Using Ministry to Build People

In my last post, I shared the best ministry advice I've ever received: "Ministry is all about people." An implication of that statement concerns how the ministries of the church are used.

One approach begins with the ministries that a church believes it needs to build the church. The challenge is then to find the people necessary to fill ministry positions. The problem with this approach is that it uses people to build ministry.

I prefer a different process. I prefer to start with people, finding ministries to enable them to develop their talents, gifts and passions. Simply put, I prefer to use ministry to build people.

Your thoughts?

Best Ministry Advice Ever Received

For the first 10 years of my life in ministry, I had the opportunity to serve on the staff of 4 very different churches in 4 very different settings. I learned many things from each church and from each Senior Pastor I was privileged to partner with. But there is one lesson that stands out above the rest...

"Ministry is all about people."

That sounds like a simple statement. But it's a statement that radically impacts pretty much every aspect of ministry. Ministry isn't all about strategies... or programs... or buildings... or structures... or worship style... or  curriculum... or any of the myriad of other things we spend so much time on.

"Ministry is all about people."

Over the next several posts, we'll explore some of the implication of that statement. I invite your comments.

Back to Blogging...Again

On August 22, 2012 I put my blog on hiatus...again. At the time, I thought I'd take the time to maintain both this blog and a Facebook, profile. But I didn't. F/B consumed all my attention. But those days are over.

I've decided to transition back to blogging. Why? For the same reasons I began in the first place... including these:

• It makes me translucent. I want share my life, but total transparency may be a bit more than any of us really wants.
• It makes me accountable. The weekly post about my devotional life helps keep me going, even when I don't feel like it.
• It makes me think. If you're not learning, you're not growing, and I want to keep growing.
• It gives us opportunity to interact. As you post your comments, we're sharing life.

So, for those who've missed me...I'm back. And, for those who still want to follow along on F/B, I'll post links of these posts on my timeline.

I Love Family Day!

Family Day at Rhodes Grove is one of my favorite Sundays of the year! Yesterday, we enjoyed a combined worship service in the Meadows Conference Center followed by a delicious meal in the dining hall. Then from 1-3, we had run of the grounds. Here's a list of some of my favorite things from yesterday's event:

• Gathering as a single body for worship. Don't get me wrong...I am not opposed to multiple worship services. I also enjoy having the opportunity to put everyone together from time to time.
• Enjoying a whole-church meal with no prep or cleanup. The staff at Rhodes Grove puts on a delicious meal for very reasonable prices.
• Spending time together. When it comes to building relationships and enjoying each other, there's just no substitute for time.
• Watching people interact. It's always neat to see a few new friendships emerge out of this event.
• Baptism. There's just nothing like celebrating what God has done in people's lives through Baptism!
• FUN, FUN, FUN!!! I'm always surprised to see how fast the day goes by. Can't wait for next year already!

21 Years

On this date, 21 years ago, Janet Sarah Menger and James Oliver Bolich, Jr. stood before God, their families and friends and covenanted together in marriage. I'm still amazed at the blessing Janet has been, and continues to be to my life. In some ways, it seems like just yesterday. And yet, I find it difficult to remember life without her by my side. And I wouldn't have it any other way!