Before Saying Yes: Things to consider before committing to ministry

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. -Galatians 5:13

 Ministries make up a large portion of any church. There are children's ministries, youth ministries, adult ministries, outreach ministries, prison ministries, women's ministries, men's ministries...  The list can go on, and on, and on, and in many churches, the list can be quite extensive.

It is an important part of the life of a christian to be involved in some type of ministry. Not only does it foster a sense of community with like-minded believers, but it is something we are called to do.

For even the Son of Man came to to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many. -Mark 10:45

 Before agreeing to help with any ministry, it is important that you know what you are getting yourself into. It is easy to feel guilted or manipulated into agreeing to a ministry, but it really does no one any good if your heart and mind aren't fully committed. Not only will it feel like an undesirable chore for you, but the individuals you are serving will be able to tell that your heart isn't in it.

There is a fine line here, because I do believe that God can take a ministry that we initially don't care for and soften our hearts toward it so that it becomes something we enjoy doing. This is why it is so very important to pray and seek God's will before making a final decision. If after prayer and wise counsel you feel that God is calling you into an area of ministry that you might not normally pursue, by all means go for it. God has a way of stretching us and molding us into the people He wants us to be, and this can often be done through the ministries we participate in.

In preparation for a ministry fair our women's retreat will hold later this fall, I have prepared some questions to consider before committing to a ministry. Some of these questions are about the ministry itself, and others are about yourself and whether the ministry is a good fit for you. After asking a few questions and spending some time in prayer and self-reflection, you will be able to confidently commit to a ministry that is right for you.