Embracing Ministry: Small Acts, Big Impact
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share a message that has been on my heart about ministry. Ministry is not just a word; it's a calling, a way of life, and a commitment to meet the needs of others. I shared a personal story about my time at Fairview Methodist Church, where a simple hot dog night turned into a significant ministry opportunity. This experience taught me that ministry can start small but grow into something impactful when we are willing to step out and serve.
We often think of ministry as something grand, but it can be as simple as handing out hot dogs and drinks on a trick-or-treat night. The key is to show God's love in practical ways. This idea is supported by Steve Sogren's book, "Conspiracy of Kindness," which emphasizes kindness ministries. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting people where they are and showing them love.
Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9 remind us that we have the freedom to do anything, but we should use that freedom responsibly. Paul became all things to all people to win some for Christ. This is a powerful reminder that ministry requires us to step out of our comfort zones and meet people where they are.
I also shared about Bob Bilheimer, who took it upon himself to minister to the Amish community. His dedication and willingness to become something he was not to reach others is a powerful example of what ministry can look like.
We looked at the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, which teaches us that God has given each of us gifts and abilities. We are called to use these gifts to serve others and glorify God. The parable warns us against burying our talents out of fear or laziness. Instead, we should invest them in God's kingdom.
Finally, we examined the letters to the churches in Revelation, particularly Sardis and Laodicea. These churches were called to wake up and be useful for God's kingdom. Jesus wants us to be either hot or cold, not lukewarm. Lukewarmness leads to stagnation and ineffectiveness in ministry.
Ministry is about meeting people's needs, showing God's love, and using our God-given talents. It's not always easy, but it's what we are called to do. Let's commit to being active in our ministry, using our gifts, and showing God's love in practical ways.
### Key Takeaways
1. Ministry Starts Small but Grows: Ministry doesn't have to begin with grand gestures. It can start with something as simple as a hot dog night. The key is to be willing to step out and serve, showing God's love in practical ways. Small acts of kindness can grow into significant ministry opportunities. [51:55]
2. Use Your Freedom Responsibly: Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9 that while we have the freedom to do anything, we should use that freedom to serve others. Becoming all things to all people to win some for Christ requires us to step out of our comfort zones and meet people where they are. [01:01:30]
3. Invest Your Talents: The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 teaches us that God has given each of us gifts and abilities. We are called to use these gifts to serve others and glorify God. Burying our talents out of fear or laziness is not an option; we must invest them in God's kingdom. [01:17:16]
4. Wake Up and Be Useful: The letters to the churches in Revelation, particularly Sardis and Laodicea, call us to wake up and be useful for God's kingdom. Jesus wants us to be either hot or cold, not lukewarm. Lukewarmness leads to stagnation and ineffectiveness in ministry. [01:22:01]
5. Commit to Practical Acts of Love: Ministry is about meeting people's needs and showing God's love in practical ways. Whether it's handing out hot dogs or offering a cold drink, these acts of kindness can make a significant impact. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others with the gifts God has given us. [01:00:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[50:15] - Introduction and Personal Story
[51:05] - Ministry and Community Engagement
[51:55] - The Hot Dog Night Story
[53:01] - Expanding Ministry Ideas
[54:50] - Moving to Thornville
[55:39] - Night of 1,000 Dogs
[58:00] - Community Involvement
[59:48] - Overcoming Fear in Ministry
[01:00:47] - Practical Acts of Love
[01:01:30] - 1 Corinthians 9: Using Freedom Responsibly
[01:02:56] - Bob Bilheimer's Ministry to the Amish
[01:17:16] - Parable of the Talents
[01:22:01] - Wake Up: The Church at Sardis
[01:27:12] - Hot or Cold: The Church at Laodicea
[01:32:04] - Call to Revival and Commitment
[01:35:14] - Are You Victorious?
[01:36:57] - Invitation to Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV)
> Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
2. Matthew 25:14-30 (NIV)
> For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
3. Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 (NIV)
> To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
> To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the main lesson learned from the hot dog night at Fairview Methodist Church? [51:55]
2. How did Paul describe his approach to ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23?
3. What did the master say to the servant who buried his talent in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30?
4. What was Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think small acts of kindness, like handing out hot dogs, can grow into significant ministry opportunities? [51:55]
2. How does Paul's willingness to become "all things to all people" challenge our comfort zones in ministry? [01:01:30]
3. What does the parable of the talents teach us about using our God-given gifts and abilities? [01:17:16]
4. What does it mean to be "lukewarm" in the context of Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea, and why is it problematic? [01:27:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you participated in a small act of kindness. How did it impact you and others? How can you incorporate more of these acts into your daily life? [51:55]
2. Paul became "all things to all people" to win some for Christ. What are some practical ways you can step out of your comfort zone to reach others in your community? [01:01:30]
3. Consider the talents and abilities God has given you. Are there any that you have been "burying"? How can you start using them to serve others and glorify God? [01:17:16]
4. Jesus calls the church in Laodicea to wake up and be useful. In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel "lukewarm"? What steps can you take to become more "hot" or "cold" for God's kingdom? [01:27:12]
5. Ministry is about meeting people's needs and showing God's love in practical ways. Identify one need in your community that you can help meet this week. How will you go about doing it? [01:00:47]
6. Reflect on the story of Bob Bilheimer and his ministry to the Amish community. How can you be more intentional about reaching out to people who are different from you? [01:02:56]
7. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to let Him in. What areas of your life have you not fully surrendered to Him? How can you open the door to Jesus in those areas? [01:28:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Small Acts, Big Impact
Ministry doesn't have to start with grand gestures. It can begin with something as simple as a hot dog night. The key is to be willing to step out and serve, showing God's love in practical ways. Small acts of kindness can grow into significant ministry opportunities. The story of a hot dog night at Fairview Methodist Church illustrates how a simple event can turn into a meaningful ministry. When we step out in faith and serve others, even in small ways, God can use our efforts to make a big impact. [51:55]
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." (Zechariah 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a small act of kindness you can do today. How can you step out in faith to serve someone in your community?
