Happy 2020! A new decade has officially begun! Did you swing by the blog looking for an encouraging nugget of ministry wisdom to kickstart the new season of ministry? How about this: You are not enough. Such a great, encouraging statement coming into the new year, right?
I get it. You’re looking forward to a new year of impactful ministry, seeking to add a new tool to your ministry tool belt. That is a great goal and one I’d encourage you to keep pursuing, but I think it is also helpful going into the new year to re-center our focus on Jesus and make sure we are bringing Him to the forefront.
You are not enough. You were never meant to be.
None of us are winsome enough, wise enough, enough of a good communicator, friendly enough…and the list goes on, to turn a young adult’s heart to Jesus. Only God can do that, but He uses every bit of those good gifts He has given you along the way! Hone your gifts, add a new skill to your ministry library, but let’s also make sure we are increasing our dependency on Jesus to transform the lives of the young adults. As we are seeking out new ministry ideas, let’s also commit together to carve out some time to pray over our ministries and invite God to be the ultimate leader and power in our midst.
So, whether you are starting a new Bible study, teaching a sermon series through Romans, or planning a pizza party for the new semester, continue to make Jesus the Hero of your ministry. Point to Jesus, admit your faults, share your own struggles and questions, and show how the gospel is not only the answer for others but for you as well.
Maybe this wasn’t the exact piece of ministry wisdom you came looking for, but I hope you find great peace and freedom in handing over the ministry reigns to our true Hero and Leader. May we all experience the start to a great decade of ministry as we welcome Jesus to show up and transform the lives of those around us!
Bill Noe is the Collegiate Ministry Specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources. A former campus minister (and current collegiate ministry volunteer at church), Bill loves being a part of seeing college students grow in their walk with the Lord. Connect with Bill on Twitter.
