leadership lifestyle

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Essentials for Spiritual Leadership Leader’s Guide

LEADERSHIP LIFESTYLE LESSON 8: PLANNING A PERSONAL MINISTRY INTRODUCTION This lesson is part of a Discipleship Essentials module titled Leadership Lifestyle. The lessons examine the practical and spiritual requirements for those in Christian leadership. Being a leader is so much more than standing up in front of a group of people asking them to follow you! To be a great leader, one must maintain high standards in both public and private life. While every one of us struggles in many ways, a leader faces unique challenges. This module identifies some of these struggles and how to combat them, with practical advice from men and women who have experienced the trials and joys of following God’s calling in leadership. Each lesson concludes with a Leader to Leader page. It features quotes from historical Christians, current Christian leaders, and people (not in leadership) who share their perspective on the topic.

INTENDED AUDIENCE The intended audience for these lessons is Christians who are maturing in their faith and desiring to serve God. The lessons will be especially helpful to those who are pastors, church leaders, mentors or teachers, but also anyone wishing to grow in their relationship with God.

The Leader’s Guide is intended to help you as a leader in your preparation. These lesson outlines may be used in conjunction with other Discipleship Essentials materials found online at www.discipleshipessentials.org.

Essentials for Spiritual Leadership: Leader’s Guide © 2014 Trans World Radio Canada. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, you may reproduce any lesson, in whole, in any format, without charge or further permission. For all other purposes or uses, contact Trans World Radio Canada by visiting www.discipleshipessentials.org.

Essentials for Spiritual Leadership: Leader’s Guide

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LEADERSHIP LIFESTYLE LESSON 8: PLANNING A PERSONAL MINISTRY

LEADER’S NOTE

PURPOSE This lesson explores how to plan our work for God once we have felt a call to a particular ministry.

Successful ministry happens through much prayer, planning and hard work! God has a plan for our lives, which is part of His plan to reach the world. When we have a purpose and mission from God, the outcome of our efforts is in God’s hands. However, we are responsible to do everything He has called us to do and to carefully plan our work. This apparent contradiction demonstrates the cooperation between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. Of course, when it comes to serving God, all of us are called to obey, share the Gospel and make disciples. But the specific way in which this happens is going to be unique for every believer. This lesson explores wise leadership and planning for ministry from the book of Nehemiah. Read through the book in preparation for this lesson, and suggest your participants do the same. It is a wonderful part of God’s Word, relevant for every leader today. This lesson includes a personal ministry planning sheet, which you can provide for your participants.

INTRODUCTION Select two or three of the following questions to ask the group.  When have you been involved in planning for ministry? What was the end result?  Is there such a thing as planning too much and not doing enough when it comes to God’s work?  What does the phrase ‘personal ministry’ mean to you? What has God called you to do? How can you serve His kingdom best?  Has God ever brought to you an unexpected opportunity to serve Him? Should we rely solely on unplanned events, or make the best plans we can to prepare for ministry? Are both possible?  How has God aligned your holy passions, your experiences and your calling?

Essentials for Spiritual Leadership: Leader’s Guide

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STUDY Instruct the group on the following points.

TEACH:  Planning a Personal Ministry: We may or may not know what God’s specific call on our life is. In either case, we should evaluate our unique situation in life to determine how we can most effectively serve Him. Whether we work in full-time ministry or have a secular job, we can still have a personal ministry. Doing this effectively includes planning, self-reflection and honesty. Consider how you are serving God now, and what you need to do to serve more effectively in the future. The following questions can help you create your plan (a personal ministry plan worksheet is included with this lesson).  What are my Strengths and Weaknesses? The more we are aware of our own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective we can be. Are you a great public speaker but a poor administrator? Great with managing budgets but poor at counselling others? Plan to do more of what you do well.  How can I maximize my strengths and compensate for my weaknesses? Sometimes we must work in an area of our weakness. With training or team support we might improve both our weaknesses and strengths.  What am I passionate about? Consider the work that you long to do, and your burden for serving. If you are passionate about reaching a specific people group, teaching young people, church finances, preaching or writing, work your God-given passions into your ministry plan.  What training and experiences can I use? God placed you in this moment in time. He often uses our past experiences as preparation for present ministry. How can you make the most of your previous training and experiences? Can you learn from your experience as a youth? Do you speak several languages? Do you have a unique understanding of the needs of a vulnerable group of people? Do you have a degree in education?  Who can I gather around me to accomplish goals? Even though we are planning our personal ministry, we will often need help from others. Who can assist you in accomplishing your goals? What skills, experience or strengths do you lack that someone else can provide?  What are your Goals? Wise goals will be specific, measurable and achievable. You should plan for long term and short term goals.  What is the Cost? Every goal has a cost; it may involve money, time, people, or other resources. The cost requires you to plan ahead, schedule things that must happen in

