For a few years, ministry planning hardly ever went a lot deeper than this: Do regardless of the Lord calls me to do. Nevertheless, as I’ve sought to reside, work, and serve sustainably lately, my strategy to ministry planning has matured. I want guard rails to permit me to be at my finest as I search to comply with the Lord’s course.
In 2024, I started working towards a Grasp’s Diploma via Redemption Seminary. One of many key facets of the primary graded course was understanding your particular person calling. That’s, how the Lord has uniquely referred to as you to satisfy the better calling we all share as believers. All through the method, I used to be in a position to summarize that calling this fashion:
To write down, educate, and inform tales with a purpose to interact these curious concerning the religion, encourage new believers, and equip Christians as they arrive alongside others.
This will not be a grand revelation, however it’s useful. It provides a framework for what—and the way—I select to have interaction with completely different alternatives. Due to that, I want to share a bit about my ministry plans for the yr forward. These are the methods I see the Lord persevering with to direct me, even when some are a bit amorphous. I’ll additionally share just a few methods you may assist, do you have to be inclined.
Writing
Writing continues to be a main focus in my ministry. I’m a Christian—Now What? might be two years outdated in 2025, and the Lord continues to make use of it in North America and past. I spent a lot of this yr writing a brand new guide that might be launched by Harvest Home Publishers (I’ll be sharing extra about that in a few months). And even now, I’m working via what may come subsequent.
However writing isn’t nearly books. I proceed to publish a brand new article right here each week, in addition to write for different retailers, together with The Gospel Coalition, Thomas Nelson Bibles, and Bible Gateway.
How will you assist?
- Keep tuned for particulars about what’s coming subsequent in early 2025. I believe you’re going to like it. (I do know I do.)
- Please share articles that encourage you with buddies through group chats, electronic mail, and social media.
- When you have not already bought a duplicate of I’m a Christian—Now What?, please think about doing so, particularly in case you are or know an grownup who’s new to the religion. (It could be a terrific guide for the 2 of you to work via collectively.)
- When you have learn the guide, please go away a score and/or quick overview on Amazon, Goodreads, or your most popular on-line retailer.
Multimedia endeavors
I had huge plans for 2024 to include extra video materials and resume podcasting on a constant foundation. Sadly, the occasions of the yr made that difficult. So, I held off. Nevertheless, this facet of what I do will play a extra vital function in my ministry in 2025, though not on the excessive frequency of some people.
How will you assist?
- Please subscribe to the YouTube channel
- Like and share the movies you discover useful
- Pray that I can produce significant content material in a sustainable means
Preaching and instructing
So far as church ministry is worried, and regardless of all of the chaos of this yr specifically, this yr was among the many better of my life. And that’s even with my church coming to an finish. All through the primary 3 quarters of 2024, I used to be preaching roughly as soon as a month at Refuge, which was a pleasure. It was arduous work however good work. And God was positively at work, in keeping with those that heard.
However with Refuge now not working, I actually don’t know what this a part of my ministry appears like, no less than within the quick time period. Long run, I’d love to have the ability to serve no matter church Emily and I name residence on this capability if the Lord offers the chance. For now, I’d like to serve church buildings needing pulpit provide in 2025—particularly these with pastors who don’t typically get a break.
How will you assist?
- If your church wants every week of pulpit provide in 2025, attain out and let’s speak.
- Please be praying together with me that the Lord would convey the best alternatives on the proper time.
Ministry plans with sustainability in thoughts
Fulfilling our callings—our ministry—means we have to know our calling, plan accordingly, and try for sustainability as we do. It’s not sensible to say sure to the whole lot, particularly if our circumstances dictate that we should always say no.
I needed to say no to lots of what I wished to do in 2024 as a result of circumstances required me to. In the long run, I fulfilled perhaps half of what I deliberate to do. And that’s okay. The purpose of a ministry plan isn’t about checking off objects on a listing or incomes benefit badges from Jesus as a result of that’s not the purpose of ministry. The purpose of ministry helps individuals know Jesus and develop to be like him. And that’s what I noticed occur in 2024.
What does this imply for my plans for 2025? Solely the Lord is aware of. However no matter occurs, I’m trusting that I’ll be capable to look again on subsequent yr the identical means I’ve this one, with thanksgiving and hope for the one which follows it.
Photograph by Alex Shute on Unsplash
