Administrators Gail Posted May 10, 2009 Administrators Share Posted May 10, 2009 I believe that everyone is valuable to God's work on earth. What is your ministry? It could be an established ministry, or contributing financially to your favourite cause, or just living out God's plan in your life. How did the Lord endow you for helping out? Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted May 10, 2009 Members Share Posted May 10, 2009 How does one discover what one's ministry is for God here on earth? I've been wondering and wondering about that. It doesn't seem like I'm worth much of anything for Him, but I'm willing to do anything for Him. How do I know what I'm supposed to do/be for Him? Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Gail Posted May 10, 2009 Author Administrators Share Posted May 10, 2009 Personally, Pam, I would like to say that you are an encouragement to me, and I'm sure to others here on this board. As you offer yourself to the Lord I can see your influence expanding for Him! I've seen you ministering to others who struggle as you did, as you know how. Keep it up! Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outta Here Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 I sure appreciate Pam's friendship! And I do think that friendship is a tremendous talent that God gives to some. It is something more than "hospitality"--something deeper and more personal. As for where my ministy lies, well, I've been thinking on that one a lot lately. It finally dawned on me the other day when I realized what I do is "Mind the Gap". I tend to bridge the gap between generations, between ideas, between one set of persons or ideas and others. Most often, I mind the gap between young persons and older persons. It's where I feel most comfortable and most successful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Gail Posted May 10, 2009 Author Administrators Share Posted May 10, 2009 Bless your heart, and that is fulfilling part of prophecy, too. In Malachi 4:6 it talks about the hearts of the fathers turning toward the children and vice versa. You are a part of that :) Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members phkrause Posted May 10, 2009 Members Share Posted May 10, 2009 I have to agree with others here that you are a blessing to others on this forum. I've also always wondered what God what's me to do. I worked for the church for a number of years, and felt that this was what he wanted. But than the business was sold to a commercial printer (SDA though), so I was back to what now Lord? But than one day as I was walking my dog and picking up garbage on the road, a minister (found this out later) was riding his bike and stop to talk with me. He asked if I always picked up the garbage on the road, I told him yes I had been doing this for quite awhile. He said to me, this is a very good ministry that you are doing. I had never thought of picking up garbage as a ministry! So I really felt good, and thought well if that is a ministry great. So I think God can work within us in many different ways. Now when I get up in the morning I pray an ask God to make me a blessing to someone that day, now matter where! So I think that we never know what it is that we are doing, it could be something that God is having us do and we don't even realize it. Just my thoughts. pk Quote phkrause Obstinacy is a barrier to all improvement. - ChL 60 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Planey Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 I am moderately successful as a teacher, but have no other discernible talents. So, as in the parable I think of myself as the man who was given one talent. However unlike the parable I try to not bury my talent but to use it as well as I can(to the disappointment of many students, I am sure!!) Graeme Quote Graeme____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 This is funny, not ha ha funny, but in the strange way, because my dh and I were talking about this very thing this morning. We came to the conclusion that we are to be beacons (lights) for others. That the reason why so many (bad) things seems to happen to us, is so that we can then be a comfort and a help to others. Quote For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Mat. 16:26Please, support the JDRF and help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Please, support the March of Dimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 I guess my ministry (if you want to call it that) is to make people laugh. Even at expense to myself. I don't mind someone laughing at my antics. :) Quote <p><span style="color:#0000FF;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">"Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you."</span></span> Eph 4:29</span><br><br><img src="http://banners.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetemp_both/US/OR/Fairview.gif" alt="Fairview.gif"> Fairview Or</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olger Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 I don't do much... Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreatLakesGramma Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 I knit sweaters for Guideposts Knit for Kids program. They are given to refugee children and disaster victims. Many were sent to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. That is my most consistent ministry. Other than that, my ministry is mostly within the church. Nothing organized or even regular, just young adults who have spiritual questions or struggles, or problems, who need a non-judgmental older person who will listen to them. I don't look for them, they come to me. For spiritual issues, I share what God has taught me, and how he's worked in my life. For other problems, I help them discover and sort out their options, then leave them to make their own decision. Also I try to encourage anyone who might need it. Quote Catherine God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26. "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." -- C. S. Lewis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Shane Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 How does one discover what one's ministry is for God here on earth? If someone is looking for a ministry just talk to your pastor and ask him how you can be of service. The Adventist church has several areas where people can serve. Let me just list a few: Fellowship: invite people to your home for Sabbath lunch, befriend them, help out with pot luck dinners Serve on the social committee: help make your church a warm family Work with the Adventurers or Pathfinder clubs Work with Adventist Youth (AY) Attend your church's prayer meeting and become a prayer warrior Get involved with the choir or other music ministry Help your church's community services: contact your conference and find out what other churches are doing with their community service organizations. Get involved with jail or prison ministries Get involved with literature ministries: go to door to door selling books & videos, man the literature booth at the local county fair. Volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School Check if your local conference has a correspondance Bible study program and volunteer to grade Bible lessons. Volunteer to help with cooking classes Volunteer to help with stop smoking programs. Get involved with Men's or Women's ministries. Get involved with family ministries Get involved with singles ministries Myself, I am the director of our local church's men's ministry. My wife and I do construction mission work in Mexico. We also make copies of Bible studies for the Mexico members to give to their friends and family. I also talk about my faith with non-Adventist friends, co-workers and subcontractors that seem to be open to it. