ministry

My Family, My Ministry

Frank

One common piece of advice from the Writer’s Conference I attended a couple weeks ago was to start small- if you don’t know if you have a full book in you, start with articles and work your way up. If anything, those articles can be compiled into the book you’re planning. It sounded like good advice, especially since the magnitude of a book intimidates the heck out of me. So I dropped by my local Family Christian a week or so ago and picked up some magazines that fit my interest to browse the by-lines of authors and see what I’m up against. Of course, nearly all the freelanced articles were by established authors, and the ones that weren’t were by professors of theology or divinity at some well-known seminary or foundation or led some well-known megachurch. Ok, so now the book is less intimidating that writing an article.

But I’m keeping that option open. At the very least, these magazines fit the theme of what I want to write about and what I write about here, so they’re an additional resource to myself and my ministry.

Oh yeah, my ministry. I’ve posted multiple times about this, and the resulting conviction each time has been the same: I have a ministry. Let’s see, I lead a small group, teach Sunday School to 3rd graders on a rotation, mentor a teen, and I’m president of our board, not to mention maintain this blog which I whole-heartedly consider to be part of my ministry. What more could I possibly add? What each of these have in common, and what ties in with the beginning of this post, is how I approach my ministry. I’m a sponge of information and I take that information through a spiritual filter and pass it on to each of the ministries listed above. That’s what I do and that’s what I’m good at. So at the very least, that’s what I’ll continue to do.

But there’s a ministry I left off from the above list, that Pastor Peter kindly reminded me of, and that’s my family. Regrettably I don’t often consider my family a ministry. Maybe it’s been drilled in my head one too many times not to use my family as an excuse to not participate in another ministry. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, “I can’t serve in ___ because my family has ___.” I do however consider my family to be my primary responsibility, and I’ll gladly sacrifice my participation in any other activity for the sake of my family. In fact, that’s the only reason I have time right now to sit down and type this.

But “responsibility” isn’t the right word. Responsibility comes with obligation, and obligation comes with pressure, and pressure comes with stress. Ministry however, while challenging, should always bring joy. (Of course, if we’re not relying on God, that joy quickly turns to stress.) I’ve been reminded several times lately not to neglect my family as a ministry. First by the great preaching by Chip Ingram at Living on the Edge, who shared lessons on fatherhood last week. I’ve heard these lessons before, but I was reminded of the role of Abraham to his family- that he was both prophet and priest. There weren’t yet any synagogues, the temple was still generations off, even the Levite priests were a couple generations away. So he had to both bring the word of God to his family and intercede to God on their behalf. How much have I shared the word of God with them as eagerly as I’ve written about it online? How often do I get on my knees before God for my family? Most recently I was reminded this morning (thanks Rodney!) when he read this from the 8th Psalm, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (Ps 8:2ff). How often have I given in to my own stress and frustration as my children are screaming and hollering in the background? How easy I forget that my children are “a reward from Him.” (Ps 127:3b)

But I was also reminded by the magazines I pulled off the shelf and have been reading lately. (See, I was going somewhere with all of this) In both the issues of Discipleship Journal and Relevant, the opening editorials described how each editor was burned out by their personal ministry. Not only did this affect their own relationship with God, but in the case of Cameron Strang, editor of Relevant Magazine, it also affected his family.

So what have I learned from all of this? First, is that my ministry already exists. Second, I need to include my family in my ministry. Not only that, but my family needs to be my primary ministry. And finally, to stay rooted in God so that my ministry does not become a source of stress, but rather remains to be a source of joy.

My Family, My Ministry

Frank

One common piece of advice from the Writer’s Conference I attended a couple weeks ago was to start small- if you don’t know if you have a full book in you, start with articles and work your way up. If anything, those articles can be compiled into the book you’re planning. It sounded like good advice, especially since the magnitude of a book intimidates the heck out of me. So I dropped by my local Family Christian a week or so ago and picked up some magazines that fit my interest to browse the by-lines of authors and see what I’m up against. Of course, nearly all the freelanced articles were by established authors, and the ones that weren’t were by professors of theology or divinity at some well-known seminary or foundation or led some well-known megachurch. Ok, so now the book is less intimidating that writing an article.

But I’m keeping that option open. At the very least, these magazines fit the theme of what I want to write about and what I write about here, so they’re an additional resource to myself and my ministry.

