My Philosophy of Ministry

I wrote the following piece as part of an application for a ministry position in June 2009.  Since that time, God has led in a different direction and I now enjoy a position with Jim Koo Produce Ltd.

The only real change in the subject below is the context.

God is good!


Many years ago, I remember being asked to articulate my philosophy of ministry to the pastor of a large, growing urban church and being quite intimidated by the question.  Since that time, I have given a lot of thought to the question.  What is my philosophy of ministry?

In the words of the apostle Paul (Romans 12:1-2), I might say it is “to present my body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is my reasonable service, being not conformed to the image of this world, but being transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I might prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God.”

I desire to be (and believe I am) a facilitator of others growing in grace & knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.  My task is to not do all the work, but encourage others in joining hands together as we “go out into the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

In recent years, my position on many issues has become firmly entrenched.  My apologetic is without apology but it is tempered by tact, diplomacy and a God driven love for my fellow man, especially as it relates to those not-yet-Christian.  I strive to disagree without being disagreeable and to let the love of God flow through me.

I am not so much driven to express what I am opposed to, as I am driven to express what I support and desire to see brought about.

I believe in the empowerment of others, and hopefully have embraced a servant leadership style of ministry. I rejoice in the success of others and find great satisfaction in seeing individuals come to Christ, growing in their faith and serving Him.

In a nutshell, I have no aspirations to succeed as the world would measure success, but only to hear when my life on earth is finished: “well done, thou good and faithful servant!”

I am a team player and encourage others to work together as we look together at where God is working and join Him in what He is doing.  A significant book that has impacted my life is Henry Blackaby’s “Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God.”  I believe it has greatly influenced my decision to let go and let God.  As well, it has greatly influenced my willingness to trust in the Lord with all my heart and to lean not on my own understanding.

Ten years ago, the Lord directed Jennifer & I to leave our comfortable life of ministry with a group of wonderful people in Swan River, Manitoba.  He led us to pack up, and follow Him wherever He might lead us.  He brought us to Vancouver, and now He is leading us on another Abrahamic journey.  My hope is that I can infect others with the same desire to obediently follow Him.