1 Corinthians 16
By Pastor Steve
Intentionality in Ministry
As I have attempted to raise and mentor my children in the Lord, I have always made it a point to teach them that ministry to others demands intentionality. You see, my son and daughter have both chosen to serve the Lord with their lives. Joshua is a Youth Pastor and Kristyn is studying Intercultural Missions with a desire to participate in God’s mission work somewhere in the world. Their choices have inspired me to do the best I can to help them be as effective as possible as they serve the Lord; and part of that inspiration is to help them understand that ministry demands a certain level of futuristic intentionality on their part. I have always taught them that planning for ministry means that we should do our best to think in future terms so we can plan what we need to do for the Gospel. This future planning helps us become more effective with the ministries we are planning.
I think that our passage for today would support my convictions on this matter. In 1 Corinthians 16:5—9 Paul wrote to the people saying: “After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.”
As I was reading this passage, I was inspired by Paul’s intentionality. He noted that he had a great desire to visit the people of Corinth, but he also realized a few important factors to take into consideration. He did not want to make a short visit but wanted to spend some time with his friends. Paul understood the value of friendships and building community. He realized that they were participants in Paul’s journey and the promotion of the Gospel. We do not embark on ministry ventures alone. It is important to remember that ministry is shared with others and is not a solo act. But the most important aspect of intentional ministry is to realize that we are led by the Lord and not our own desires. Paul’s last statement helps us realize that when push comes to shove, ministry demands that we remain under the Lord’s leading and not our personal desires.
So the big question? How is ministry going for you? Are you intentional for your own desires or for the Lord’s desires? Are you partnering in the work of the Gospel and are you willing to submit to the Lord’s desires if they do not match your desires? How intentional are you?
