Ten Ministry Keys

HARRY WALLS taught TEN things from 1 THESSALONIANS that are important for effective service for Christ (teaching 70 men at a recent Kingdom Sports event).

1. Pray – constantly! 1 Thessalonians 1:2
   Phil. 1:4, Col. 1:3, a test of dependency
   He has picture of each student on phone as a prayer reminder.
   Bless them in prayer!  Use BLESS as acronym for prayer points:  B-Body – health, L-Labor – work, E-Emotions – well being, S-Social aspects, S-Spiritual growth

2. Be with them – 1 Thessalonians 2:7
   Luke 2:46, Jesus sat with them asking and listening.
   Go to where they are – not just be present but be engaged, focused
   Phone on??  Not distracted from them by a text or ding.

3. Gentle – 1 Thessalonians 2:7
   Not frustrated but kind. Not harsh, they are weak, cherish.
   Gentleness creates openness and openness causes trust which opens up sharing.
   Soft tongue, Prov 25:15.  Not raising voice, need margin – patience
   Be spiritual – how?  1. time with God alone, 2. see them with dignity – they special to God, 3. deal with issues early before frustrated, 4. if can’t be gentle – hand the issue to another
4. Pursue them Passionately – 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Fond, affectionate, longing for, yearning for.
   Like a parent seeking a missing child – be desperate for them!
   Want to be with them, sometimes love doesn’t require words.
5. Share life – 1 Thessalonians 2:8.  Engaged both spiritually AND personally.
   Impart the gospel AND your life – your hurts and cares
   Maybe not some private aspects, but do expose your life – your journey of grace
6. Sweat/Sacrifice – 1 Thessalonians 2:9.  Work hard!  Not take their money.
   Labor, invest in them at cost to you.
   A hardship for you – night and day serving fully free.
7. Be Honorable/Authentic – 1 Thessalonians 2:10.  Devout, Driven
   Be passionate for God:  1) be driven before men, 2) keep His commands – submit to Word, 3) have a good reputation in the world – blameless, faithful to do
8. Exhort/Challenge Convincingly – 1 Thessalonians 2:11.
   Call them to do, invite them to do what you do – pray, study, memorize
   Do life together – you are doing what you ask of them.
9. Comfort/Encourage – 1 Thessalonians 2:11.  Verbally and regularly encourage.
   Use words – told of a coach coming alongside when down saying, “I’m proud of you.”
   The power of words – “Don’t quit, don’t give up!”
10. Implore/Charge – 1 Thessalonians 2:11.  Porch time with wife Karen reading a passage.
    “Don’t use your cruise control.”  Persuade them!

And 2:12, “We exhorted each one of you…”  EACH ONE!

Each person is unique, personal – KNOW THEM!

Know their language – what touches them – a touch? words? gifts? time?

Use their language so to be able to effectively minister to them.

Serious time and attention to each one so to minister to each one!

The art of ministry is being deeply engaged with each person in one’s sphere of ministry in a personal, direct, and passionate way.  Successful ministry is costly and patient.

I write these thinking of how this applies to me and my service for Jesus and among you.  May I do better in all Ten that God might be doing great things in all of us!