1) Is there a need?
The fact that my area of ministry exists does not
necessarily indicate a need, nor does the fact that something has not
previously been done negate a new need. A church's needs change over time. I
was once in a church that evaluated its existing programs to be sure each was
contributing to the church's mission. A non-contributing ministry is not a need.
If there is a need, that doesn't necessarily mean I should be the one to
continue it, but I should be influenced by the reality of the need; if there is
not a need, then discontinuation is legitimate.
"Let all things
be done for edification" (I Corinthians 14:26).
2) Can I do it?
In many cases, this question alone provides much of the
answer. If there is a needed ministry that I have been doing and am able to do,
I should probably faithfully continue doing it, rather than placing an
additional burden on someone else. If I can no longer do it effectively due to
declining health, changing responsibilities, or increasing difficulty of the
task, then I need to question my on-going involvement. God can give strength
and ability beyond what I have naturally, but He has also designed me as a human
being with limitations and with a brain to evaluate those limitations.
"In this case,
moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy" (I
Corinthians 4:2).
3) Is there another
qualified person who wants to do it?
If my questions about continuing in my role coincide with the
desire of another brother or sister to take on that ministry, God could be
orchestrating a transition. Even if my doubts are not strong, there is a place
within the church for selflessness and teamwork. It is important for newer and younger
Christians to be trained and to become involved in the work of the church.
Maybe that means I should step aside or reduce my role, focusing on the
training and transition.
"The things which
you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to
faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (II Timothy 2:2).
4) Is there a reason
why I shouldn't do it?
Often people feel obligated to continue doing what they have
always done, but there are many legitimate reasons for stepping out of a
ministry. These could include changing health, a different work schedule, or
evolving family responsibilities. Due to age or inflexible work schedule, some
may find that they can no longer commit consistently. People can also have
spiritual needs that make ministry difficult and ineffective. For a time, they
may require being ministered to rather than ministering to others. Important
spiritual things happen in church, including worshipping together, encouraging
one another, fellowshipping with each other, and hearing the ministry of the
Word. A struggling believer especially needs these spiritual ministries, but even
spiritually healthy people should not overextend themselves to the point of unduly
curtailing those spiritual influences.
"For the
equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body
of Christ; until we all attain . . . to a mature man, to the measure of the
stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13).
5) Am I doing it out
of love?
If I am not serving out of love, my ministry is worthless.
Ministries started in love do not always
continue that way. To use the world's terminology, people can become burnt out.
If I find myself dreading or resenting my ministry, I either need to rekindle
my love or I need to discontinue the ministry until I can again serve out of
love.
"If I speak with
the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy
gong or a clanging cymbal" (I Corinthians 13:1).
6) If I don't do it,
how will I be serving within the church?
Every part of the body of Christ is important, and every member
has something to do for God. Granted, some people are very limited, but exceptions
aside, the expectation is that everyone share in the ministry. If I stop doing
the ministry I am doing now, will I still have a way to serve? Maybe I've been
overextended and need to step back from some things, but I should still have
some participation in God's work. If my desire to step away is so that I can
sit back and do nothing, that is a problem.
"But to each one
is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (I
Corinthians 12:7).
7) Does God want me
to do it?
Each of the above questions is subservient to this question.
If God wants me to do something, He will provide the opportunity, He will give
the strength, He will give me wisdom in working with others, He will remove the
obstacles, He will help my heart motives to be right, and He will let me know
how much He wants me to. God might want me to do something in spite of these
deterring factors. He may even want me to do something that is not in my
primary area of giftedness. My response must be to humbly say, "Yes,
Lord," to whatever aspect of service He chooses. If, based on God's
leading through the above questions and through prayer, He does not want me to
something, my response must be to humbly say, "Yes, Lord." I must
step aside and allow God to direct in the continuation of that ministry.
"But if any of
you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without
reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).
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