Numerous ministry opportunities exist, but not all of them will be the right fit for your personality and interests. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine the best fit, especially if you are interested in multiple ministries.
Designed for Ministry
God designed you for ministry, but not just any ministry. He created your personality and special gifts for a specific kind of ministry. He uses your circumstances and experiences to prepare you for a certain area. He even helps you develop a passion for certain issues based on where He is leading you to serve. If you look at your life like a puzzle, you will begin to see how the pieces fit together to form your ministry.
As Ephesians 2:11 says, we are designed to do good works that God prepared for us in advance. He already knows where you are supposed to serve even if you don’t. If you pray for Him to lead you in the right direction that is exactly what He will do.
Take Inventory
Take out some time from your busy schedule and think about each area in your life. See if you can find a common thread through your experiences and talents. Discover what you have a passion for. This should begin with who you feel compassion for.
- Do you love little kids? Maybe you prefer playing games or hanging out with older kids or teens.
- Do you have a heart for the elderly, feeling sad at their loneliness or enjoying hearing their stories?
- Does it hurt you to see women abused? Maybe you feel sorry for drug addicts or alcoholics.
- Do stories of poverty stir you? Do you hate the thought of illiteracy or the lack of a proper education because of money?
Look at what inspires, hurts or even angers you to see what you are most passionate about.
Think about how a group, demographic or situation has been displayed in your life. Perhaps you have taught Sunday school or helped out in your church nursery. Maybe you had an alcoholic parent or were abandoned as a child.
It is easy to focus on your abilities and talents to try to figure out where God is leading you. Just remember that every ministry needs many kinds of volunteers. Your first focus should be finding a ministry that stirs your passion and compassion.
Ministry is difficult. Sometimes the only thing that keeps you going is that fire inside you, that desire you feel to help others. Without it, you won’t stick with ministry through the hard times. When you have that fire, that dedication, nothing will stop you from your purpose – from God’s purpose for you. Begin with the passion and the skills and abilities will follow.
