Ministry/Service

Introduction:

H: A large group of European pastors came to one of D. L. Moody’s Northfield Bible Conferences in Massachusetts in the late 1800s. Following the European custom of the time, each guest put his shoes outside his room to be cleaned by the hall servants overnight. But of course this was America and there were no hall servants.

A large group of European pastors came to one of D. L. Moody’s Northfield Bible Conferences in Massachusetts in the late 1800s. Following the European custom of the time, each guest put his shoes outside his room to be cleaned by the hall servants overnight. But of course this was America and there were no hall servants.

Walking the dormitory halls that night, Moody saw the shoes and determined not to embarrass his brothers. He mentioned the need to some ministerial students who were there, but met with only silence or pious excuses. Moody returned to the dorm, gathered up the shoes, and, alone in his room, the world’s only famous evangelist began to clean and polish the shoes. Only the unexpected arrival of a friend in the midst of the work revealed the secret.

Walking the dormitory halls that night, Moody saw the shoes and determined not to embarrass his brothers. He mentioned the need to some ministerial students who were there, but met with only silence or pious excuses. Moody returned to the dorm, gathered up the shoes, and, alone in his room, the world’s only famous evangelist began to clean and polish the shoes. Only the unexpected arrival of a friend in the midst of the work revealed the secret.

Christian serving is doing what God expects for His glory and for the good of others.

When the foreign visitors opened their doors the next morning, their shoes were shined. They never know by whom. Moody told no one, but his friend told a few people, and during the rest of the conference, different men volunteered to shine the shoes in secret. Perhaps the episode is a vital insight into why God used D. L. Moody as He did. He was a man with a servant’s heart and that was the basis of his true greatness.

When the foreign visitors opened their doors the next morning, their shoes were shined. They never know by whom. Moody told no one, but his friend told a few people, and during the rest of the conference, different men volunteered to shine the shoes in secret. Perhaps the episode is a vital insight into why God used D. L. Moody as He did. He was a man with a servant’s heart and that was the basis of his true greatness.

Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).

Christian ministry is doing what God expects for His glory and for the good of others.

Not all ministry is a disciplined, but a true disciple of Christ should intentionally plan service into their schedule. The reason for this is simple. On this side of glory we have two natures. One is the old sin nature and the other a new nature created by Christ Jesus. Without practice of self denial and intentional obedience we easily drift to self-service. Therefore, discipline yourself to obey God and do good unto others.

Body:

Why

Discipline yourself to ministry because Jesus does ()

Jesus is your prophet

Jesus intercedes for the church

Jesus is your priest

Jesus empowers the church

Jesus is your king

Jesus protects the church

Discipline yourself for ministry because it shows you know God ()

Discipline yourself for ministry because you were saved to ()

Discipline yourself to ministry because it is expected (; )

Motivated by obedience ()

Motivated by gratitude ()

Motivated by gladness (; )

Motivated by forgiveness ()

Motivated by humility (;

Motivated by love (

Discipline yourself to ministry because you are gifted to minister

Spiritual gifts (, ; )

Ministry is often hard work ()

Discipline yourself for ministry because not all ministry is noticed

The role of church officers in ministry:

Pastor, elder, and overseer: Be an example and equip the saints for ministry

Deacon: Be an example minister and facilitate ministry to the most needy and neglected.

Places to serve:

The church: Prayer, kitchen, nursery, greeting people, visit the sick or inactive, sit next to visitors, and etc.

The home: Do what others don’t want to, clean, cook, pray, read Scripture aloud, disciple your children, disciple your spouse, and plan family service projects.

The workplace: Work hard, go the extra mile, do the task others don’t want to, pray for your coworkers, invite them into your home, invite them to your church, and know them.

The community: Food pantry, informed voter and consumer, food bank, pray, door to door evangelism or greeting, or invite neighbors into home.

The world: pray, donate to missions and missionaries, and plan a trip.

Conclusion:

Are you willing to minister/serve?

You are a new creature created to minister; will you minister?

During your quiet time after you have pray for God to make you sensitive to the opportunities he gives you to minister.

During your quiet time consider righting down names of people who you know could use ministering. Think of ways how you might meet that need. If you become aware of a need and are able to meet it, don’t pass it on to the “professional minister” do it yourself.

Ask people directly if they need anything.

Make sure to not leave out the poor and the outcast.

Ask the pastor or church leaders what needs the church has.

Make your own needs known.

Don’t be a wanty person. Be a person who wants to serve the needs of other.