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sequence, and consider the timeline. It requires logical, realistic thinking. Some people may need help with this critical stage.  Consider God’s Word on planning and setting goals. o o o o

Luke 14:28-33 Proverbs 21:5 James 4:17 Proverbs 3:5

 Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah: God’s Word gives us inspiration and instruction in many areas of our life, including how to lead effectively and plan a ministry project. The book of Nehemiah was written by an incredible man who was in the right place at the right time to do something magnificent for God. We can learn much about fulfilling God’s call on our life by studying what Nehemiah did, and the way he did it.  Respond with Holy Passion: (Nehemiah 1:1-4) Nehemiah felt a burden for his people who had returned from exile to their glorious city, which was in ruins. He heard about the shame of his people who were without a wall to protect their city, and it is obvious that he was broken-hearted by this news. He wept and mourned. He responded with prayer and action. o o o o

Nehemiah was passionate about the glory of God and the safety of His people. Nehemiah had a heart for people who experienced trouble and shame. Nehemiah felt a burden for those without a leader. Nehemiah was willing to wait for God’s perfect timing – it was 5 months before he went to the King.

 Respond with Prayer: (Nehemiah 1: 4-11) When Nehemiah saw an opportunity to serve God and His people, he fasted and prayed for days! Nehemiah’s prayer is an excellent model to follow. o o o o o

Nehemiah praised God as he remembered His faithfulness. Nehemiah confessed his sin and the sin of His people. Nehemiah interceded on behalf of others. Nehemiah acknowledged God's love and covenant with His people. Nehemiah committed his plans to God, and acknowledged that only God could make him successful in what he was about to do.

 Plan to use Resources Wisely: (Nehemiah 1:11, 2:1-8) Nehemiah used the position he was in and the resources at his disposal to go ahead and deal with the problems. He needed materials to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and also permission to travel. God provided both. o

Nehemiah used his position of trust and authority to ask the King for permission to carry out his plans. (He was cupbearer to the King.)

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Nehemiah received permission to leave his work, to travel safely through enemy territory, and to take wood from the King's forest for the construction. Nehemiah used his position, his influence and his resources carefully. Nehemiah planned ahead for what was needed.

 Plan to Understand the Problem before Presenting a Solution: (Nehemiah 2:9-16) We must consider the people we wish to minister to, the problems they face, and the obstacles in our way, in order to understand the ministry we want to take on. o o

Nehemiah investigated the needs and the problem before presenting a solution. Nehemiah personally and carefully inspected the problem before bringing others into the plan.

 Plan to Inspire Others: (Nehemiah 2:17-20) We will be less successful alone. When we do what God has called us to, we will have a greater impact if we inspire others (who have a similar burden and calling) to join us. When we work together, we have greater return for our work. o o o

Nehemiah used inclusive language. Rather than telling them to do it themselves, he said, “You see the trouble we are in . . . let us build . . .". Nehemiah helped others see the vision for the project. Nehemiah helped others to trust in God rather than man.

 Plan to Build People, not Programs: (Nehemiah 3) Those in ministry leadership often design programs for reaching, serving, teaching or connecting people. The failure sometimes comes when the programs become more important to the leader than the people. The wall of Jerusalem was important, but not to the exclusion of having the people return to God and to community with one another. In Nehemiah’s memoirs, he describes individual people and the way and place that they served. o o o o

Nehemiah assigned each person to the portion of the wall near their own house. This allowed them to work on what was most important to them. Nehemiah enabled people to work alongside one another with one common goal. Nehemiah wasn’t hindered by people who were not interested in the work. Nehemiah ensured that anyone who was willing to do the work had a place and a part in the project – no one was left out.

 Plan to Protect the Lord's Work: (Nehemiah 4) As they carry out their ministry, leaders must solve problems that arise – there will always be opposition, criticism and obstacles. A great leader will ensure that the work is not hindered or slowed down. Anticipate those who criticise. Listen and learn from them. Do not get discouraged, but press on with even more fervour. o o o

Nehemiah listened to his critics, and used what he learned to protect the work. Nehemiah equipped people to defend themselves and the vision. Nehemiah helped people to trust in God who is ‘great and awesome’.

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 Plan to Put the Mission before your own Comfort: (Nehemiah 5) Sometimes our own comfort must be set aside for the sake of God’s call and the mission He has given us to complete. It will require sacrifice of time and energy. We may have to say 'no' to other opportunities, or some glory we feel we are owed. We honour God by keeping our eyes on the mission rather than what we think we need. o o o

Nehemiah saw the poverty and oppression among his people and dealt with it instead of personally profiting from it. Nehemiah went without his due wages and special food so that he would not be a greater burden on the people. Nehemiah sought to alleviate the burdens of the people by providing for them.

