Tag: multiply ministry
Day 3–Multiply by Mentoring!
Scripture reading for February 11: 2 Timothy 2:1-2 “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
It is a tried and tested truth that we learn best when the majority of our physical senses are allowed to participate. If we just listen to a speaker, it is not as effective as having the ability to see, hear, and then watch someone demonstrate what is being taught. It is better yet to do it for yourself under supervision. Communication is only eight percent words we hear, the rest is body language, tone of voice and spiritual perception. That’s why Jesus chose those He wanted to become disciples and invited them to be with Him. He taught them in various locations and settings. He taught them in various ways, from lecture to questions and answers, to visible demonstrations of healing and casting out demons, to allowing them to go out and apply what He had taught and modeled. When they returned, He would reinforce what they did right and correct their mistakes. (Luke 10:17-20)
Paul also learned from Jesus and taught others how to apply Scripture to life and ministry to reach lost and hurting people. As a young man, Timothy joined with Paul and became like his son. He listened to Paul teach and saw Paul minister to people. At the end of his ministry, Paul wrote this letter to his understudy. He reminded Timothy to be strengthened by grace, not religious rules or laws. He instructed him to find other men (and women) whom he would teach spiritual truths and Scripture. These, in turn, would also be able to teach others.
Multiplication of ministers and ministry through mentoring was used by Jewish rabbi’s, Jesus Christ and His followers to train new believers in applying God’s Word. First responders have also been applying the mentoring principle to train those entering this field. This develops healthy relationships and fosters teamwork.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the pattern of personal relationships You use to train new believers for growth and ministry. Thank You for those who You have used to mentor me over the years. It is my greatest blessing to offer myself to share the truths You teach with others who will also teach. Amen.
Handling sharp disagreements!
Scripture reading for May 26: Acts 15
“And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the Word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.” Acts 15:36-40
Being believers in church leadership does not mean everyone will always be in agreement. This passage records a ‘sharp’ disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, a young believer who had deserted them on their earlier missionary journey. (Acts 13:13) This disagreement resulted in Paul and Barnabas separating and two missions journeys instead of one. (Not a bad thing!) Prayer was made over both teams and they were sent out by the church.
What do we learn from this record of a sharp disagreement? First, each person has a different world view and level of faith from knowing God and His Word. God is working in each life through the Holy Spirit to bring unity and love between brothers. When we don’t see opportunities or problems in the same way, prayer is needed to seek God. Sometimes, peaceful separation for a time will bring clarity. God’s grace is always at work to accomplish His plan and purpose. Mark went with the encourager, Barnabas, and was restored to ministry, eventually writing the Gospel record that bears his name. Paul got to mentor another missionary, Silas, and multiplied ministry. Churches were encouraged and built up by both ministers and their mentors. It was a winning result that moved God’s kingdom forward.
Have you ever had a sharp disagreement with another in ministry or the church? How did God work this out for His good and your growth? Does this help you to think differently about handling disagreements? What do you learn about handling disagreements agreeably?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that You work out all thing for the good of those that love You. Please take our fleshly disagreements and different opinions and make something good come forth. Please correct my attitude and actions when needed towards those who disagree with me. Amen.