For most of my life as a Christian, my ministry plans were pretty simple: do whatever the Lord calls me to do. On the surface, this worked well for many years, but I was burning myself out. I was doing too much both in my professional and personal life.
My overarching ministry plan is still true. That probably will never change. However, now that I’m firmly in my middle-ages, I’ve found I have to run at a different pace (especially as someone who isn’t in full-time vocational ministry). I need to do what the Lord calls me to do in as sustainable way as possible. That’s where ministry planning comes into play.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been considering what I would like “ministry” to look like for me in 2024. Today, I want to share a bit of where I think the Lord is directing me, and how you can help.
Preaching and teaching
I actively avoided any kind of public speaking prior to becoming a Christian. I hated it and was never comfortable with it. Yet, I actually really enjoy preaching and teaching. It’s funny how the Holy Spirit works sometimes, huh?
For the last two years I have been a part of my local church’s teaching ministry. I typically preach between 6-8 times a year. (If you’re curious, you can listen to my most recent message here.) Serving this congregation this was is genuinely a gift.
But before I moved to the United States, I primarily provided pulpit supply for churches in Southwestern Ontario. When I moved to the USA, this largely fell by the wayside. But it is a part of my ministry I hope to restart in 2024, and would be honored to serve a church in need.
How can you help?
There are two ways you can help:
- Please be praying along with me that the Lord would bring the right opportunities at the right time.
- If your church needs a week of pulpit supply in 2024, reach out and let’s talk.
Writing
Writing is very much ministry in terms of the why and what of my writing. I write articles and books because I want to help people know and love Jesus more. I’m a ChristianâNow What? is probably the project I loved writing the most for this reason. My next book is one I feel the same way about. (Lord willing, we will find a home for that one soon.)
As much as writing is a ministry, publishing is a business. This means that measurable data like sales and reviews really matter, especially when publishers are considering proposals. This is why you often see writers asking readers to leave a short review of one of our books. (It’s not to feed a fragile ego.)
How can you help?
Here’s how I would ask that you help as this part of my ministry continues:
- Please pray that the next book finds the right home.
- If you have not already purchased a copy of I’m a ChristianâNow What?, would you please consider doing so, especially if you know an adult who is new to the faith? (It would be a great one for the two of you to work through together.)
- If you have read the book, could you please leave a short review on Amazon and Goodreads? (Both platforms really matter.)
Multimedia endeavors
I’ve been an on-and-off podcaster since 2016, which I hope to come back to again. I have also made videos for YouTube both personally and as part of my professional life on-and-off for several years as well. In fact, I relaunched my YouTube page in the summer as a home for video content focused primarily in three categories:
- Books: recommendations and reviews
- Bible: guidance on how to read and study the Bible, primers on different Bible translations and Bible editions, and so forth
- Big ideas: exploring the central truths of Christianity and ways we can practically and genuinely live out our faith
There are a few videos up there, and more are coming. My goal is to start out publishing one every two weeks, but ideally I’d love to get to a weekly pace if I can manage it.
How can you help?
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Please pray that I can produce meaningful content in a sustainable way
- Please subscribe to the YouTube channel
- Please like and share the videos you find helpful
Ministry planning with a sustainable mindset
Ministry is important to me. Doing ministry in a way that is healthy and sustainable is even more important. And to do ministry in a sustainable way requires a planâand flexibility. The Lord may direct me in new areas as I continue to work and pray. He may push me to double-down on some others. But this is the plan as it currently stands. Let’s see what happens next.
Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash
