Is the ministry I am involved with for my kingdom or God’s kingdom?
This was one of the main questions asked at a recent church planting conference. It is an important question to answer. If there is a pause in responding to it, there may be some misplaced motives in ministry endeavors. On the other hand, leading a ministry is tricky.
God’s kingdom has all of the power you and I need. We don’t–not on our own nor all of us together. We don’t have the power to do ministry. This may seem obvious to the average ministry leader, but our sporadic independent actions and thoughts would say otherwise. A great ministry to be part of is one where you and I realize we cannot do anything that will last forever unless God leads it and us.
God’s kingdom has all of the resources you and I need. Scripture tells us that God created the universe. He sustains it alone and its infinitude should remind us how finite we are. Yes, God chooses whom to work through. Yes, God provides. All of this reminds me that I am nothing without him and I do not have much to offer. However, if I serve and honor his kingdom instead of mine, I have all of the resources he deems necessary for accomplishing his will–his kingdom on earth and in heaven. That’s strength, workers, money, etc. You name it–God’s got it!
God’s kingdom has all of the wisdom you and I need. In fact, this is something we can directly ask for and God will give it without holding any of his wisdom back. Amazing, isn’t it? When leading a ministry, others may think you have it all together. You might trust the initials in front of or behind our name. Others will place their trust in your track record. However, there is only one know-it-all and it’s not me, it’s not you. It’s God. The minute we think we have all of the answers is the minute we are in big trouble.
Don’t be fooled. Only God has a kingdom, whether you and I think we do or not. And we are to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Amen!
Dr. Jim Dunn is executive director for Church Multiplication and Discipleship for The Wesleyan Church.