 Plan to Lead as a Servant: (Nehemiah 6) Once we start a ministry, it is vital that we serve alongside those we conscript, and not see ourselves as superior. When people see us as servants, they will be inspired to work alongside us. o o o o

Nehemiah worked alongside his people. Nehemiah didn’t see himself as worthy of protection when his people were unprotected. Nehemiah didn’t want to stop working just to meet with important officials. His main concern was the work of God, not his status or power. Nehemiah didn’t take credit for the work, but allowed others to see that God had given them success.

 Plan to Build God’s Kingdom, Not Your Own: (Nehemiah 7-12) When we undertake a work for God, we may begin to think highly of ourselves and what we have accomplished. It is important that we focus on building God’s kingdom rather than our own. Sometimes we will gain power or position in order to influence others, but our ministry should elevate God, not us. o o o o o

Nehemiah knew that the purpose of building the wall was to bring the people back to community with each other and renew their relationship with God. Nehemiah and Ezra used the building of the wall to re-ignite faith in God and commitment to His covenant. Nehemiah did not allow people to continue in sin. Nehemiah did not accept personal position or recognition, but continually gave glory to God. Nehemiah was a part of re-establishing the priesthood and the nation of Judah. His vision was much bigger than his own personal life.

 Plan to Persevere: Each of us can develop a plan to serve God with our gifts and abilities. That plan may change in time as new opportunities arise, but if we follow God's direction, we will be effective servants of God and influential leaders. Just as Nehemiah had to endure threats, rumours, attempts on his life, and temptations, we will face obstacles as we serve God. But with God’s enabling, we must persevere in the face of all these challenges.  The life of a leader is one of:

Essentials for Spiritual Leadership: Leader’s Guide

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Being the solution instead of the problem. Building God’s Kingdom, not our own. Building people, not just programs. Building something that will outlast ourselves.

 Giving your life to the work of God is very significant and sometimes frightening! There is so much work to be done in the world, but we are not alone. God will be with us as we serve Him and will guide us along right paths. We should follow the example of Nehemiah and plan to be a wise leader wherever God has called us!

TASK: Distribute the attached form, Personal Ministry Planning Worksheet. Have participants take some time to consider the questions and think about the ministry that God has called them to. If they do not feel they have a particular personal ministry, they should choose a specific area in which they might accomplish God's call to every believer (to share the gospel and make disciples).

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DISCUSSION  Sometimes people use the phrase “failing to plan means planning to fail”. Have you ever experienced failure because you did not plan ahead? Have you experienced running out of time, money, resources or people because of lack of planning?  What is weighing on your heart the way the broken wall and the shame of his people weighed on Nehemiah’s? What has God called you to do in response? How do you plan to do it?  What causes people to lose sight of their purpose, or to think that programs are more important than the people?  What are some of the main obstacles to God’s work in your church or community? What can you do to prepare for them and protect the work (and the workers)?  What happens when leaders serve alongside rather than just telling their people what to do? How does it change the attitude of their followers?  In what ways does serving God impact your own comfort, pride or position? How would it impact you to put God’s mission before your own comfort as a leader?

PRAYER Close the lesson in prayer. This prayer is based on Nehemiah's prayer: O Lord God of Heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, hear the prayer of your servants here as they wait upon you. These are your servants, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayers of your servants who delight to fear your name. Give them success as they seek to fulfill your calling on their life.

Essentials for Spiritual Leadership: Leader’s Guide

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PERSONAL MINISTRY PLANNING WORKSHEET As you prepare to serve God, consider the following questions. Be honest with yourself and with God – you cannot fix deficiencies you don’t admit to having! Consider wise goals – those that are specific, achievable and measurable. What are my own strengths and weaknesses as a leader? Strengths Weaknesses

How can I maximize the use of my strengths and compensate for my weaknesses?

What am I passionate about? What problem do I feel burdened to solve? Who are the people I desire to reach? What makes me feel alive, awake and useful to God?

What unique experiences, training and background do I have? How can I use these to serve God?

Who can I gather around me to help accomplish my goals and vision? Who can I help in accomplishing theirs, and how can I get involved?

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What are my ministry goals? What would I like to see happen that would bring glory to God and serve His people? Write down a general goal, and then specific goals for each time period. General Goal:

Goals for This Month Goals for This Year Goals for the next 3 Years Goals for the next 5 Years

Consider where you are now, and where you would need to be in 3 or 5 years in order to achieve your goals (consider location, education, experience, confidence, faith in God, etc.). What do you need to do?

Are there different ways your goals can be accomplished? List some of the possibilities.

What is the cost of achieving your goals? You may need to do more research, or ask people who have attempted similar projects or ministries. Finances Time People Other Resources How do you know God is calling you to this ministry or act of service? In what ways are you trusting God to provide all that you will need to serve Him?