Control or out of control - which is your story.

I had the following conversation with a pastor just days ago...

As we met together in a restaurant for our coaching time my friend handed me a long list of outreach ministries the Lord had laid on his heart. It was a very creative list. Then as I concluded reading his list he said, "The problem is that the church won't do anything. No one will do anything. And then when I do have someone to serve the board won't approve the ministry. What can I do?

Interesting set up. I posed these thoughts. Why don't you stop pushing your list and start releasing your congregation to serve in their areas of passion and giftedness in or outside the church as the Lord may lead? And if you have a member who has a creative ministry passion that requires board approval why not have the individual make the presentation to the board. It's there passion so let get a pass on the deal.

The light bulb went on. If people are not excited about your outreach ministry list, let them get excited about what excites them (their passion). If the board is the roadblock to ministries let those with the passion face the board. If the board is turning down your (pastor) requests for ministries you must realize that it is not your job to have the list nor is it your job to present the ministry request. And finally, when did the church board (or pastor) get the authority to decide what is or isn't going to happen through your church ministry?

In the Scriptures it is clear that God leads ministry and it is all about what He wants. As God gives passions to His children and when His children are empowered and released to serve wherever and whenever through those passions - excitement and fulfillment fuels more passion to serve.

Church leaders should never (rarely) decide the ministry/programs the church will or will not approve/promote/allow. It is God's design to equip, empower and release His children to serve in their areas of God-given passion.

Does any of this make sense to you?