Do It Your Way!

My first ministry after seminary was in resort missions in Orlando, FL. I was the resort missionary for the Greater Orlando Baptist Association. Prior to my arrival in Orlando, my expectations for the position were that I would help the churches in the area "Do the Ministry" in the resort setting. I learned all I could about the area and the attractions, the churches I would be working with, and I prayed for ways to reach the millions of people that work and visit the resort area each year.

Upon arrival, I was given a copy of a three-strategy plan including goals and action plans. It had been developed earlier in the year to guide the association in all of its ministry. As I read the part

on resort missions, I soon discovered the expectations I had were completely different to the plans. Working the plan was difficult for because I felt God had laid on my heart a totally different direction of working through the churches rather than me doing all the work. I was frustrated and discouraged that I was not allowed to be the person God had wired me to be and do the ministry He called me to do.

As I moved into other areas of ministry primarily that of pastoring, I have found that many times a difference in expectations can create conflict. Whether it was deacons, church members or a sponsoring church, expectations I had and what others had would often conflict. I knew what God had called me to do in each ministry position, yet others felt they knew more t

han God did when it came to what I should do.

As a church revitalizer you will be met with many expectations as you seek to move your church forward. There will be those who do not want to change and are happy with the status quo. Others want to make major changes and push you to do so. Then there are others that just want to see the church get healthy and grow. It is easy to give into one of these groups, but if God has called you to revitalize the church, follow His direction. Expect some conflict but being true to your calling is important. It is my belief that God calls every believer to a ministry. Tom Cheyney has said, “Among the pastors I know in my Southern Baptist family, most all of them share a true sense of a divine invitation to ministry that led them to pursue pastoral ministry as a vocation."[1]

The Holy Spirit has gifted you, church revitalizer, for ministry through your spiritual gifts, experiences, passion, and abilities. He placed you within the church to carry out the Great Commission and sometimes that includes changes to be made in

the church. You must remember what God has called you to do. Sam Rainer has it right when he says, “God calls church leaders to minister in a place.”[2]

Whether it is to full time pastorate, special ministry, or a missionary in your community, remember He placed you there for a purpose. Don’t let Satan discourage you. Keep your eyes on that “upward call in Christ Jesus.” Being obedient to Him is what matters the most.

You need to make the position yours and I would suggest you tactfully move in the direction you are called by God to do rather than just saying no to your “boss” or the church. It’s not a “My way or Highway” type of situation. That would not further the cause of Christ. Work with those you are responsible to showing them God’s call for you and the ministry. Discernment is called for when changing the direction of a ministry. Eventually, I followed my call from God and began to see Him work in some amazing ways.

[1] Cheyney, Tom. Your First 120 Days In Church Revitalization And Renewal (p. 45). Renovate Publishing Group. Kindle Edition [2] Rainer, Sam. The Church Revitalization Checklist: A Hopeful and Practical Guide for Leading Your Congregation to a Brighter Tomorrow (Church Answers Resources) (p. 97). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Kindle Edition.