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Different does not mean better necessarily. We all should serve in unique ways. Uncharitable comparing is not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). We all have a role to play in the Lord’s kingdom work.
If a ministry does not have a unique voice, it will not serve others well, which is why you don’t want to copy anyone. You want to be yourself, working within your strengths while addressing your weaknesses. Our ministry is uniquely “me” according to how God is working in me.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Philippians 2:12-13
From the unique person who is building the ministry, you want to establish your unique mission statement. Here is our mission statement: “Our mission is to help people by providing practical tools and ongoing training for effective living.”
The motive behind our mission statement began in an assistant pastor’s office in 1989 when he said that I did not break my arm; if I had broken my arm, he would know how to serve me. My problems were more complicated than a broken arm. I needed help, practical tools, ongoing care, and a better life.
Yesterday, I was talking with a lady who said the thing she liked about the conference she attended that I led was that my teaching was not just more information, but it was practical. She walked away with practical ideas that she could implement into her life.
And that is one of the keys that people like about our ministry. It is also the thing that people dislike the most about our ministry: we call folks to action–to do something with the information.
It is easy to produce content and distribute it to the masses, whether it’s an article, podcast, booklet, book, webinar, or conference. Mass distribution of content is the norm, and anyone can do it. According to an IBM white paper, there has been more information created in the past two years than in the entire history of humanity.
Producing content and distributing it are the easy parts. The hard part is interacting with those who are reading your materials. Few content producers make it their aim to engage their audience on a daily basis practically.
They may have a comment section at the end of their articles, but I’m talking about ongoing practical engagement with their constituency.
The non-negotiable plank in our ministry’s platform is that we are always accessible to those who use our resources. Though it’s easy to produce and distribute content, it takes a massive effort to provide those unique content consumers a place where they can ask their unique questions.
The downside to reading and listening without interacting is that your story never perfectly fits what was written or spoken. Even the Ethiopian had a hard time understanding God’s Word (Acts 8:31).
We can feel better about ourselves by producing something, but it can also be self-deceiving to think that the reader or listener understands your points the way you intended.
Our ministry does not make that assumption. We will always, by the grace of God, provide a context where people can come with their unique questions.
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).