Two Questions on Ministry

[Meshavrischika]

1. My husband wants to start a ministry of sorts... He is a mechanic. He thinks there are so many disadvantaged people who cannot care for their vehicles and this sends them on a downward spiral (no car, no job, no home, no family, etc.) He would like to start a "mechanic" ministry providing services funded by donations from church/etc. We cannot fund this ourselves as we live hand to mouth most months. Do you think a church body would be receptive to funding this type of ministry? What do you think of this type of service?

2. I am musically inclined. I am worried however and do not participate in music ministry because I'm afraid of my pride (that I would do it for my glory and not God's). Thoughts on this?

Thanks!

 

[plmarquette]

Vehicles , one person at a time , as the Lord leads you ... can do work at cost , no labor or reduced cost 10 v's 18.00 / hr. ; do one a week , month ... ask your pastor / christian brethren ...

We do a weekly newsletter that started 4-5 years ago with 2 letters a week , now it is 60-80 / week , which 80-90% comes out of our pocket ... there is always time and money to get it done ... buy ink, paper, cards, stamps, envelopes ... start small , and as your faith grows , so too will your ministry...

Sister ... look at 1 peter 3.4 ... meek and humble .. if you are good and capable that is not pride , but a statement of fact .... can you submit to people in authority and their renditions of tunes ? then go for it , praise and worship invites God to church

 

[LogosPryme]

I am really shocked to actually see this. I was just thinking the other day how important transportation is to staying alive and being capable in our society and how this as well is a ministry of sorts.

Maybe it's just because I have experienced the issue myself that I know there are people out there that really need a hand in this area, whether it be volunteer mechanics, car donations, or a offering a ride to someone in need.

I would encourage this, of course with much prayer and guidance from above, and I will pray that you are provided with the means to meet people's needs in this way.

Be blessed!

 

[GeraldNC]

I love the mechanic ministry idea! I think that's a wonderful option. Speak with your pastor, etc, and see what they think.

As for #2, pray, read Scripture, and give God time to speak to your heart, and listen.

 

[Strong in Him]

2. I am musically inclined. I am worried however and do not participate in music ministry because I'm afraid of my pride (that I would do it for my glory and not God's). Thoughts on this?

If you are using a gift that he gave you, and using it wholeheartedly, the best you can, then you ARE using it for his glory. Of course we want to be the best that we can be for God, but you don't need to be perfect before you start serving him - just willing and available. It's not a sin to enjoy serving God and using the gifts you have. And there may be times when our motives are less than pure, but God loves it when we praise and worship him anyway.

I'd say pray about how you can best use your gift/get involved, and then go for it. It could be that someone else in the congregation will be inspired to get involved when you do.
I came from a large anglican church with a thriving music group, to a small Methodist church where there's just the organist. I still play my clarinet sometimes, but I miss the music group.

 

[pastorjimg]

The mechanic ministry: It's a great idea. DO IT. Talk to your pastor. If he won't and you live in Southern California- Orange County- I will be happy to look at funding for you to do this ministry at the church I am serving.

Jim

 

[PastorAminata]

Dear beloved,

When the Lord gives us a vision, we can do nothing else. The vision that your husband has is a wonderful one, "Mechanic Ministry" Praise God!

Know this, if God brings you to it, God will bring you through it. Don't let money hold you back, that's in your head, rather keep your eyes and heart focused on God where there is no lack.

The father knows our every need, God is faithful and now it's you and your husband's chance to be faithful to God.

Stand by your husband as his helper, encourager, supporter, always prayerful, always trusting and believing God and He will direct your path.

And oh since your standing anyway.... ask the Lord to remove that heavy burden from you, it's not money, naw too easy...... it your ego.... that thing will block a blessing everytime.... once you do... you too can begin to bring God Glory.

Your servant,

Pastor Aminata

 

[SoulFly51]

1. Sounds like a great idea.

2. I appreciate you being up front and honest. Perhaps you could share this with other mature Christians and ask them to hold you accountable?

 

[Sadpenguin]

I wouldn't even be able to express the joy I'd feel at a mechanics ministry.

 

[hopeinGod]

In my 20s, I was absolutely convinced the Christian group in which I was playing was headed in the definite direction of fulltime ministry. At one of the places where the Lord led us to lead worship, a representative for the Rhodesian chaplain corp insisted his country wanted to use us to lead worship in the bush, where the Rhodesian soldiers camped. They would helicopter us into the areas we were needed, and then out, not leaving us anywhere for too long.

We were excited about this awakening to our ministry. After all, we were getting great reviews from the fellowships that were already using us, and so we thought we were ready for a big step.

However, the female lead singer in our group, and me, began to like one another a lot, and spent lots of time together. The other two guys didn't like this, since they thought it would get our eyes off our calling. I'd never had a girlfriend prior to this, and was indeed stricken, and refused to set aside my first love.

Our disagreements grew so intense that we finally chose to disband, without ever getting to Africa.

Please be forewarned. If you are planning to do a solo ministry, it might work better. At the start, however, I believe it is best to have companions in the ministry working with you, to pray and seek the Lord, practice, choose material, etc.

As you know, routinely bands form and break up in the matter of a couple of years. I would suggest you spend time working out your repertoire and choosing the right band members before you think too far ahead. Establishing a stable unit is imperative if you want to be used by the Lord; otherwise, it will blow over after the first strong wind.

Don't be afraid of the big-headedness. There is far too much work to be done to be bogged down with that. Just keep heading forward and take it one day at a time.

BTW, today I play professionally at sipping socials, weddings, restaurants, and other light venues. The money can be better than what you'll find coming from many churches. I wish you the best.

Dave

 

[djsterf]

1. Yes, find some pastors in the area who are dreamers if you want church support.

2. Sometimes God develops us most when we serve Him in ministry. All you have to do is take the step to do the ministry in obedience to Him and His giftings in your life!

 

[importunity]

1. My husband wants to start a ministry of sorts... He is a mechanic. He thinks there are so many disadvantaged people who cannot care for their vehicles and this sends them on a downward spiral (no car, no job, no home, no family, etc.) He would like to start a "mechanic" ministry providing services funded by donations from church/etc. We cannot fund this ourselves as we live hand to mouth most months. Do you think a church body would be receptive to funding this type of ministry? What do you think of this type of service?

2. I am musically inclined. I am worried however and do not participate in music ministry because I'm afraid of my pride (that I would do it for my glory and not God's). Thoughts on this?

Thanks!

#1 Talking with your Pastor is a great idea, I would also ask that you talk with a financial accountant that does 501(c3) non-profit taxes for churches especially. I use Michael Chittwood of Chittwood and Chittwood out of Chattanooga TN. He does mainly Churches and ministers. The reason you should go to someone that deals especially with this is because of the tax laws. There are things that we can not do anymore that most churches don’t realize and if the IRS came in you can be in a whole lot of trouble. Churches do get audited but not like other ministries. When Bill Clinton was in office he initiated some tax laws through some representatives that affect giving. These laws also made it illegal for a pastor to be self employed, we used to be self employed and then paid self employment taxes. But it’s all different now. I would suggest surfing the web getting their # they have toll free one and asking them the legalities and what you need to do.

#2 Go for it, God gave you the gift, don't let you mind stop you.

Love in His Service,
Rick

 

[heavb30]

Good luck and ny God Bless you.