Measuring Success
John Johnson gave me an A- when I felt like I deserved an A. I have been bitter since. With that behind us, I want to point you to Johnson's thoughts on rethinking success in ministry.
In his recent post he relates how we typically measure success in ministry but the reality is that those measurements are not always right and honestly leaves us wanting. He then suggests some nuggets pulled from the Apostle Paul that are helpful for the young and old minister alike.
"Both of these books are needful reads today, as are Paul's final words in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Seeing a church that was giving way to captivating voices in Ephesus, he closed his book giving a blueprint of sort for success for young pastors. It has little to do with size, numbers, eloquence, or books written. But it does have everything to do with our calling—
• Preach the Word-a reminder of Oden's words—"Effectiveness in a church is not measured by size of congregation, but by depth of genuine hearing of the Word of God."
• Keep your head–don't run off to the next fad. Keep clear of heretical intoxicants.
• Pay the price for having convictions–the price of losing people because you are not afraid of exposing sin or offending a tolerant culture, one that has become intolerant of those who have convictions.
• Share the gospel—always. Don't descend to preaching false gospels.
• Complete your calling–one in which you have worked through this checklist—
-have I been faithful?
-did I serve with humility?
-did I declare everything God called me to declare?
-did I follow the Spirit's leading?
-did I extend hospitality?
-was I generous?
-was I completely dependent upon prayer?"
Read the full post here. We must be about the things of first importance and Johnson is giving us a helpful reminder.
In his recent post he relates how we typically measure success in ministry but the reality is that those measurements are not always right and honestly leaves us wanting. He then suggests some nuggets pulled from the Apostle Paul that are helpful for the young and old minister alike.
"Both of these books are needful reads today, as are Paul's final words in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Seeing a church that was giving way to captivating voices in Ephesus, he closed his book giving a blueprint of sort for success for young pastors. It has little to do with size, numbers, eloquence, or books written. But it does have everything to do with our calling—
• Preach the Word-a reminder of Oden's words—"Effectiveness in a church is not measured by size of congregation, but by depth of genuine hearing of the Word of God."
• Keep your head–don't run off to the next fad. Keep clear of heretical intoxicants.
• Pay the price for having convictions–the price of losing people because you are not afraid of exposing sin or offending a tolerant culture, one that has become intolerant of those who have convictions.
• Share the gospel—always. Don't descend to preaching false gospels.
• Complete your calling–one in which you have worked through this checklist—
-have I been faithful?
-did I serve with humility?
-did I declare everything God called me to declare?
-did I follow the Spirit's leading?
-did I extend hospitality?
-was I generous?
-was I completely dependent upon prayer?"
Read the full post here. We must be about the things of first importance and Johnson is giving us a helpful reminder.
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