I am the type that always jumps into every ministry opportunity (and well all extra-curricular type things really) that come my way. I am currently involved in five ministries at my church. One of which is on a rotating basis with what was three other teachers. Now two have quit and the other is considering leaving. This would leave three options- get more teachers, which of course, may not happen; end the class and have the kids sit in with the adults, which isn't really ministering to their individual needs as kids; or do the class myself every Sunday morning. The problem is, I am also in kid's church every Wednesday and Sunday night. The Sunday night ministry however, may be ending simply because it has not generated enough interest. I am not sure what to do, because I want to teach this class full-time, but I am not sure that I would have the time to devote to lesson planning, and I also need time in with the adults having my own spiritual needs met. I have no idea what to do. Has anyone else every had a decision like this to make? How did you choose?
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CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
Need to make a choice.
- Thread starter Ms. McE
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PuppetTim
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I recently was in a similar situation and knew that I had to give something up. I was being stretched so thin, I wasn't able to do any of the things well. It affected me and those I minister to. All the things were good, involved ministry (most of them volunteer), and were things I liked. Choosing what to give up wasn't easy.
To make the choice, I did several things.
One thing you might consider thinking about is what quality will you be able to give to the teaching if you take this class full time. If you take the class full time, how will it impact your teaching in the other sessions?
Is God clearly leading you to take on the extra teaching or is it more your desire for the class to continue? I've found that when I've taken on extra classes out of my desire rather than God's clear direction, I wound up frustrated and even began to resent the class. In that situation, no one wins. The children didn't learn what they should, and I lost the joy of ministry.
Saying "no" to a ministry opportunity is ok. A couple of hours ago, I had to say "no" to an opportunity to minister to a group of children in a few weeks. It wasn't easy, but necessary. It won't do any good if a current ministry suffers because of an additional ministry I'm taking on.
I didn't plan to write this much, but I hope it helps.
To make the choice, I did several things.
- First, I took a look at the gifts and abilities God has given me and compared them to each of the things I was doing and looked for the one that least used those abilities.
- I also took a look at what I am passionate about. Asked the question, if I could only do 1 of these things, what would it be? If I could only do one more, what would it be? Which of these things am I least passionate about. That helped me to prioritize the ministries.
- Then I looked at effectiveness. Which one of these things am I least effective at? If I continue, will I become more effective or less effective? Is it fair to the others involved for me to stay in this ministry if I am not being as effective as I could or should be?
One thing you might consider thinking about is what quality will you be able to give to the teaching if you take this class full time. If you take the class full time, how will it impact your teaching in the other sessions?
Is God clearly leading you to take on the extra teaching or is it more your desire for the class to continue? I've found that when I've taken on extra classes out of my desire rather than God's clear direction, I wound up frustrated and even began to resent the class. In that situation, no one wins. The children didn't learn what they should, and I lost the joy of ministry.
Saying "no" to a ministry opportunity is ok. A couple of hours ago, I had to say "no" to an opportunity to minister to a group of children in a few weeks. It wasn't easy, but necessary. It won't do any good if a current ministry suffers because of an additional ministry I'm taking on.
I didn't plan to write this much, but I hope it helps.
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The key to being a dynamic minister and even a Christian in general is hearing God and knowing His heart and desire on everything. God speaks clearly and cares much about your life. I lead 5 ministries and run a full time business. I make my decisions on what I feel God is telling me and that alone. No counsel, advice, common sense etc should ever take the place of that. Because much of the church no longer believes that God speaks today, we have by default had to substitute hearing Him to hearing people alone as voices for Him. That doesn't even make sense if you think about it. Father, show my sister your perfect will in this.
Richest Blessings,
Pat Davis
Kidsministers.com
Richest Blessings,
Pat Davis
Kidsministers.com
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