I'm hesitant to put anything regarding specific ministries because my purpose was to ask people to evaluate the ministries in which they or their churches (if they are in leadership) are involved. I was absolutely NOT referring to missions, discipleship, evangelism, prayer, etc. But I can see where I left the door open to heading down that path. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

Ministries I'm referencing would be more specific and would be a particular MODE of missions, discipleship, benevolence, etc. Springing to mind might be offering a food pantry to people who don't actually need food – which might drain financial and human resources in the church as well as undermine the spiritual growth and work of Christ in the lives of those receiving ministry. In the right context (or as directed by God) this might be a viable and fruitful ministry. (I mention this because I am involved in the benevolence ministry of our church and continually seek God's direction on a case-by-case basis to ensure that I am being effective. Obedient first, wise second.)

I feel I must emphasize this again that I am not trying to take the place of God and tell you that you should drop a ministry. If you are directed by God to do something, its perceived effectiveness is not something for me to evaluate.

Which brings me back to the comment about unmanaged systems and my concerns about mentioning any specific ministries. Anything I might mention could be perceived as a system in itself. What we really need is for people to spend time with God to understand where he is directing them and their resources.

Systems can be right and good. But we must not pass off to systems the work that God has entrusted to people. And in all things do what God has directed.

Thank you again for bringing this up.

This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bryan Entzminger: Are You Wasting Resources? | bdentzy http://bit.ly/3oE40K...

I'm hesitant to put anything regarding specific ministries because my purpose was to ask people to evaluate the ministries in which they or their churches (if they are in leadership) are involved. I was absolutely NOT referring to missions, discipleship, evangelism, prayer, etc. But I can see where I left the door open to heading down that path. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

Ministries I'm referencing would be more specific and would be a particular MODE of missions, discipleship, benevolence, etc. Springing to mind might be offering a food pantry to people who don't actually need food – which might drain financial and human resources in the church as well as undermine the spiritual growth and work of Christ in the lives of those receiving ministry. In the right context (or as directed by God) this might be a viable and fruitful ministry. (I mention this because I am involved in the benevolence ministry of our church and continually seek God's direction on a case-by-case basis to ensure that I am being effective. Obedient first, wise second.)

I feel I must emphasize this again that I am not trying to take the place of God and tell you that you should drop a ministry. If you are directed by God to do something, its perceived effectiveness is not something for me to evaluate.

Which brings me back to the comment about unmanaged systems and my concerns about mentioning any specific ministries. Anything I might mention could be perceived as a system in itself. What we really need is for people to spend time with God to understand where he is directing them and their resources.

Systems can be right and good. But we must not pass off to systems the work that God has entrusted to people. And in all things do what God has directed.

Thank you again for bringing this up.

What kind of ministries are you referring to when you mention ones we put in motion and then forget to re-evaluate? It seems that the places the church ought to spend the most resources ought to also to never end. I'm thinking missions, discipleship, evangelism, prayer ministry, etc.

Well written… love your style! I'm gonna pray for you this morning Bryan… and for all your blog pals! Hope you guys and gals FEEL THE DIFFERENCE all day long!