As an avid reader of such articles, as I enjoy gleaning ideas and tid bits for all manner of purposes, some of which adds to my glass of wisdom goblets. In this article a cautious note is expressed to ensure a first home buyers does not over extend themselves. (www.news.com.au)
Christian Ministry
As I pondered on this five point list in relation to Christian Ministry I saw two very different scenarios.
The first was a 'maintenance' ministry where there is no plan for evangelism, rather it's a status quo, steady as she goes, good ship Pleasant Places. A careful statistical analysis would govern any move forward, in effect nothing would happen; no emotion is required, cross every T and dot every I even when pondering; never take a risk as faith is for Salvation and nothing more; and exercise caution and more caution, oh yes, again more caution.
This is the world of 'ministry maintainers' but if this was the agenda, the message of Jesus Christ would never have been passed on to anyone ever. This has nothing to do with outreach and evangelism and visions and dreams of ministry opportunities.
In my 36 years in Christian Ministry in developing new and exciting adventures in ministry the policies espoused for first home buyers would have engulfed such ideas into a mixture of thick heavy glue and nothing would ever have happened.
For Christian Ministry a different set of five points
Never count the money - if our Father who owns the cattle on a thousands hills and the wealth in every mine, then we have the funding in faith.
Always get emotionally attached to evangelism and outreach. Our God speaks into the heart.
If we waited for approvals we'd never do any evangelism. If God is on our side who can be against us.
Always speak in terms of faith and a theology of expectancy. Each morning when I open the PO Box I exclaim in my heart, "What will the Lord surprise me with today?"
Think expansive, think exploratory, think opportunity, think faith, think lead the way Lord…
Examples
In my own ministry I put these ideas into practise in
• negotiating with each Australian professional sport in order to appoint a Christian chaplain (1982-2000).
• Olympic Ministry
• Australian Cricket Team chaplaincy
• Life After Cricket
• Elite athlete Respite facilities (Moruya and Tweed)
• Missionary Respite cottage on the Whitsundays
• Art Galleries, Art Prizes and Art Ministry
• Country Town Tours
• Young writers program with Christian Today
• and a whole lot more
Re-evaluating trajectories can be exciting and exhilarating. Taking the first step in faith with a theology of expectancy is perhaps a good start. It's vital!
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html