Ministry Model

Stop and think for a moment. What has most influenced my model of ministry? Many of us don’t even realize we have a model. Can you identify it? Who shaped it? A pastor? A co-worker? An industry? A speaker at a conference? An author? A friend? A podcaster?

How do you decide what to do when you face a wall?
What rhythm do you embrace in spiritual disciplines?
What percentage of your energy is invested outward?
What weight do you allow your soul to carry for outcomes?
What sets your priorities with the so-called demands of ministry?
What’s your go-to or source when you need a miracle?

These questions help reveal your model for ministry and your beliefs about “how things should be done.”

As I look to Jesus as my desired model for ministry, I’m struck by a couple of highlights.

Light

One of my favorite quotes goes something like this: For being the actual Messiah, Jesus didn’t seem to have a Messiah Complex. Meaning that if I imagine Jesus’ actual job description, His Key Performance Indicators, His win, “saving the world” seems pretty weighty. But He didn’t seem “obsessed” and “weighed down” by it. He was resolute, passionate, and deliberate. But not “overwhelmed” by it.

Perspective

One thing that fueled His ministry was His perspective of who God is and His settledness in who He was. We’ve all met (and at times been) people who are “grasping” to become something. Unlike Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. (Philippians 2:6) When we have a proper view of God and a proper view of ourselves, we will attempt great things for God without trying to get a little for ourselves or become something through it. We do it because He’s worthy of it.

Dependent

I express my dependence on God and maintain that state by…what? How can I know I’m not living and ministering in my strength? What proof do I have that I depend on God? How do I know I’m trusting in God? Am I trusting in, relying on, and confident in Him? Jesus has such a solid track record of praying recorded in the Scriptures. He continually expressed that dependence by investing time speaking with His Father.

Hidden Friendship

But when we read over and over that Jesus left everyone and met with His Father, He wasn’t just “getting a good set list or sermon for Sunday.” He longed to have fellowship with His Father. As part of the Trinity, He couldn’t wait to spend uninterrupted time together. Relationship seemed to be the point, not what He could get out of it.

So today, come to Him. Learn from Him. Take His yoke (His tool for work).

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Sit with the Master for a few minutes and let Him shape your ministry model.

-Dave Helmuth
Author of the Five Faders and Founder of Ad Lib Music

Ministry Model (Nº 457)