You’ve seen the trick acts at a circus or carnival where they balance plates or other items on their heads, hands and even feet. They keep adding one more item until they reach the end of their goal or everything falls off. Spectators watch open-mouthed at the amazing act, thinking they could never even attempt such a feat.
And yet, balancing is what we seem to do best. We balance work and family, social obligations and kids’ activities. Every day we are adding one more thing to the act to see if we can fit it in or if it will all topple over. Somehow, when it comes to getting involved in ministry, it is the one area where we act as if it will be the plate that makes everything else fall.
Fitting Ministry into a Booked Schedule
If you want to find time to be involved in ministry, you have to make a way to add one more thing to your balancing act. Remember that Jesus said to seek the kingdom of God first and everything else will be added. Make ministering to those in need a priority and God will manage your schedule for you.
Of course, this is easier said than done. In fact, you may not even see how it will work until you step out in faith. You may have to sign up to help out with a local fundraiser or put your name on a list of training or submit an email inquiry before you figure out how to make it work.
For those of you who aren’t quite bold enough to take action with no plan, make some time to review your schedule. Look for places where you can make adjustments. Maybe you could share carpooling duties with another mother. On the day she has the job, you could spend time at your local homeless shelter. Maybe you could volunteer at the local juvenile center while your kids are in school.
Start small when you begin looking for time to devote to ministry. Even one hour a week is a great start. As you fit in that first hour, you will find it easier to add to the amount of time you devote to ministry. Discover time that you waste or that can be better utilized. Look for things you can cut out or delegate to others.
You may have to make a few sacrifices with your time, such as staying up later to pay bills or clean the house, so that you have the extra time. You may even have to give up a few activities that are important to you. But the benefits of being involved in a ministry where God can use you far outweigh the sacrifices you make.
What areas of your schedule can you change to fit in ministry? Look at your own calendar and find a place where you can start. Put in a comment as to how you will make time for ministry to help you stay accountable.
