If the biblical goal for every man is
to be a disciple-maker, then every man must be ministering to others.
What is the proper goal of a man’s ministry
to others?
o
Not attendance in an activity—but I
can seek to increase it.
o
Not solving everyone’s problems—but
sharing them is part of normal Christian community.
Proper goal is that people I minister
to are growing in their personal relationships with Christ (something I cannot
(and should not try to) directly control; although, I can first model it, then encourage
it and seek to facilitate it, and mostly pray for it).
What, then, are the parameters I
would use to identify such growth?
1.
Joy and discipline in personal time in Word and prayer (Ps 119:97, II
Tim 3:16-17)
Time
in Word should be producing both knowledge and insight.
2.
Awareness of His presence and conversation with Him (I Thess 5:17)
3.
Becoming Christ-like in relationships (John 13-34-35)
4.
Developing a servant heart (Mark 10:45, Phil 2:7, Mark 9:35)
5.
Control of the flesh through the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16)
6.
Identifying and dealing with idols (Ex 20:3)
Time and money
Indicators: Source of refreshment/ recharging
Thoughts/ fantasies/
“dreams”
7.
Sharing faith with unbelievers and encouraging Christians (Matt 4:19,
Heb 10: 24-25)
8.
Committed to a local church—using gifts
(Eph 2:21-22, Heb 10:24-25))
9.
Stepping out as leaders/ initiators
o
A faithful man (II Tim 2: 2)
o
Led by Spirit (Rom 8:14)
o
Of proven character (Rom 5: 3-5)
o
Loving in deed and truth (I John
3:18)
