Healthy, growing churches are outwardly-focused, always thinking about how to communicate the gospel to a lost culture and bring the next unchurched person into a thriving relationship with God. In the same way, a healthy church staff thinks about more than just how to accomplish the next team project. Great church leaders are kingdom-thinkers with a global vision for God’s glory.
Since the earliest days of Saddleback Church, I’ve challenged every staff member to think about their role in at least 3 realms.
First, you have a ministry to the unchurched.
You may have a role in church leadership related to kids ministry volunteers, creating graphics and videos, or expanding the church’s small groups ministry, but your first ministry is always to those who are lost and far from God. Every church leader needs to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5) and share the Good News about Jesus with your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.
As a matter of fact, the reason why we strive to balance the five purposes and make more disciples is ultimately so that more disciples can be made. Every facet of church ministry fits together to create a healthy body that grows and reaches new, disconnected people. Whatever else you may do as part of a church’s ministry team, you have a ministry to those who don’t know Jesus yet.
Second, you have the ministry for which you were shaped and called.
Paul wrote in Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people“(NLT). This verse applies to anyone, working any kind of a job. Whatever you do in life, do it for God’s glory as though he is your boss (because he is!). At Saddleback, we tend to hire workaholics and then force them to calm down. We hire race horses. Don’t ever expect the people around you to carry the burden of motivating you to do the work of the ministry that God has assigned you.
If you can’t seem to get motivated, it could be that your relationship with Jesus has suffered, you aren’t in the role you’re really shaped for, or you’re physically or emotionally worn out. If you’re feeling unmotivated, talk to someone about it and get to the bottom of it so you can be sure to serve in your sweet spot – the spot for which you are gifted and called.
Third, you have a ministry to your peers.
Almost every church recognizes the first two areas of ministry, but some forget about this third realm. If you’re part of a church’s leadership, you have a third area of responsibility – to serve your peers in the kingdom. If you’re a senior pastor, you should be pouring into and drawing strength from other senior pastors. If you’re a church secretary, connect with other church secretaries. The same is true for youth ministry, kids ministry, small group ministry leaders, and every other area of church ministry.
Look around and learn from other churches. Share your knowledge and resources with other leaders. The kingdom benefits and churches grow when we’re sharpening each other.
GREAT WORD
Very inspiring insight. Most Christians take some of these very important responsibilities for granted.
thanks so much pastor I am drawing strength and skills from this article may God bless you mightily
Calvary greeting to you and those around you, you have been a source of encouragement to me, may the Lord continue to use you for His glory.
I am a missionary in a small village in mexico, i would like support and covering for a small church i started,vand almost built a church, just need the roof
Very helpful all the time. God bless you Pastor Rick.
Thanks alot for this insight. i believe that we have to systematically carried out the preaching of the Gospel. Not in the rigidity of religion but by the refreshing power of the Holy Ghost.
wow.. I appreciate you sharing this. Absolutely a church must have these three ministries if the church is to have healthy growth. I am a pastor in Mexico and we are using your small group material in Spanish. Everyone looks forward to that each week. it’s an honor and privilege to share these truths with the church here in Tecate, Baja California.
Lets connect ,im in erendira,close to ensenada
Hi, Pastor Warren:
Thank you for sharing your insight in these three Biblical responsibilities of a pastor. As a pastor, I often wonder how I should do my work well so that God’s calling for me to be a pastor will bring about good results. I will share with our governing board these three realms of ministry I will be involved in as a pastor, and pray that they can work together to achieve the goals of reaching the world for the kingdom of God.
Awesome! It helped a lot ! Thanks for being such a blessing!
Thank you for allowing God to use you to teach others! I love the third point! God has blessed me with a group of ladies serving in their churches, in the same capacity as me! They are a priceless group!
Thank you for your tremendous messages to be a good Pastor in His Church . i am a lead Pastor in Karnataka, India so kindly uphold our India in your Precious Prayers. really we need your encouragement through the Gods word, in India.If any training seminar,Conferences on Pastoral teachings kindly let me know,then i may attend and i may be blessed by learning ……
Really THANKS .
Bless The Lord Pastor Warren, greetings in Jesus Name! I must first tell you, you are doing a good job spreading the gospel. I have been strengthen by the daily scrips sent. Continue to do what you do, best bless you Sir!
I am blessed by your messages. Leading the leaders. An encourager to the body of Christ with the Truth of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have observed you for years now growing up as a young christian and working towards becoming like you in the vineyard of God. I believe that one day we will have a branch of your church here in Lagos Nigeria started in my home.
i am very touched of your leadership tips that we need be contact with lost
i m very much glad and blessed to receive ur email …i m lead Pastor in King Jesus Pentecostal church Lahore Pakistan …wanna connect with u and need ur prayers for winning Pakistan ..
Hi Pastor Warren,
I would like to thank God and you for your network which offers a lot in spiritual guidance. I will always appreciate every effort made by you.
Kennedy from Kenya.