Taking Your Next Step Toward Full-Time Ministry
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Developing Character & Spiritual Disciplines

A person can learn a lot about how to carry on different ministries but be totally unprepared in their lives. Perhaps you have met some skilled people who have a poor marriage, worry, don’t seek the Lord in prayer or have an unresolved problem with lust. These personal flaws have and will be used of the evil one to ultimately destroy a person’s ministry.

The Bible speaks a lot about the personal growth of a Christian with little emphasis on skills. Much is said about being filled with the Holy Spirit and nothing of gaining a certain degree. This is, I believe, because without this personal moral foundation, the ministry has no meaning.  How sad to see missionaries that have poor marriages, lust problems or relational difficulties with other missionaries. Their ministry is discredited by their lives.

There is both the initial obtaining of a Christ-filled life and then the maintaining of it. We will focus on the first aspect of gaining moral character. Remember that our greatest task will be to discover problems that we did not think we had. It is critical that we have an eager, humble heart to serve the Lord and allow Him to expose those areas.

Personal character development:

·     In what areas of your life has God caused significantly growth?     

·    How has God helped you grow in those areas?

·    Name the three areas of character development that are most needed in your life.

·    Ask a good friend (such as a spouse) the same question.

·    Formulate a plan to work on each of them. Use a spiritual journal to keep track of your progress.

 

Intimacy with God:

·    How much time do you spend with the Lord each day in prayer?

·    How much time do you think you should spend?

·    Do you look forward to your times with Him?

·    What level of priority is it that you meet the Lord each day? How do you know?

·    How do you respond when devotional times are not so exciting?        

Bible knowledge is not the same as closeness with God. Prayer time can be religious and not profitable. Time spent is not the same thing as ‘good time spent.’ Without spiritual habits built into our lives before full-time ministry, we more likely will not have them afterwards. Many think that the Christian ministry allows more time for God. But in fact, the opposite is true. Many a busy missionary or pastor has been ‘burned out’ simply because they got too busy to meet with God.

 

Issues in marriage:

The way we treat our spouse in a great way reflects how we approach the Lord. Marriage problems are significant and must be worked on. God has solutions. He wants a husband and wife to be intimate. He doesn’t want them to argue but discuss and seek His face together.

·    On a scale of 1 to 10 (best), rate your marriage. Afterwards ask your spouse to do the same.

·    List any issues that you disagree upon. How do you solve these disagreements?

·    Do you burst out in anger to get your way?

·    If you have a quarrel, do you restore the relationship? Do you know how to restore the relationship? How long does it take you?

·    Do you tolerate bitterness or resentment in your heart toward each other? If so, you need to master forgiveness (this is the heart of the gospel – grace).

·    As a husband have you learned to devote yourself to caring for your wife? How do you know?

·    As a wife, have you learned how to submit to your husband or do you still resent his decisions?

·    Are you content with your spouse?

 

Issues in single living:

Marriage offers a special training place that singles do not have. If you are single, however, you can get a glimpse into your heart by noticing how you relate to your parents. A single person is tested by how he relates to and respects his parents or others in authority.

·    As a young person do you humble your will to do what your parents say?  How do you respond to them when you disagree with them? Can you trust God with their judgments?

·    As a single woman do you quietly submit your will to your parents?

·    Have you worked through your singleness with God? Are you content with what God provides?

·    Do you get a little resentful when you see young couples or families with little children?

·    Have you learned to control your sexual desires?

 

Parenting:

Many parents do not believe that they can godly raise children with proper attitudes. They allow modern techniques to substitute for biblical instructions. Note how an elder must keep “his children under control with all dignity” (1 Timothy 3:4). The key to an effective family ministry, both in term of time and witness, is to train your children to obey.

·    Do your children obey you?  (How many times do you have to tell them to do something?)

·    Do you have a good relationship with your children?

·    How often do you pray and study God’s Word with your children?

·    What means do you utilize to reconcile your children when in conflict? Does it include apologizing and forgiving?

·    Do other people like being with your children?

Other related series:

"The Godly Man" helps us focus on how God's character should practically shape our lives.

"Reviving Your Spiritual Devotions" gives you practical steps to have very special times with the Lord.

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