Oh yeah, my ministry. I’ve posted multiple times about this, and the resulting conviction each time has been the same: I have a ministry. Let’s see, I lead a small group, teach Sunday School to 3rd graders on a rotation, mentor a teen, and I’m president of our board, not to mention maintain this blog which I whole-heartedly consider to be part of my ministry. What more could I possibly add? What each of these have in common, and what ties in with the beginning of this post, is how I approach my ministry. I’m a sponge of information and I take that information through a spiritual filter and pass it on to each of the ministries listed above. That’s what I do and that’s what I’m good at. So at the very least, that’s what I’ll continue to do.

But there’s a ministry I left off from the above list, that Pastor Peter kindly reminded me of, and that’s my family. Regrettably I don’t often consider my family a ministry. Maybe it’s been drilled in my head one too many times not to use my family as an excuse to not participate in another ministry. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, “I can’t serve in ___ because my family has ___.” I do however consider my family to be my primary responsibility, and I’ll gladly sacrifice my participation in any other activity for the sake of my family. In fact, that’s the only reason I have time right now to sit down and type this.

But “responsibility” isn’t the right word. Responsibility comes with obligation, and obligation comes with pressure, and pressure comes with stress. Ministry however, while challenging, should always bring joy. (Of course, if we’re not relying on God, that joy quickly turns to stress.) I’ve been reminded several times lately not to neglect my family as a ministry. First by the great preaching by Chip Ingram at Living on the Edge, who shared lessons on fatherhood last week. I’ve heard these lessons before, but I was reminded of the role of Abraham to his family- that he was both prophet and priest. There weren’t yet any synagogues, the temple was still generations off, even the Levite priests were a couple generations away. So he had to both bring the word of God to his family and intercede to God on their behalf. How much have I shared the word of God with them as eagerly as I’ve written about it online? How often do I get on my knees before God for my family? Most recently I was reminded this morning (thanks Rodney!) when he read this from the 8th Psalm, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (Ps 8:2ff). How often have I given in to my own stress and frustration as my children are screaming and hollering in the background? How easy I forget that my children are “a reward from Him.” (Ps 127:3b)

But I was also reminded by the magazines I pulled off the shelf and have been reading lately. (See, I was going somewhere with all of this) In both the issues of Discipleship Journal and Relevant, the opening editorials described how each editor was burned out by their personal ministry. Not only did this affect their own relationship with God, but in the case of Cameron Strang, editor of Relevant Magazine, it also affected his family.

So what have I learned from all of this? First, is that my ministry already exists. Second, I need to include my family in my ministry. Not only that, but my family needs to be my primary ministry. And finally, to stay rooted in God so that my ministry does not become a source of stress, but rather remains to be a source of joy.

A New Start: Social Networking

Frank

This is a new step for me. I’ve posted a couple of times about writing and pursuing a personal ministry. I’ve also been blogging since October 2006 (has it really been that long?) I’ve had visitors and comments from Italy, Canada and Australia as well as just about every state in the Union at one point or another. But after almost three years, I have four official followers. Four. And two are the same person, just different blogs.

So in an effort to expand this e-ministry, I’m now entering the Facebook and Twitter age. I’m also going to try and change my focus somewhat. The original intent of this blog was twofold. One, to confront the political culture-war that has taken over the Church head-on. And two, to share insight and resources with brothers and sisters in Christ who, as the consequence of a broken Church culture, have been isolated on a spiritual and cultural island. This second part has taken a backseat to the latest gotcha headline. And it’s that focus that I want to share via Facebook and Twitter (And eventually DT Space, but it’s time to put the kids to bed).

So stay tuned.

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:20)

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

A New Start: Social Networking

Frank

This is a new step for me. I’ve posted a couple of times about writing and pursuing a personal ministry. I’ve also been blogging since October 2006 (has it really been that long?) I’ve had visitors and comments from Italy, Canada and Australia as well as just about every state in the Union at one point or another. But after almost three years, I have four official followers. Four. And two are the same person, just different blogs.

So in an effort to expand this e-ministry, I’m now entering the Facebook and Twitter age. I’m also going to try and change my focus somewhat. The original intent of this blog was twofold. One, to confront the political culture-war that has taken over the Church head-on. And two, to share insight and resources with brothers and sisters in Christ who, as the consequence of a broken Church culture, have been isolated on a spiritual and cultural island. This second part has taken a backseat to the latest gotcha headline. And it’s that focus that I want to share via Facebook and Twitter (And eventually DT Space, but it’s time to put the kids to bed).

So stay tuned.

“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:20)

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

On Time God

Frank

Earlier I wrote about being called to a ministry. As I said, there are many issues on my heart. Besides the obstacle of fear, I also have to overcome the obstacle of my lifestyle. I look at something like “the one suitcase challenge” and I wonder how anyone could ever do that. I look at my own family, a wonderful wife with an engaging career, a son in preschool and a daughter in diapers, and I ask what do I possibly have time to do? I’ve been focusing on teaching by leading a small group at my church with the same theme as this blog. Is that enough? I don’t know.

I look at a coworker who leads missions work at his church. He travels to Russia once a year and to Mexico at least once a quarter. I see the joy it brings him (along with plenty of headaches) and am inspired to follow in his footsteps. Then I look at his family and his career and I contrast with my own. He has a fifteen year head start on me. He’s further along in his career and that has afforded him the flexibility in his schedule to do all that he does. He’s been married longer and his kids are older which has also helped him pursue his ministry.

I can look elsewhere and see the same thing. Those I admire are more mature, having learned from the school of hard knocks and many more years of in-depth Bible study. That’s not to stop me from doing anything now however. But I need to have realistic expectations.

So I look and I’m told in my heart to be patient.

On Time God

Frank

Earlier I wrote about being called to a ministry. As I said, there are many issues on my heart. Besides the obstacle of fear, I also have to overcome the obstacle of my lifestyle. I look at something like “the one suitcase challenge” and I wonder how anyone could ever do that. I look at my own family, a wonderful wife with an engaging career, a son in preschool and a daughter in diapers, and I ask what do I possibly have time to do? I’ve been focusing on teaching by leading a small group at my church with the same theme as this blog. Is that enough? I don’t know.

I look at a coworker who leads missions work at his church. He travels to Russia once a year and to Mexico at least once a quarter. I see the joy it brings him (along with plenty of headaches) and am inspired to follow in his footsteps. Then I look at his family and his career and I contrast with my own. He has a fifteen year head start on me. He’s further along in his career and that has afforded him the flexibility in his schedule to do all that he does. He’s been married longer and his kids are older which has also helped him pursue his ministry.

I can look elsewhere and see the same thing. Those I admire are more mature, having learned from the school of hard knocks and many more years of in-depth Bible study. That’s not to stop me from doing anything now however. But I need to have realistic expectations.

So I look and I’m told in my heart to be patient.

Building a Ministry

Frank

I’m sure you’ve been there before, listening to a sermon convinced it was directly solely at you. Or have someone tell you something that just happened to coincide with what you’ve been reading in your Quiet Times. Well this is the second time in just a few months that the Holy Spirit has penetrated my heart with the call to ministry. A few months ago, I was reading If You Want to Walk On Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat while a friend was independently encouraging me to not let my fears stand in the way of doing what God was calling me to. Now, I’m listening to a radio ministry telling me the same thing right after I attended the Antelope Valley Christian Writers Conference. The first time around, I didn’t know to what ministry I was being led. Missions, community outreach, and teaching were all on my heart. I reluctantly attended the writers conference this year after offering a great deal of verbal, prayerful, and even financial support to the brother who put it on. He has long been encouraging me to write but I have to admit my fear in doing so. This blog is somewhat cathartic in that sense; it is an outlet for this desire while honing the discipline I will need to write for real.

Ok, so I’m being called to write. But that doesn’t narrow down the ministry. I learned at the conference that there are 1200 (or was it 12,000? Either way!) different markets for Christian writing and avenues I never even considered. I have dozens of ideas in my head but I don’t know which can translate into a 300 page book or which would make a better 1000 word article. And even then, there are hundreds of publishers, magazines, journals, and websites to solicit to.

Another challenge I need to overcome is a sense of guilt I have in writing. I wrestled with this same guilt in writing this blog. I feel that I’m somewhat of a hypocrite writing about how things should be but not actively doing anything about it myself. Take for example my recent post referencing abortion. While what I wrote may be all fine and good, am I putting into practice what I’m preaching? There’s a saying, those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach. I think a better way of putting it would be those who can, do, and those who can’t, write. I don’t want to just write without action. Most of those I met last weekend participated in some ministry. Their writing was often an offshoot of that ministry, rather than the writing being the ministry. So I’m back to my original question: to what ministry am I being called? I have a lot of prayer, soul searching and advice seeking ahead of me. I welcome your prayers and feedback.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” (Jer 29:11)

“[God] determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:26)

Building a Ministry

Frank

I’m sure you’ve been there before, listening to a sermon convinced it was directly solely at you. Or have someone tell you something that just happened to coincide with what you’ve been reading in your Quiet Times. Well this is the second time in just a few months that the Holy Spirit has penetrated my heart with the call to ministry. A few months ago, I was reading If You Want to Walk On Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat while a friend was independently encouraging me to not let my fears stand in the way of doing what God was calling me to. Now, I’m listening to a radio ministry telling me the same thing right after I attended the Antelope Valley Christian Writers Conference. The first time around, I didn’t know to what ministry I was being led. Missions, community outreach, and teaching were all on my heart. I reluctantly attended the writers conference this year after offering a great deal of verbal, prayerful, and even financial support to the brother who put it on. He has long been encouraging me to write but I have to admit my fear in doing so. This blog is somewhat cathartic in that sense; it is an outlet for this desire while honing the discipline I will need to write for real.

Ok, so I’m being called to write. But that doesn’t narrow down the ministry. I learned at the conference that there are 1200 (or was it 12,000? Either way!) different markets for Christian writing and avenues I never even considered. I have dozens of ideas in my head but I don’t know which can translate into a 300 page book or which would make a better 1000 word article. And even then, there are hundreds of publishers, magazines, journals, and websites to solicit to.

Another challenge I need to overcome is a sense of guilt I have in writing. I wrestled with this same guilt in writing this blog. I feel that I’m somewhat of a hypocrite writing about how things should be but not actively doing anything about it myself. Take for example my recent post referencing abortion. While what I wrote may be all fine and good, am I putting into practice what I’m preaching? There’s a saying, those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach. I think a better way of putting it would be those who can, do, and those who can’t, write. I don’t want to just write without action. Most of those I met last weekend participated in some ministry. Their writing was often an offshoot of that ministry, rather than the writing being the ministry. So I’m back to my original question: to what ministry am I being called? I have a lot of prayer, soul searching and advice seeking ahead of me. I welcome your prayers and feedback.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” (Jer 29:11)

“[God] determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:26)

Now THAT’S Economic Stimulus!

Frank

A church in Texas has given a new purpose to the traditional collection plate. Instead of taking up an offering, they offered the plate to whomever needed it. In the past two months, they’ve given away a half-million dollars and this has inspired the congregation to be more generous than ever. Not only are they giving to congregants in need, but they’re also giving back to the community and spreading the wealth to missions. I love this quote from the pastor when questioned if he worried about being taken advantage of, “I told my church a couple weeks ago, if I’m not being taken advantage of, I’m not being like Jesus.”

This church is not alone in this either. The article doesn’t say, but they may have been inspired by the book The Kingdom Assignment and its continued ministry.

This is an inspiring story, and one I hope my own congregation can repeat in some fashion. In a time when so many are worried how they’re going to pay for their next meal or if they’ll still have a job in a week, this church is doing what churches should be doing: helping those in need and inspiring hope. It’s an example we should all consider.

On Sunday I shared for our contribution and related the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19. Considering the comfort we enjoy in this country and the religious freedom we have, I pointed out that giving sacrificially is likely the hardest thing we will ever do as Christians. Jesus told his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 19:23) Hope, from stories like this, make it that much easier.

Now THAT’S Economic Stimulus!

Frank

A church in Texas has given a new purpose to the traditional collection plate. Instead of taking up an offering, they offered the plate to whomever needed it. In the past two months, they’ve given away a half-million dollars and this has inspired the congregation to be more generous than ever. Not only are they giving to congregants in need, but they’re also giving back to the community and spreading the wealth to missions. I love this quote from the pastor when questioned if he worried about being taken advantage of, “I told my church a couple weeks ago, if I’m not being taken advantage of, I’m not being like Jesus.”

This church is not alone in this either. The article doesn’t say, but they may have been inspired by the book The Kingdom Assignment and its continued ministry.

This is an inspiring story, and one I hope my own congregation can repeat in some fashion. In a time when so many are worried how they’re going to pay for their next meal or if they’ll still have a job in a week, this church is doing what churches should be doing: helping those in need and inspiring hope. It’s an example we should all consider.

On Sunday I shared for our contribution and related the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19. Considering the comfort we enjoy in this country and the religious freedom we have, I pointed out that giving sacrificially is likely the hardest thing we will ever do as Christians. Jesus told his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 19:23) Hope, from stories like this, make it that much easier.