Weekly Tip #1, Fall 2015
The Apostle Paul had three missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts. During his third missionary journey, as he passed through Ephesus, I noticed that his vision for reaching the world never diminished.
Paul says in Acts 19:8-10:
8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
In this passage, we notice several things about Paul’s heart for the world.
- Paul spoke boldly for three months in one location, concentrating his efforts on those in the synagogue.
- When doors of opportunity closed and/or opposition became unreasonable, he didn’t give up, he relocated to reach more people.
- Paul had disciples and he took them with him and continued to preach the gospel message (in the hall of Tyrannus).
- Paul spread the gospel widely to all people groups for an extended time (two years to both Jews and Greeks) to reach an entire region (Asia).
When you begin to pray and plan for your ministry location this fall, consider the principles mentioned above. You can focus on one location at the beginning, but seek to reach the whole city, campus, high school, prison or the entire scope that God has placed on your heart. Don’t just stop at one place; plan to reach everyone.
When you hit roadblocks in ministry, keep pushing forward creatively, intentionally, faith-filled and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Keep building disciples everywhere you go and bring them with you. That’s called a multiplying ministry.
Finally, as you plan for your fall ministry, read this article to help give you tracks, ideas, and reminders to get off to a good start. The more people you can survey and introduce yourself to, the greater potential for finding disciples who will be a part of your ministry the entire year.
Talk to you next week,
Ben with Cru