you for as you walk out the calling of God on your life and ministry in this season. Visit www.abnwt.com to connect with us.
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.