Still The Heart

Church Leaders tell us that they plead with people to give their hearts fully to God. But it’s the way that they go for people’s hearts that is the problem. People are more likely to invest their hearts when they are pursuing their own ministry passion. “Individuals tend to hold reserves of energy in check until they see how to use it to their own highest interest. The challenge is to release more of that energy.” (Somebodies and Nobodies, pg 114).

The number one need that most church leaders feel they have is, “to get our people involved in meaningful ministry.” On the other hand most Parachurch leaders feel that their greatest need is for more “Christian servants” to help the organization capitalize on it enormous ministries opportunities. There are more International Students who want American friends than there are American friends to respond.  There are more kids who need mentors than there are mentors available, and so it is with hundreds of needy people groups in our country. So what is the answer?

Always Go For The Heart

Yesterday I was in DC at a ministry called DayBreak. I was there with several others visiting. I observed those of us who where there looking and others there working. It is easy to go look, but very different to be there working. The difference is heart.

My friend and co-author Frank Tillapaugh and I have served over 50 years on church staffs. And the most important lesson we have learned is: ALWAYS GO FOR THE HEART. If someone invests their heart, they will give everything they have. When we talk with pastors about their church’s people getting involved in community ministries, they often tell us, “I know our people and they don’t have time to get involved.”  Our response is “If God touches their hearts they will find the time to get involved.” We have seen it hundreds of times, when someone invests their heart, they not only find the time; they will move out of their comfort zones, and on occasion they will even risk their life if necessary.

But, unfortunately passion for ministry is rare among the rank and file in most churches. The reason that there is so little ministry passion among lay people is that church leaders tend to aim for their heads, attendance, pocketbooks, consumer satisfaction, felt needs, involvement in the church programs, comforts and above all to inspire people. And in the process they seldom touch the heart.