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreatLakesGramma Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 I believe the best way to find your ministry is to pray about it. I had been feeling pretty useless, due to the limitations my health places on me. And God brought to my mind the Knit for Kids program that I had looked into in the past and thought I would like to do someday and said "do it." I have a lot of down time, and it's the perfect thing to do when I don't have the energy to do something more active. He knows what He made us to do. It doesn't have to be something big. Most of the things Shane mentioned take a lot of time and energy, but there are little things that can make a huge difference in individual lives. For example, writing notes of encouragement to sick, shut-in, and discouraged church members, being friendly and pleasant to those you meet, and those who wait on you, especially if they seem to not be in the best of spirits, showing an interest in the children and young people of the church when you see them. I'm sure there are other small things that can make a big difference. Quote Catherine God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26. "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." -- C. S. Lewis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 I think it is good that we are allowed to have different ministries. At church our young adult leader wants us to knock on doors and go around the neighborhood, something that I honestly don't feel comfortable with. I plan to tell her next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolaa Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 How does one discover what one's ministry is for God here on earth? I've been wondering and wondering about that. It doesn't seem like I'm worth much of anything for Him, but I'm willing to do anything for Him. How do I know what I'm supposed to do/be for Him? See if your conference is doing the Focusing Leaders program. It helps people find God's specific plan and direction for their lives. (The Phase 2 portion helps entire congregations find God's specific plans and direction for their churches.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldsailor29 Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Your ministry does not have to be sponsored by the conference. Most people have a view of serving God which is too narrow. Whatever the Lord gives you to do that helps you survive is your ministry. As long as you have dedicated your life to God, your daily work, your daily job is your ministry. Until that is accepted and embraced, the Lord is not likely to give you another ministry. God's vineyard is the world. That which the Lord has given you to do(your job), do it enthusiastically. Quote Prs God, frm whm blssngs flw http://www.zoelifestyle.com/jmccall Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Gerr Posted May 14, 2009 Moderators Share Posted May 14, 2009 How does one discover what one's ministry is for God here on earth? I've been wondering and wondering about that. It doesn't seem like I'm worth much of anything for Him, but I'm willing to do anything for Him. How do I know what I'm supposed to do/be for Him? I am very sympathetic to your dilemma. Right now I am praying for a vision (not a vision in a prophet's mode) for a more specific outreach ministry. I am not an outgoing person. I hate knocking on doors. Yet nothing would make me feel better than sharing the good news with someone. I feel like teaching a SS class, leading out in prayer meeting, occasionally preaching a sermon, sponsoring the Signs, financial support, are not doing anything to advance the cause of Christ. These seem like just the trappings of "doing" church. I feel like we all need some kind of outreach if we are to grow spiritually and grow as a church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolaa Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Your ministry does not have to be sponsored by the conference. Most people have a view of serving God which is too narrow. Whatever the Lord gives you to do that helps you survive is your ministry. As long as you have dedicated your life to God, your daily work, your daily job is your ministry. Until that is accepted and embraced, the Lord is not likely to give you another ministry. God's vineyard is the world. That which the Lord has given you to do(your job), do it enthusiastically. Focusing Leaders has absolutely nothing to do with the conference sponsoring a person's ministry. It is a tool to help a person discover God's purpose for their life through analyzing their spiritual gifts and life experiences. Most people who go through Focusing Leaders get really excited to see God's plan for them and what He created them to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Gail Posted May 14, 2009 Author Administrators Share Posted May 14, 2009 I hope you find your vision, Gerry!! Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldsailor29 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Focusing Leaders has absolutely nothing to do with the conference sponsoring a person's ministry. It is a tool to help a person discover God's purpose for their life through analyzing their spiritual gifts and life experiences. Most people who go through Focusing Leaders get really excited to see God's plan for them and what He created them to do. Oh, I see. It is for people who have spiritual gifts. Quote Prs God, frm whm blssngs flw http://www.zoelifestyle.com/jmccall Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Gail Posted May 15, 2009 Author Administrators Share Posted May 15, 2009 Which is you, too, my friend :) Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 I would like to post, that it is my STRONG opinion that JeannieB43's is encouraging others. She has been such an encouragement to me and others over the years. Quote If you receive benefit to being here please help out with expenses. https://www.paypal.me/clubadventist Administrator of a few websites like https://adventistdating.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolaa Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Did she post something on this thread? I can't see it. I want to be encouraged too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators lazarus Posted May 15, 2009 Moderators Share Posted May 15, 2009 See if your conference is doing the Focusing Leaders program. It helps people find God's specific plan and direction for their lives. (The Phase 2 portion helps entire congregations find God's specific plans and direction for their churches.) Hey what's that? do you have any info or a link? Quote Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence. Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators lazarus Posted May 15, 2009 Moderators Share Posted May 15, 2009 I guess my ministry (if you want to call it that) is to make people laugh. Even at expense to myself. I don't mind someone laughing at my antics. That made me laugh! Your gift must be well developed to make it work from so many miles away. Quote Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence. Einstein Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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