Prescription For Successful Ministry
Working Every Day
Some contemporary Christian ministers simply do not work every day. While some evangelists may be steadfast in dedicating their minds and labor to the furtherance of the Gospel of salvation, pastors and other faith leaders often fail to engage in meaningful service. Their time is frequently spent "babysitting" members, attending meetings, browsing the internet, traveling, engaging with political or social issues, or discussing cultural matters. Many are content with preparing and delivering a single sermon on Sunday, celebrating birthdays, or offering blessings of grace.
The scriptures record: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42)
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:1-4).
The apostles said, "We should not neglect the ministry of the Word of God in favor of serving meals at the table." They also said that they would always be engaged in prayer and preaching the Word of God. So what are most Christian ministers doing today? Some ministers do not even want to participate when the congregation calls for prayer. Others might say, "Is Paul a minister or just a man who is trying to control the situation?" Paul wrote to the elders of the church in Ephesus, saying, "So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears." (Acts 20:31). He emphasized that he had been warning them without ceasing, day and night. In addition to preaching and teaching, Paul was able to write half of the New Testament. Therefore, Paul is clearly known as a very hardworking minister.
They Could Not Remain Silent
Peter was a timid person. However, when he was filled with the Holy Spirit, he no longer feared those who had authority to prosecute or imprison him. Peter (and John) said, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19–20). The apostles could not remain silent about what they had heard and seen. Can you also remain silent about what you have heard and seen? Why do many ministers and believers today remain silent about what they have heard and seen? Because they cease to speak about God, their hearts turn toward worldly concerns, and their conversations become limited to secular matters.
How Philip Worked
Philip was not a high-ranking spiritual leader; he was not even an apostle. He served merely as a deacon. In fact, he was among those who fled Jerusalem during the great persecution against the early church. Yet, Philip traveled to Samaria and preached about Jesus Christ. When the people heard his message and witnessed the miracles he performed, they listened with deep attention. Demons attached to many individuals cried out loudly and departed; those who were paralyzed or unable to walk were healed and stood up. The people of Samaria rejoiced greatly (Acts 8:5–8).
Why did the people of Samaria rejoice so much? Because Philip preached the Gospel. Why did the demons leave? Why were the people restored to health? It was because Philip proclaimed the Word of God. Yet, why do many people today fail to experience such joy? Why does it seem that God no longer performs miracles? The answer lies in the fact that believers and ministers often neglect to preach the Word. Philip was not explicitly commanded by Jesus to go there; rather, he acted on what he knew, and God used him to save countless souls. When we do not speak, God cannot work. Without proclamation, people cannot experience true joy or be liberated from bondage to sin, Satan, or the world.
Why are Peter and John so frequently mentioned among the apostles? It is likely because they were the ones who actively preached. Similarly, we know more about Philip, the deacon, than about many other apostles. He preached to the Ethiopian eunuch, leading that great official to believe, be baptized with joy, and depart on his way (Acts 8:26–39). After baptizing the eunuch, Philip traveled to Azotus and moved from town to town, preaching the Gospel until he reached Caesarea (Acts 8:40). How did Philip reach Azotus? It was because the Holy Spirit led him there. Why did he experience such unique effectiveness? Because he preached the Gospel. If you desire God's care and blessing, preach the Word consistently every day and bear your witness. Scripture records that Philip preached in every town from Azotus all the way to Caesarea.
How Paul Worked
"If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16). Why did God use Paul in such an extraordinary way? One might say it is because God chose him. That is true—God chose him. However, not everyone whom God chooses turns out well. For example, Saul of Tarsus, Shimei, and Judas Iscariot were chosen by God but did not turn out well. The reason God used Paul was that he could not remain silent—he worked harder than all the other apostles (1 Corinthians 15:10). He said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). When he says he has fought the good fight, it might be clearer if we say he has fought and won. What did Paul fight against? He fought against evil spirits. Do you also fight against them? If not, start fighting now. Have you finished the race? If not, begin running from this moment onward.
