Video Transcript: Whose Ministry Is This Anyway?

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Who's Ministry Is This

Every ministry in the church belongs to God, it is HIS ministry and we are the hands and the body that accomplish God's direction and plan. He uses us to teach women His word, move them toward worship, direct them into community service, and as instruments of change by the example that we set. It's not our job to change a person, that is the Holy Spirit's job. It is not our job to save a person, that is Jesus' job.

We serve in ministry FOR God.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

We work in HIS strength and HIS power.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

We share HIS word, not our opinions.

Psalm 119:160 The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.

Women's ministry belongs to God, and we are merely those who are executing His directions. We need to know the God we serve. We know Him through His word, our prayer life, and in our fellowship with other believers.

When we complain about the direction of our ministry service, we are complaining about the one who leads the ministry, God. Why? Because, usually, we are not getting our way.

One thing my husband reminds me of often: What is important to God will get done. As we plan out the ministry, we may have what seems like great ideas to us, even godly and noble plans. But, if that is not what God wants us to focus on at the moment, God will shut it down. It may be temporary or even permanent, but that is up to God. A particular task or event may be destined for someone else to handle, not for you. God may have another plan for you and your work in the ministry.

His will is always accomplished, in His timing, and by those He calls to do the work, because (Luke 1:37) nothing is impossible with God.

When we recognize this, we can shift our attitudes when our wants, desires, and agendas are pushed aside. We can accept that whatever it was we wanted, there was something more important that needed to be done. Instead of complaining about not getting our way, we can focus on the privilege to be used by God for something even mightier.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or questioning that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

As a leader, we set the tone for the rest of the team. When they see us handle our own disappointments with grace and excitement for what is to come, they learn to do likewise. When we show them that we put God and the gospel at the center the ministry, above our own ideas, we are teaching them to do the same in their own personal lives.

Colossians 3:17 And, whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him.

Leaders set an example for the team; the team sets an example for the women in the church, and the women in the church set an example for those in their homes and communities]. Our work in ministry ripples out, and we must make sure that everything we are doing is in alignment with God's calling. Proverbs 16:3 reads: Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. When we are focused on God's direction for the ministry, His plans become our plans, and committing to his plans will always be fruitful. To do, we must understand what his plans are. We must ask God in prayer to reveal it to us. We must work with our pastors to support their calling on the church and be women of wisdom.

As we become intimate with His word and commands for our life, His call to the ministry, and working toward His goals over our own, others see in us something they want to be a part of. It is important that our wisdom comes from Him and is used for His purposes.

Ephesians 5:15-17 Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

How do we know His will? By asking Him!

Psalm 119:66 Teach me good knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.

As God imparts His wisdom and knowledge to us, we can begin to facilitate His ministry in a way that is good and pleasing to Him. We will bear fruit, and bring women to the cross. Then we allow God to work in their lives, hearts, minds, and spirit.

Psalm 90:17 Let the beauty and delightfulness of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands.

His glory. Always. Forever. In all things!