Since I was very young, I was fascinated with ministry, and ministers. I actually had preachers on a pedestal--which I learned many years later was a serious mistake.

I looked up so highly to the men and women of God, that I forgot they were people, with real emotions, real challenges, and real flaws. As I grew to adulthood and encountered some less-than-perfect pastors (and wives), music ministers, and other workers in the church (for the term "ministers" covers much more than just the pastor!) I realized, to my shock, that if the Holy Spirit is not operating through the clergy and other workers in the church, then the other spirit or the flesh is!

Yuck, phooey!

God tells us to not rehearse past disappointments (Isaiah 43:18-19), so I won't. (He tells us to focus on the future. Amen!)

Now, having been a lay minister for about 25 years, and a licensed minister for a few, I know that even more. I have served in various capacities inside and outside the church, from evangelistic outreaches to kids' ministry; to Christian counseling; to writing for many Christian publications; to music ministry; in demonstrations of worship dance; to preaching and teaching women in groups in the community, online, and more.

So let me help you understand what true "ministry" is.  I believe the bottom line of true ministry is first, being immersed in the Word of God, and measuring everything by that. The Word, praise the LORD, never changes. There are many translations and paraphrases, but I know from experience--and because God is so very good and faithful--that He can use any translation He wants to enlighten an earnest seeker! Praise Him!

Everything--whether an angelic appearance, a voice heard within our hearts,  an exhortation from the pulpit, a deep desire, or a suggestion by a loved one--must be measured by the Word of God! If it does not line up with the Word of God, you must forsake it. Period!

Trust me that I know what I mean when I tell you that there are many voices in the world purporting to be from God, and your emotions and mind can get tied up in things that are not God, even though they may be very good.

If you don't know the Word of God well enough to figure out if something is based on the Scriptures or not, ask the LORD to help you; to direct you to verses to back up the answer(s) that you need; to confirm or redirect you. Worship Him. Thank Him. Do not take a step unless you know He is truly leading you.

At the same time, take authority over doubt and unbelief, because God always thinks bigger than humans (no matter how close to Him), and He will always be leading us to bigger visions. So sometimes, He really is leading us and it will NOT make sense to our heads! We must be led by and obedient to the Spirit of God (and I'm preaching to myself!).

The best part of all this is that, once we receive Christ Jesus as our Savior and LORD, God becomes our Abba Father, our dear Daddy, and He is not only available 24/7 to us, but eager to help us! He gave Jesus and Jesus was crucified and died for us to be helped!

Right after basing decisions and actions on the Word is walking in Love.. God is Love (I John 4:8). What does this mean?

Basically, I believe it means remembering how much God has forgiven us for, and doing our best to not judge. Rehearsing I Corinthians 13:4-8 and reading the book of John and the Psalms helps with this. 

Another big deal about walking in Love is to ask God to help you truly forgive, and get rid of all bitterness, resentment, anger, etc.

This is not as easy as it sounds, but it is possible! Ask the LORD to show you if there are any bad roots in your heart, and to heal and deliver you of them.

He will!

Next, I believe "ministry" is being unselfish and willing to give to bless others, whether it's your time, your money, your possessions, your talents--and asking the LORD for wisdom. He is a good Father and doesn't want anyone worn out or getting sick or worse, just to "do minstry."

So, let me modify slightly what I've said before: Developing the relationship with the LORD is the most important thing you can ever do. He is a Person, with emotions. We can grieve Him. I've had to repent for that. As much as anyone has ever loved and helped you, your Father God loves you so much more--and every time anyone has shown you love, it came from Him!

Getting to know the LORD is the main thing. Mostly, that happens through the Word, but it can also happen through worship, and prayer--and even just being quiet.  I have also found that marveling at His amazing creation brings me closer to Him. 

He is always speaking, so ask Him for ears to hear His Voice. Again, getting in the Word of God and learning it more daily is the best way to know His voice and His ways.

Call to your Father. He will help you to know Him and His Word and ways better. Then, "ministry"--led by and guided by the Spirit of God--will just flow out of you.

Done right, ministry can be the highlight of your life, for when you are yielded to God (and you can tell Him, "LORD, I yield my life to You. Please take it and do something with it!"), wonderful things can happen. As you allow Him to flow through you, others are touched by Heaven--and so are you!

Happy Ministering!

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.