Truths for Christian Workers
A Christian minister's effectiveness is not determined by their ability, but by their availability to serve God and others.
Dick Sipley emphasizes the importance of the church functioning as one big family, working together in unity through the Spirit of God. He reflects on the negative impact of carrying past traditions and attitudes into ministry, hindering spiritual growth. Sipley highlights the necessity of transparent honesty for fellowship, stressing the need to break down walls and religious exteriors to build genuine relationships. Additionally, he underscores the significance of availability over ability, addressing issues of envy and pride among believers and promoting lay ministry for true church growth.
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-The Church is to be as one big family. Glad I am in CRF because all work together as a family. We can do nothing except through the Spirit of God.
-Mt. 15:1-9, Scribes & Pharisees--traditions of elders, didn't take care of their father & mother--honored with mouth & lips but heart far from me.
-I was a pastor's son; became a pastor at age 21.
TRUTHS I HAVE LEARNED IN THE MINISTRY TO CHANGE MY LIFE:
The attitudes from those around us as we are growing up (traditions from the past) can be carried into our ministry & hinder us.
A pastor said he couldn't discuss his problems in front of his fellow-pastors because of pride; recognized the problem, then began to unload. Said he was going to resign his church. Asked why, he said, "Because I can't bring my people in the congregation up to the spiritual standard that they should be; they aren't spiritual." I asked him, "Do you think that the people in your congregation want to please God?" "No." Do YOU want to please God?" "Yes." But because of his negative spirit the congregation felt it.
1. "TELL YOUR CONGREGATION THAT YOU BELIEVE EVERY BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN WANTS TO PLEASE GOD. (Attitude)
The congregation hopes the pastor has the answer for them.
One who is weak in the faith, receive--not throw out.
We who are strong--receive the weak.
2. TRANSPARENT HONESTY IS ESSENTIAL FOR FELLOWSHIP, 1 John 1:3-
People relate to us not in our strength but in our WEAKNESS!
We can't get close to people unless we are transparent.
We can't get close to God unless we are transparent.
-We need to get the walls down, the religious exterior. How quick God's people are to forgive, & have compassion if we give them a chance.
-Someone said: We would love to get next to our pastor & do all the extra things that need to be done so he can study & pray, but he won't let us. (Someone wondered: Do pastors sin?)
-Don't reprimand someone in your congregation through a bulletin announcement.
3. GOD DOES NOT NEED MY ABILITY, BUT MY AVAILABILITY.
Envy & pride must go--amongst the brethren.
Gal. 5:19-21, Works of the flesh--& in the middle of that terrible list is ENVY--one of the greatest hindrances in the church!
(Home Bible studies in Akron were used to reach the lost.)
4. TRUE CHURCH GROWTH COMES THROUGH BODY MINISTRY, OR LAY MINISTRY.
The pastor can't do all the work. A pastor can't take care of more than 50 people; others need to be involved in the ministry. Most of the soul winning should be done outside of the church, then bring into the church to mature. Friendship evangelism. Spread the ministry; let others be involved by hospital visitation, etc.)
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Attitude points: - Recognizing the impact of past traditions on ministry - The need for a positive attitude in ministry
- The Role of Transparency points: - The importance of honesty in fellowship - Relating to others in weakness, not strength
- Dependence on God points: - Recognizing God's sovereignty in ministry - The need for availability, not ability
- Church Growth through Body Ministry points: - The role of lay ministry in church growth - The importance of spreading ministry beyond the church
Key Quotes
“GOD DOES NOT NEED MY ABILITY, BUT MY AVAILABILITY.” — Richard Sipley
“People relate to us not in our strength but in our WEAKNESS!” — Richard Sipley
“TRUE CHURCH GROWTH COMES THROUGH BODY MINISTRY, OR LAY MINISTRY.” — Richard Sipley
Application Points
- Recognize the impact of past traditions on your ministry and choose to have a positive attitude.
- Be transparent and honest in your fellowship, and relate to others in your weakness, not strength.
- Depend on God's sovereignty and availability, not just your ability, to serve Him effectively.