Day 2: Freedom to Serve
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9 that while we have the freedom to do anything, we should use that freedom to serve others. Becoming all things to all people to win some for Christ requires us to step out of our comfort zones and meet people where they are. This means being adaptable and willing to engage with others in ways that resonate with them. By doing so, we can effectively share the love of Christ and make a meaningful impact in their lives. [01:01:30]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area where you can step out of your comfort zone to serve someone this week. How can you use your freedom to show Christ's love in a practical way?
Day 3: Investing Your Talents
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 teaches us that God has given each of us gifts and abilities. We are called to use these gifts to serve others and glorify God. Burying our talents out of fear or laziness is not an option; we must invest them in God's kingdom. This means actively seeking ways to use our unique abilities to benefit others and advance God's work on earth. [01:17:16]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific talents or gifts has God given you? How can you use them to serve others and glorify God this week?
Day 4: Wake Up and Be Useful
The letters to the churches in Revelation, particularly Sardis and Laodicea, call us to wake up and be useful for God's kingdom. Jesus wants us to be either hot or cold, not lukewarm. Lukewarmness leads to stagnation and ineffectiveness in ministry. We are called to be vigilant and proactive in our faith, ensuring that we are making a positive impact for God's kingdom. [01:22:01]
"I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life have you become lukewarm? What steps can you take to reignite your passion and be more effective in your ministry?
Day 5: Practical Acts of Love
Ministry is about meeting people's needs and showing God's love in practical ways. Whether it's handing out hot dogs or offering a cold drink, these acts of kindness can make a significant impact. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others with the gifts God has given us. By doing so, we demonstrate God's love in tangible ways that can touch hearts and change lives. [01:00:47]
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a practical act of love you can do for someone today. How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "The devil only has as much power as we give him. That's the truth of it. There are a lot of evil things that go on at that time of the year. Are we standing out there doing something evil on this night because we're handing out hot dogs, because we're participating in the night? Language like that is nothing but fear. It's nothing but fear. It's being afraid." [59:48] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We're out here to share God's love with people in a practical way. This is part of it. I'm going to touch on a little some stuff that a guy named Steve Sogren wrote. Steve Sogren was the pastor of a vineyard church down in Cincinnati for a long time. He wrote a book called Conspiracy of Kindness. We both have read it and all Steve was big on kindness ministries. Just getting out there and showing kindness to people. Show God's love to people in a practical way. Share a hot dog and a cold drink in the name of Jesus. And watch the devil run like crazy." [01:00:47] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What is ministry? Ministry doesn't just happen on its own. It takes a dedicated commitment to make it happen. God does need you. He does. He gave you talents. He gave you skills and abilities for a reason. He needs you to go out and share the word about Jesus Christ with other people. God has gifted you. Don't even, don't even, don't even go there today. He has gifted you. He has given you abilities." [01:38:39] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to get out in the community and start another one of my ministries that I did at many of the churches I've served before, and that is comfort food ministry. We're going to make up some hot food. We're going to put it in people's hands and just give it to them. There's no fuss, no muss. We're just going to go out and share God's love with people in a practical way. The food is free, just like God's love is free. We hope that they might know that God loves them by the extension of this gift." [01:39:40] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Paul knows he's not going to save everybody. He's not going to get through to everybody in the moment. He's going to save some. But he's trying his hardest to be everything to everybody. Man, that's exhausting. That's hard. It's not easy. It's not easy just being people. Some of us have a hard time shaking hands. How many of us would stop and do that?" [01:13:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What is ministry today? What is ministry? What is it? Put it into simple, definitive terms. What is ministry? Let's look at some scripture. 1 Corinthians chapter 9. We're walking through 1 Corinthians on Thursday mornings if you want to join us. And eventually we'll wind up at chapter 9. Paul is talking about the use of his freedom through this portion of Corinthians. And he's talking about how the mindset of the day is I can do whatever I want to do and it doesn't matter. And Paul says, yeah, we're free, but we should be responsible with our use of freedom." [01:01:30] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I came into the class with the understanding that ministry is meeting people's needs. You read what a lot of churches... Church leaders have to write, like Max Lucado and some other people, you will absolutely understand that ministry is meeting people's needs. Read Matthew 25. What does Jesus say? About going out there, giving somebody a cup of cold water in Jesus' name, visiting those who are in prison, clothing those who are naked, and doing it as if you're serving Jesus himself. That's meeting people's needs." [01:09:39] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I wish that you were either hot or cold. Make up your mind. What are you? There are good uses for the hot water. What can you do with hot water? You can cook with it. You can bathe in warm water. Isn't that good? Some good things you can do with hot water are some equally good things you can do with cold water. You can drink it on a hot day. You can pour it over your head and cool off and refresh. You can go swimming in it. Some good uses for cold water too." [01:28:14] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We cannot be self-sufficient. We are not here to call our own shots. We are not here to determine our own way. We are not here to decide for ourselves what we're going to do and how we're going to do it. This life about Christ is about turning it all over to him and letting him call the shots. He's encouraging each one of these churches basically to do the same thing and that is go back to the beginning and do your first works over again." [01:32:53] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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