How Do I Stay “Fresh” In Ministry?

Though Webster’s dictionary has several references to the word fresh, the one that stands out for me is:

Fresh – with restored energy.

 

I think many of us enter urban ministry with energy and excitement only to find ourselves (after a few months) wondering if God has truly called us to the assignment at hand.  In light of that thought, I would like to dig deeply and ask you a few hard questions:

Question 1: How are you doing?

I know this is a loaded question, but really how are you doing?  Are you giving out more than taking in?  There is no way we can sustain our ministry or deliver what God has entrusted to us by solely giving out without any efforts or plan for replenishing ourselves.

Question 2: Are you doing too much?

Again, a loaded question, but are you so busy that you have forgotten the enjoyment of simply being in His presence?

I love Luke 10: 38-42.  It’s a familiar passage, but instead of reading it for a message, let’s actually meditate on it:

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”    ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

We can learn three things from this passage on staying “fresh.”
Jesus is ever-present.  As He made his presence known by showing up at the home of Mary and Martha, I believe he desires to display his presence in our lives.  As leaders, are we being refreshed consistently enough to be aware when He is showing up on our behalf?

Question: What are some issues for which you need to depend on Jesus?

Are you listening to what Jesus is saying to you?

Yes, listening! Often as leaders we tend to do more talking than listening. Jesus doesn’t want us to only talk to him but to also listen. Listening is an action that requires us to be still. We cannot stay fresh if we’re not obedient enough to slow down and listen to His voice.

Question: When is the last time you just sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him?

Are you choosing the better as opposed to that which is good?

Many of us are just like Mary in the sense that we’re always doing something.  Just as Jesus challenged Mary to focus on Him, we must do likewise if are to stay fresh in the areas He’s called us.

Question: Are you busy doing the good things and crowding out the best things?