Plan Your Ministry 2

Nehemiah 2:13-18

You would think that putting a screw into a piece of wood would be no big deal, but two years ago I learned I wasn’t doing it right. I always simply put the screw to the wood and turned it as I pressed against it. There were times when the screw would go in fairly easily, but often it was a struggle. Then someone pointed out how helpful a pilot hole is to guide the screw and keep the wood from splitting. It only took a minute to have someone point out my problem and give me a solution.

Nehemiah 2:11-15 focuses on Nehemiah’s assessment of the work that needs to be done in rebuilding Jerusalem. He looks over the problem and begins to develop a plan on how to restore the city. What is his invitation to the city officials? What was their response?

Verses 11 through 15 give us the details of Nehemiah’s inspection. He examines the ruins of Jerusalem without the presence of others so that he might have an accurate, first-hand picture of what needs to be done. When he is finished he explains the situation and his intentions to the leaders of Jerusalem, and they are willing to help him accomplish his ministry.

Most churches have ministries already in place or at least ministries that once existed. To serve God and to revitalize a church we may need to breathe new life into existing ministries or adjust current ministries to address current needs and changes in our culture.

Just as Gideon did not plunge forward into battle but waited for God to give him His plan, we need to examine our ministries and evaluate their effectiveness. Through an honest approach, an unbiased examination, and prayerful guidance from God we can look at the work of our church and decide if changes are necessary. Evaluating resources and needs are essential parts of planning God’s work.

As Nehemiah reminded the officials of God’s gracious hand upon him, we must remember to include God’s wisdom in our assessment of work and be gracious ourselves to those already involved in ministry. Our evaluations should be done in love and not involve harsh criticism.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you assess current ministries?