1. How has the Lord used the labors of faithful men in the past to lay a foundation for your Christian life and work today?
2. Has the Lord ever used you to mentor a future pastor, missionary, teacher or other full-time Christian worker?
3. How has the Lord used you in ministry outside your congregation?
4. Has the Lord given you the gift of writing to produce a written legacy of faith and devotion for others?
5. Has the Lord given you the opportunity to sit beside a dying member of your church and hear the person’s testimony that included gratitude for your ministry?
6. Can you think of people whose faith has been strengthened under your ministry?
7. Consider the most difficult time you have experienced in ministry. How was God’s name exalted or His purpose accomplished as a result of that experience?
Reflect upon the greatness of the God whom we serve and His abundant grace to work in and through common, clay vessels for His glory. Indeed, He has purposefully chosen us because of our inadequacy (2 Cor 3:5-6). Why? To magnify His glory! “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor 4:7).
*Note to church members: If you love your pastor, buy him a copy of Encouragement for Today’s Pastors. It’s available from Reformation Heritage Books, in either softcover or eBook.