What is ministry idolatry?
An idol is anything that replaces the one, true God in our lives. Normally, we think of idolatry as involving statues, bank accounts, or some type of material possession. But even our service to the Lord can become an idol. If we allow our work for the Lord to become more important than our fellowship…
How can I overcome ministry burnout?
The word burnout means “the reduction of a fuel or substance to nothing through use or combustion.” It can also mean “physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.” Both definitions are applicable when it comes to ministry burnout. Ministry can be all-consuming. A true spiritual ministry does not exist for the benefit of…
How can I know if I am being called to serve as a missionary?
In one sense, every Christian is a missionary (Matthew 28:19–20). Every believer is to share Christ with others. However, some receive a specific calling to serve in another context far from their present location. The Bible does not give a specific verse teaching us how to discover whether we are called as missionaries, but it…
How can I become a pastor?
There are a number of denominations that require specific training and certifications to become a pastor. In these cases, the pastor usually works for the denomination and reports directly to them. Other churches are “independent” and will usually choose a pastor by the consent of the congregation or some other local governing body. In this…
Why should a church have a small group ministry?
Small groups, life groups, cell groups, Bible studies—whatever you wish to call them—are an important part of many churches. Some churches wrap their entire identity and infrastructure around their small groups ministry. Others depend on small groups for growth. There is a growing trend that even uses an expanded small group model as a church-planting…
What does the Bible have to say about women missionaries?
First Timothy 2:11–12 declares, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.” This clearly precludes women from serving as teaching pastors over men. But how does it impact women serving as missionaries and/or evangelists? Does…
What are ways I could serve / be serving in the church?
According to the Bible, every Christian has been given at least one spiritual gift to use in service to the body of Christ. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one…
What opportunities are there for Christian service outside of the church?
Any service that reflects Jesus’ love is “Christian service.” From giving a cup of water (Mark 9:41) to dying for someone (John 15:13), there are as many types of Christian service as there are needs in the world. Very few involve activity within the four walls of the church. The Bible gives some specific examples…
What is pastoral care?
In its most general sense, pastoral care refers to the ministries/services usually performed by a pastor. Some denominations of the Christian faith use the phrase to refer to more specific aspects of a pastor’s ministry, such as counseling and visitation. The core idea of “pastoral care” is that pastors are to care. The word pastor…
What is the 10/40 Window?
The 10/40 Window is a geographical region believed to contain the highest concentration of unsaved, unreached people on the planet. This rectangular cross-section of the world map delineates the territories of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia roughly between latitude 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. The predominant religions of the densely…