My younger daughter was to take a session during their sunday service at the junior church. It was more like an exhortation. The elder sister advising her said; “You better start practising your slot.” I responded; “Beyond practising, she should prepare and pray. She is going there to minister not to perform.” They all got the message. But I got reminded of the basics of ministry.
Friend, ministry is not performance. It is not for show. It is a service unto men as initiated, directed, and powered by God (Colossians 3:22-24). For most people, their understanding of ministry is faulty right from their foundation. They see ministry more as drama or stage work. They don’t see it for what it is. Prayerful preparation is never a priority to them (Mark 3:14).
Prayerful preparation is key to an effective ministry (Luke 5:16-17). Prayer is the real preparation for ministry, and every other preparation must be done prayerfully. Simply put, if you are not praying and praying well, you are not in ministry. No matter the grammar or gymnastics, once prayer is absent, the real substance of ministry is lost (Acts 6:4).
Ministry preparation is an ongoing thing (2 Timothy 4:2). You must see yourself as a minister on a daily basis, not only on Sunday or during church programs. You are a minister at work, class, in the kitchen, at your leisure, etc. You are a mobile minister. You need to stay conscious of this (Mark 16:20). You must be prepared at all times.
Like my daughter, you are not too young to do ministry, and you are not too old (1 Timothy 4:12). The same God who used Samuel also used Zachariah. The same rules of engagements apply to both of them. Any attempt to lower the requirements for ministry for people based on age or category of ministry will do damage to the ministry and the minister (Luke 9:59-62).
We must beware of the sin of Jeroboam. It is the sin of compromise, counterfeiting, and convenience (1 Kings 12:26-33). Any ministry built around this trio cannot be effective. It would not build the kingdom of God or anything lasting to God’s glory. God’s standards remain sure (2 Timothy 2:19-22). God does not come down to our level. Rather, He raises us to His own level.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria