How to Measure Faithfulness in the Ministry
Is it results, conversions, baptisms, attendance or something else.
We long for results in our ministry. Often, we measure ourselves by budget, baptisms, and butts in the seats. What is the proper way to measure faithfulness? Is there a better understanding?
We are responsible for a process and not the product. It is our duty to preach the message and pray for souls to be saved. We long to know that our Lord approves of us and our ministry. Obedience, not outcomes, measures faithfulness.
We sow the seed, trusting our Father, the Holy Spirit, and the power of the Word of God. We do the work while trusting that God will give the increase. I Corinthians 3:6. We press ever forward, spreading the seed in full expectation that God will do a work.
Noah preached for 120 years, and you find that he believed in God, even though only his house was saved. Our job is to preach to all who will listen. Jonah preached, and a city turned, even though he had a bad attitude and didn’t want God to forgive them.
God is working in ways we might not see. He is changing lives. People grow through discipleship. We wait eagerly, anticipating what God might do and always knowing we do right because we love God, not man’s approval or even our own.
We are called to be faithful stewards of His message. We are responsible for working in the process, while He takes care of the product. God promises us that our work in the Lord is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58.
Work, do all you can. You never know what God is going to bless or when, so stay at it till He calls us home.