The "O" Knows - The 3 Os in Ministry.

-



Wanna know what ministry is about?

It is about the One Thing. I'm thinking it is about the "O" Factor. (Basically Jesus)

But here are 3 Os ... I'm going to try to live by (And no it isn't survivor to Outwit, outlast, outplay my fellow survivors)

It is about:

I. Outlove. God calls us to love another. Love our enemies. I John reminds us where love comes from. They will know we are Christians by our love. Imagine how the world will view us if we just loved people. Loved sinners, love those different from you, and loved even those that we just can't stand. Too often I hear about the people of the "Church" ("Christians") sling mud on the Bride of Christ. We need to stop this. Taking people from where they are. Listening, caring, being active. Discipleship takes time.

II. Out fruit. As a result of our love - people will see our Actions. They will know we are Christian not because of what we are againts, but because of how we live. So often the word "Christian" brings up images of wrongdoing, of hatred etc. Why not change that? I'm trying to do that. Trying not to be so hyprocritical in my own actions and lining up to what God wants me to be.

III. Outlive. Hang in there. Tough times will come. I've been through many fires in ministry - youth ministry especially. I have many friends have too. Learn to deal with criticism. Outlive your critics. Prove them wrong. Be nice to them. It is like heaping hot coals on their head. I hear alot of whiners in ministry ... I want it this way, oh the preacher didn't greet me, your church is too small, your church is too big, you don't have this program like Mr. Walmart McChurch down the street does. (I'm thinking so why don't you do something about it or goto McChurch before I just choke slam you into this floor - then remember I have to show them Grace and love too - see I told you it wasn't easy for me)

One of my friends, Bud Yoder, who has been in ministry for a long time reminded me "We are called to preach the Gospel." I think more leaders and myself need to hear that. Sure there are some good programs; things to do - but ultimately I'm called to preach. Whether it be that sermon in shoes or the one on Sunday morning.

How about you? How are you livng the 3 Os in your life?

Comments

Martin Drummond said…
Good stuff!

Love it when love for the Lord/men's souls spills over into relevant ministry.

Know that you're not alone, my friend. There are many other servants who bow their knees only to Jehovah.

Take a look at www.MorningDevotion.com and you'll be reminded of why what you do is so important.

Blessings.

Martin Drummond
12:39 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I Hate David Crowder

-
Image
I hate David Crowder. Okay,maybe hate is such a strong word, maybe its dislike. I have nothing against David Crowder himself; just that so many in the worship ministry aspect want to attempt to be well like David Crowder or the next Matt Redman or Chris Tomlin of worship ministry. Don't be like David. (Or even like Mike for that matter). What God is doing through DCB is great. But be who you are, and God created you to be. Isn’t worship a daily thing? Isn’t worship about a lifestyle of living and breathing? I’m seeing more Church Worship teams, both youth and adult, trying to impersonate David Crowder. Please … there are only so many songs that can be sung like David Crowder. Sometimes it saddens me to see Lead Worshippers in churches trying to sing, act, and even look like Crowder. Follow Jesus, not David Crowder. I think that's the way David would liked it. Pointing all things to God's Glory that we may Love God through all of our actions both in songs and in deeds/ We d
Read more

My Search for the Black Rock Hotel.

-
Image
I'm fascinated by History. From my office I am at the foothills of South Mountain and can view Black Rock. (I want to take a picture the opposite way from there to my office - how cool would that be?) In talking to some church members, they gave me some history. One is a man whose father, built a log cabin from the lumber of South Mountain. He generously gave me these two pictures to scan. (I haven't found any others online and just some scarce history about the ole Black Rock Hotel) "Black Rock is located just over the crest of the Mountain, over looking Washington County and Hagerstown to the west. About 20 years after Reason’s return visit to Wolfsville the Black Rock Road was built across the mountain toward Hagerstown, passing to the northside of Black Rock. This was in 1876 while Wolfsville’sDaniel Biser was a County Commissioner.About four years later Jacob Drill Wolfe built a hotel at Black Rock Spring. Both this hotel andthe second “Black Rock House” built a
Read more

Just a line to say I'm Living.

-
Image
Just a line to say I'm living, Just a line to say I'm living, That I'm not among the dead. Though I'm getting more forgetful, ... And mixed up in my head. I've got used to my arthritis, To my dentures I'm resigned. I can manage my bifocals, But, oh my!! I miss my mind. For sometimes I can't remember When I stand at the foot of the stairs, If I must go up for something Or, I've just come down from there. And before the refrigerator so often, My poor mind is filled with doubt. Have I just put food away, or Have I come to take some out? And there's times when it is dark, With my nightcap on my head. I don't know if I'm retiring, Or just got out of bed. (Wes Bush, "Just a line to Say I'm Living) Found in the book: Holmon Old Testament Commentary Joshua. General Editors: Maz Anders. Author: Kenneth O. Gangel. B&H Publishing 2002 pg. 302 Saw this poem as I'm getting ready to finish up my series on Joshua
Read more