Curtis Skinner spoke on planning a long term ministry. The phrase he used as the key was “intentional commitment.” He pointed out the true key to commitment is Jesus. The three keys are:

• people (ministry is about others, not me)
• prayer (refreshes and refocuses)
• purpose (focus on your local needs)

A long term ministry (or any ministry, for that matter) is Jesus’ ministry, not mine. It will go on long after I’m gone. We need to give our mission goals first to the Lord, then to the leadership. Consider Paul’s instruction to Timothy as a tool for keeping a program going:

What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2 ESV)

As Curtis spoke on this, I took a look around and noted the graying of the prison ministry population. We have a major challenge to involve the next generation in this vital ministry. It may not be as flashy and fun as youth ministry or building a great worship experience, but, as the Army ads used to say, it’s the toughest job you’ll ever love. (end of ad)

When we’re committed to the ministry, it changes how we look at vacation/holidays/time off. In the world, time off is something to which I’m entitled. When I’m committed to the Lord, I understand that my time is God’s time. At the same time, I have to examine myself and not get a superiority complex. Commitment can lead to self-righteousness if I forget this is not my ministry, but God’s ministry.

Toe-breaking moment: do we have more compassion/patience with those to whom we minister than with our families (including our church family)?