Looking through my phone notes, I found these ideas I wanted to remember from conversations and interactions with ministry leaders around the country. Which ones inspire you to improve?

Love Your Job

There is a big difference between someone who loves his or her job and someone who is just doing it. I had a series of connections with people who seemed to genuinely love their ministry jobs. They faced challenges, long hours, and frustrations, but it was obvious that they loved the people, missions, and ministries. Taking our jobs seriously and truly loving the work we are privileged to do changes the outcome. For example, Lisa seemed giddy and bubbly as she talked about what she gets to do on a daily basis. Serving with her in ministry brought joy. Her passion radiated as she interacted with our team and others in her community.

Be Bold in Faith

I am inspired by seeing boldness in faith. As the culture shifts to a more un-Christian state every day, believers need to know what they believe. Rock-solid belief will create boldness in young ministry leaders. We have nothing to lose as we share the Gospel with people in powerful ways. We must be bold.

Pray for Supernatural Focus

Success in ministry comes from focusing on the important things each day. When you stack day after day of focused faithfulness, you eventually have a ministry that is reaching people for Christ in amazing ways. No matter where you are in the process, leave a legacy of focusing on the important things. We need to desperately pray for God’s guidance as we invest the hours we’ve been given each day.

Listen to podcast episode #108

Growth Can’t Be the Goal

Recently, I’ve participated in ministries where the leadership didn’t speak of growth. They spoke of changed lives, reaching people, reaching out, giving, leading, and serving – all of which were producing growth. Reaching out was the goal and growth was the byproduct.

Attract Young Adults Through Mission and Service

Creating opportunities for serving in ministry and mission is the single best way to invite young adults into the church. Millennials want to be involved in a hands-on way. They want to share God’s love in their local communities. They want their money to go toward something tangible. We need to provide ways for them to engage in making a difference where they are.

We’re Not Yet Who God Wants Us to Be

I read Altar Ego by Craig Goreschel. The premise of the book is that we are not yet who God wants us to be. That’s good news for ministry leaders. We are still growing, and being shaped and molded. Everything that has happened to you up to this point in your life may be preparing you for a future challenge far greater than you can imagine. Don’t lose heart.