100 Days to a Healthier ChurchSample

Day 41

Today’s Big Idea: GIVE the ministry away. As we saw in the verses we studied together way back on Day 1, Ephesians 4:11–12 tells us that the leaders of a the church have a mandate from God, not to do all the ministry for the church but to equip God’s people for works of service. We’re supposed to give the ministry away.

Key Verse: Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:3–4).

Thoughts to Consider: “We will turn this responsibility over to them.” Those may be the hardest eight words in the world for some pastors to say, let alone to do. Give the ministry to others, along with responsibility and authority to make the decisions that need to be made.

But look who the apostles turned the ministry over to. It wasn’t just anyone. The new recruits were full of the Spirit and wisdom, and they were “known” by the people for it. Their reputations were based on their character. Now they received the call.

Today, spend some time thinking and praying about who we can equip to step up and take over ministry roles in the church, either for the first time or to a greater degree than they’ve attempted in the past. Consider their character, their spiritual life, and their ability to make wise decisions. Please note: Giving these ministries away doesn’t mean we stop doing them. That was dealt with yesterday in what we’re tossing. Like the distribution of food to widows, the church will keep doing these ministries. It’s just time for others to experience the joy of doing them.

What ministries can we GIVE to others, and who can we GIVE them to?

Ministries to GIVE away:

People to GIVE them to: