Ep. 119 A Man’s Ministry May Be More Than You Think

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Shows Main Idea – An individual’s ministry never starts “out there somewhere” but always within their immediate sphere of influence. If you do not take care of those closest to you, it is likely you will compromise what you do “out there,” even to the point of seeing it collapse.

Show Notes

You may want to read:

• Ep. 115 What Is “Body-to-Body Ministry” In the Local Church?
• Leading Your Wife In Intimate Conversations
• How to Help a Person Get Right With God

A man’s ministry works out in ever-increasing circles:

1. Himself – He must take care of himself spiritually and physically, or he won’t be able to do much.
2. Wife – After keeping himself fit for ministry, the primary person he “ministers” to is his wife.
3. Children – If he has children, they are next.
4. Close Friends – He must have a close network of real-world friends who can know “ALL” of him and speak into his life.
5. Local Church – Those friends, ideally, should be in his local church, but, regardless, he must be “known” and cared for by his local church.
6. Greater Ministry – This “ministry” may be the “thing” he does for a living or a “side-hustle.” Either way, it’s SIXTH on the list, just like if it was what we call a “regular job.”

“Ministry” ALWAYS works out like this. It’s the way Jesus did things too:

1. He took care of Himself, even pulling away from folks to care for his soul.
2. He had Peter, James, and John.
3. He had the other Nine.
4. He had Mary, Martha, and a few other close friends.
5. He ministered to the crowds.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).