Has God called you to the work of the ministry, such as preaching, teaching or church leadership? All of us should want to succeed in what we do for the Lord. So, what is the key to success in Christian ministry?
Some may say that’s an irrelevant question. They believe success in Christian ministry is a given if in fact we are doing what God has called us to do. In other words, the key to success in ministry, they say, is simply to make sure you are doing the will of God.
Well then, why is it that some of us are serving God the same way, but we are realizing substantially different degrees of success in ministry? Based on the reasoning in the previous paragraph, does that suggest that some of us are not properly aligned with God’s will for our life?
I am sure that’s the problem at times. But there must be more to it than that. Some of us know of the local pastor who started a local church, and three years later it became a mega church. Meanwhile, many of the other local churches in the community were struggling to stay open.
Why in heaven is that? Is it simply the superior ability of the leaders of that particular ministry? I think not. To speak to that question, let me share three important ingredients for success in ministry.
1. God’s Grace
Two people may have the same calling, but that does not mean their ministry results will be same. That is true even if the two do all the exact same things.
This mystery is called the grace of God. That’s why it amazes me that when a church leader has been blessed to build a thriving ministry, he writes book about how to build a thriving ministry, and he hosts church growth conferences as if he has all the answers.
Of course, we can learn from the success of others. But doing what worked for others is no guarantee it will for you. The grace God bestows upon us for ministry differs. As Paul the apostle wrote concerning himself, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15:10, KJV).
2. God’s Timing
Though we may be serving God in accordance with His will, there is a right time associated with ministry. In fact, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV). It is God who determines when we should go forth with the work He has called us to do. Some ministries require more time than others do. Some people require more time than others do.
For instance, I know a couple of young preachers who implemented fast-track schemes to get a pastorate much sooner than they had been properly prepared to do so. Their haste was telling in the work they did. We are most effective when we stay in step with the Lord.
The one who runs best is not the one who runs the fastest but the one who runs in accordance with God’s timing for his ministry.
3. Personal Stewardship
We have gifts differing according to the grace that has been given us (Romans 12:6). But our stewardship or the lack of it will have serious bearing on our success in Chrisitian ministry or the lack thereof.
All other things being equal, it is our personal stewardship that determines what becomes of the ministry gift God has given us. So, Paul advised Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB). This is good advice for all who have been called to preach and/or teach the Word of God.
Serving God requires faithfulness and diligence. He will never bless slothfulness. It has no legitimate place in His Kingdom.
Your Success versus Others’
News flash! We serve a God of amazing diversity. Accordingly, you should avoid comparing yourself with someone else. You were born an original. Don’t serve God as a copy of someone else. What may be regarded as success in Christian ministry for one person may not be for another person—in the eyes of God.
He has called you with a holy calling, not according to your works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given you in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9, KJV).
Copyright © 2024 by Frank King. All rights reserved.