With that out of the way, let me give you the first key to ministry. The data I have collected via personal interviews indicates that those who have served for more than a decade in the same ministry role, showing a higher than average degree of joy and effectiveness in ministry, began by recognizing a need in the church. The concept of need recognition comes up constantly in the interviews. In general, I can state that people who are enjoying ministry recognized a need and discerned the leading of the Holy Spirit to fulfill that need.
Our world and our church has no absence of needs. Every ministry area in my church could use more volunteers. When I think about the needs of our community, the array of opportunities is almost as numerous as our town's population. God has not called me to fulfill every need. Yet, through my spiritual gift, He is leading me to the part that I am to faithfully play.
Over 75% of the interviewed participants (that met a stringent criteria) have indicated (without prompting) that they saw a need and sensed God's leading. My pondering for today is this: How can church leaders foster a culture within the congregation that will increase the ability of the members to recognize a need?
Check back each day this week as I unveil more keys to ministry and questions to ponder.
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