A great coach knows the value of fundamentals. These are the basics of the game that, when executed well, usually lead to victory. In American
football, fundamentals include blocking, tackling, snapping the ball cleanly, and completing a solid handoff or a forward pass. When hitting a baseball, they include keeping your eye on the ball, stepping into the pitch, swinging
in a smooth and level manner, and following through. The game of golf is all about the swing; if you know which way to face and can develop a consistent swing, you will do well in the sport.
Jesus boiled Christian ministry down to four fundamentals:
Teaching truth (4:31-32)
Confronting evil (4:33-37, 41)
Demonstrating compassion (4:38-40) Renewing one’s strength (4:42-44)
Teaching truth (4:31-32). For a minister today, teaching the truth could not be more challenging—or crucial. I have encountered a lot of church- growth manuals, and in my weaker moments, I have even considered a few of the strategies they outline. In principle, I don’t have a problem with taking advice from the business world—some churches could use a good lesson in organization—but sheep don’t flock to a shepherd because of a great business plan. Sheep follow a shepherd because the shepherd cares for them and leads them to food. In ministry, “food” is none other than truth from God’s Word.
All ministers in all forms of ministry have a responsibility to teach the Scriptures, identify timeless principles, and then encourage others to apply what they have learned. This naturally applies to pastors, teachers,
missionaries, and evangelists, but not exclusively. The same responsibilities apply to those serving as counselors, worship leaders, writers, chaplains—
any role that puts the minister in contact with others.
Confronting evil (4:33-37, 41). Jesus confronted evil in its many forms by releasing others from its grip. He cast out demons, healed broken bodies, denounced false teaching, stood for what is right against those who used evil for selfish gain, and demanded justice for the helpless and mercy for the forgotten. While we do not have His miraculous abilities, we do have
His authority to confront evil. With that authority comes responsibility.
Ministry requires that we confront evil in all its forms and that we risk our own security to see it defeated.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer took this dimension of Christian ministry very seriously. He had openly opposed Adolf Hitler on several occasions, most notably in a 1933 radio address, just two days after the madman was
installed as the Chancellor of Germany. By 1938, the threat to his safety and the prospect of compulsory military service prompted him to accept a
teaching post at Union Theological Seminary, safely located across the Atlantic in New York. But his conscience would not be silenced. In July of 1939, He wrote to a friend,
I have made a mistake in coming to America. I must live through this difficult period of our national history with the Christian people of Germany. I shall have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people. . . . Christians in Germany will face the terrible alternative of either willing the defeat of their nation in order that Christian civilization may survive, or willing the victory of their nation and thereby destroying our civilization. I know which of these alternatives I must choose; but I cannot make that choice in security.”[49]
He took the last scheduled steamer back to Germany where he
eventually faced the hangman’s noose for openly denouncing Adolf Hitler and participating in a plot to rid the world of him.
For most of us, confronting evil will not result in the loss of life;
nevertheless, opposing it is neither safe nor convenient. Not far from where you sit right now, evil has caused suffering, and it continues to spread. More than likely, others in your community have banded together to confront that evil. Perhaps it’s time to join them. Or, if you are a ministry leader, gather your resources, call others to join you, and take action.
Demonstrating compassion (4:38-40). You don’t have to look far to find someone in need of compassion. And you don’t have to go a great distance to find an organization formed to provide tangible relief to the suffering caused by poverty, illness, crime, ignorance, or natural disasters. They would be delighted to hear you say, “I’m here to help. Where can I serve you most effectively?”
If you are a ministry leader and you have too much demanding your attention to begin a new initiative, then establish a relationship with parachurch ministries in your area and encourage others to help. These organizations would welcome the support and cooperation of churches.
Renewing one’s strength (4:42-44). Ministry is a tough job! It is a labor of love, and full-time vocational service to the Lord is often invigorating. If, however, you are engaged in too much ministry, you are only so far from burnout. If you have not set aside regular, sustained time for fun, relaxation, rest, and refreshment—including but not limited to vacations, sabbaticals, or furloughs—then you won’t be much good for ministry for very long. You will be physically present but increasingly less effective. You must know yourself well enough to say how much is too much, and then—here’s the hard part—trust the perspective of someone close to you to help you set limits.
The public will never think what you do is enough, and your critics will begrudge your taking time off. You will be called lazy or uncommitted when you take time for yourself. That’s because most people aren’t aware of how much you do until their needs go unmet. Consequently, they remain largely ignorant of all that you do around the clock and throughout the week.
Take time. Get away. Schedule downtime like you would an important meeting, and protect it. Eventually, the people you serve will learn to accept that you are unavailable for anything during certain times of the day, certain days of the week, and certain times of the year. In fact, they will learn to
care for you when they see you taking care of yourself. And they will
appreciate the added years of service you render because you didn’t quickly burn out.