Doug Field's Ministry Comittments and Discussion Questions

Hey Y'all!

Below is what I saw to be the most significant part of the first chapter. I keep the commitment list on a sticky note on my computer to remember them; they offer a refreshing perspective. Be prepared to discuss them when we meet on Saturday. There are several questions at the end of the post...feel free to jot down some responses for our meeting. See you Saturday and God Bless!



Top Ten Commitments for Ministry
Fields, Doug. Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry. 2002. Zondervan:Grand Rapids

1. I will move slowly. (Proverbs 14:15-16)
2. I will regularly check my motives and evaluate my heart. (Proverbs 20:8-12)
3. I will steer clear of the numbers game. (Matthew 18:12)
4. I will not criticize the past. (Philippians 3:13)
5. I will avoid the comparison trap. (Galatians 6:4)
6. I will focus on priorities (Matthew 22:36-40)
7. I will pace myself. (Hebrews 10:36)
8. I will serve (Matthew 20:26-28)
9. I will be a learner (Proverbs 4:5; 13:20)
10. I will pursue contentment (Philippians 4:11)

For group discussion:

1. Which commitment is going to be the toughest for you?

2. Which commitment offers you the most encouragement?

For personal reflection:

1. Do I have a sprint mentality or a marathon mindset when it comes to ministry?

2. How will it affect the church and/or the student ministry if I quit too soon?

3. What is my personal plan to evaluate my motives?

4. How can I begin an honest conversation with my supervisor about the “numbers” game?
5. What can I do to improve the commitment that I struggle with the most?

Blog options and ideas

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Wesley's Covenant Prayer

Jon Blanchard sent us Wesley's Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_Covenant_Prayer

11/19/11 Meeting follow-up

Prayer list:

• Mike - Work, Money, sleep
• Becky - Sleep
• Jocelyn - Work, Boundaries, Time management,
• Jon. B. - Balanced Life, Consistency
• Zak H. - Balanced Life
• Ernie - Seeking God's direction for ministry possibilities
• Zak K. - finding out what God has for him in ministry, church changes, family
• Jon W. - working on CDL license, Wedding coming up in July, Balancing work/church/finances, Sleep
• James - finishing up dissertation, church is changing and growing, family

Info sheet link (pdf version)

I sent out an email with reminders and responsibilities - I copied and pasted the info below.

Our next meeting is Saturday, December 10, 7am at the Panera in Wilton.

BOOK - At that meeting Jon Blanchard will lead us through a discussion of concepts in the first chapter of Your First Two Years of Youth Ministry. He is not going to share a review of the chapter. He is going to share about some key concepts that are in the chapter and perhaps explain or expand upon them. Jon will bring (or make available to us in advance) a discussion sheet to help us gather ideas .

BIBLE - Jocelyn Blanchard will share a lesson from the Bible which is applicable to ministry and/or ministers.

LESSON - Ernie Schenk will be sharing a leadership lesson taken from his experience and/or resources.

God bless you all, James