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The Business of Ministry

Those of us whose ministry is also our job have an ongoing challenge.

There is a certain amount of work and business that has to be addressed. How much can we spend on something worthwhile versus how much we will make on it? Should we speak at some small venues that can’t pay much or only at the big ones? Do we write what will sell or what God lays on our hearts? How much time should we spend on mission projects that actually cost money and pay nothing, versus engagements that pay the bills? Do we nurture relationships simply to be a blessing, or do we focus on the ones that will be advantageous?

Yuck. The business of ministry raises uncomfortable questions. When does it stop being ministry and become business?

Where and when do we cross that line? 

When I let someone pressure me into something God has not told me to do.

When I consider the money before I seek God’s guidance. 

When I approach a project without praying and immersing myself in His Word first.

When what I want to say becomes more important than what God wants me to say.

When I care more about how it will benefit me than how it will benefit others. 

When I respond unkindly.   

When I see people as “in the way.”       

Most of us are well-intentioned and sincere. We love God, love people and want to give. But selfishness is a subtle, silent stalker. It creeps up on us and little by little, corrupts our motives. 

Consider the following quote from a commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:3: 

“If I can write articles or publish books that win applause, but fail to transcribe the Word of the Cross into the language of His love, I am nothing.” 

Ministry is supposed to be about loving and serving. If those aren't our bottom line, we have compromised our spiritual integrity.

“Oh God, keep us humble. Keep us grateful. Keep us honest. And above all, keep us surrendered. Amen.”

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  • February 27, 2012
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Comments

nita
On 02/27/2012

Great reminder, even for those of us not directly in ministry. Great reminder that my words, even when they are educational on a different level need to be loving, caring, and serving. Thanks. Quilted blessings.

Lyn
On 02/27/2012

You’re right, Nita, the principles are true for all of us, regardless of what our actual work is. Thank you!

Leslie
On 02/27/2012

Well said Lyn.  This article is a blessing to me.

Bruce Welton
On 02/27/2012

Thanks for this post, Lyn. 

It raises some good questions I have struggled with for much of my adult life- how to reconcile ambition and the striving for business success with Christ’s counter suggestion that we seek His kingdom and righteousness through cooperation and service. 

So many churches today assume a business model of ministry, equating statistical successes with spiritual significance, all the while failing to fully administer and model the humility, grace, and servanthood Christ asked His followers to develop in their lives.

You remind us here that we must be careful to not let cultural measures of significance spill over into the spiritual realm. 

God’s economy is not like our worldly economy, where resources are finite and limited.  If faith guides our interests in service, with His glory as the goal, we soon discover that our “business-mindedness” confounds His grace and the work He wants to do through us as He seeks to work in us.  If we squeeze faith and cooperation with Him out of our efforts within the Body, we are simply serving ourselves, and missing His moving.  We are marginalizing His grace and the guidance of His Spirit.

I think a ministry becomes a business when it becomes more focused on progress and programs and prosperity than it is about repentance and restoration and relationships- or, when the gospel becomes a marketed good, instead of the power of God.

Trish Adams
On 02/27/2012

All I can say is yes, yes, and yes!!!  Great post! Thank you for your time, commitment, and submission to the Holy Spirit!  Cyber Hugs to you my friend!

Lyn
On 02/27/2012

Bruce, great comments! Yes, God’s economy is not ours. He measures things so differently than we often do. May we have His mind and heart to make the greatest kingdom impact we can make. 

Trish, thank you sweet friend. Hugs back at ya!


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Lyn is an outstanding Christian speaker.  She has the ability to truly encourage people in their faith and motivate them to want to grow spiritually. She has the uncanny ability of making her audience feel that she is speaking directly to them.

 

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Calvary Temple Church

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