How Jesus Christ Worked
Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work" (John 4:34). The food of Jesus was to carry out the work of God and complete it. What is your food? If your food is still worldly things, you need to reconsider. Every believer and every worker should only carry out the work that God has commanded, and in a short time, many people will be saved. Jesus said, "Do you not say, 'There are four months more before the harvest'? I tell you, look at the fields; the grain is already ripe" (John 4:35). Why did they claim there were still four months until the harvest? It was due to their laziness. A lazy person will always make excuses. In reality, the grain—the Spirit—is already fully matured and ready to be reaped. All that remains is to reap it.
Reasons For Failure
Many Christian ministers operate like government officials, prioritizing administrative duties and personal comfort over spiritual engagement. For them, serving God feels like an overwhelming burden because they perceive themselves as unsuccessful in their ministry. Alternatively, some may be "taking it easy" simply because they serve spiritually dead congregations where little change is expected. This article is not intended for those individuals; rather, it is written specifically for those who have been born again yet struggle to achieve success in their ministry, even while earnestly striving to win souls.
Let us examine the reasons behind this failure:
1. Too Much Reliance on One's Own Ability
God’s work cannot be accomplished through fleshly efforts; it can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. Relying on the flesh involves depending on academic qualifications, treating budgets as the primary focus, utilizing manpower and organizational structures without spiritual fruit, holding meetings without purpose, constructing unnecessary buildings, pursuing worldly knowledge and power, trusting in human leaders, or placing excessive importance on music and instruments. Satan is cunning; he deceives those who serve God by leading them to rely on these fleshly methods rather than divine power.
If you are one of these ministers, I advise you to confess your sins before the Lord and trust solely in His power. As it is written:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5–6)
2. Applying the Wrong Approach
Some workers strive diligently yet fail because they employ incorrect methods. The fundamental need for every person is salvation. Without a clear understanding of the concept of salvation and without genuine faith in it, how can one possibly succeed in teaching a Christian life? Salvation is the foundation of the Christian walk. Whether a pastor or worker possesses years of experience, if they lack faith in salvation, their spiritual sight remains blind and their ears deaf to God's voice. Therefore, ministry must always begin with the urgent call for salvation.
3. Working Independently
The failure of many workers stems from attempting to work alone. When one works in isolation, they lack the strength necessary for effective ministry. Even Moses faced this challenge; initially, he tried to solve every problem by himself. His wife, Zipporah, wisely advised him: "What you are doing is not right. This burden is too heavy for one person alone." She urged him to seek God's help, appoint capable leaders from among the people to share the responsibility, and teach them to judge small matters while he focused on the great ones. By following this counsel, Moses was relieved of his burden, and the people were strengthened (Exodus 18:13–26).
The lesson is clear: you must work together with others. The Ecclesiastes states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).
However, collaboration requires unity. Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? (Amos 3:3)
Therefore, when working with others, agreement is essential. True disciples of Christ must love and support one another. Jesus commanded, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35).
4. Lack of Nurturing
The failure of some workers stems from their neglect of the spiritual children they have brought into the faith. Instead of raising them, they leave these new believers unattended. These neglected spiritual children, when hungry for spiritual nourishment, often turn to false teachers and go astray, leading to their eventual ruin.
The Lord Jesus commanded Peter, "If you love Me, feed My lambs" (John 21:15–17). Do you feed and care for your spiritual children? If not, how can they grow strong and mature? Would we not say that parents who neglect the physical needs of their children are irresponsible and guilty? In the U.S., parents who fail to raise their children are held accountable by the government. Isn't it true that such parents are often required to have a portion of their salary set aside by court orders to support their neglected children?
Similarly, those who neglect to nurture and care for their spiritual children are extremely cruel. Because of such negligence, many spiritual orphans appear in the Christian world, causing significant problems. From now on, make every effort to feed and raise your spiritual children.
5. Not Persisting Until the End
No work can be successful unless it is carried out consistently until completion. Jesus declared, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34). He worked tirelessly until He fully completed the will of the Father. Similarly, Paul wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
Just as a student cannot pass an exam without completing their studies throughout the year, many workers fail because they do not faithfully carry out their duties until the end. When doing God's work, there will inevitably be obstacles from Satan. However, it is essential to persevere and endure hardships without giving up. From now on, make a firm decision to persistently fulfill your duties.
In worldly employment, you do not continue working simply because you feel like it; if you work only when you are in the mood, your employer will fire you. Those who persevere in their work even when discouraged or sad often achieve success. As it is written: "Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them" (Psalm 126:6).
