Continue to Grow

While traveling recently, I had the opportunity to see a number of WCBC alumni who are serving in ministry. I love that! It is always encouraging to Pastor, Dr. Goetsch, and myself. While chatting, one graduate posed a question that I had to consider before answering: “What do you recommend to alumni in order to continue to grow?”

Reflecting on this, I thought of several things that I want to do to continue to grow, which might be a help for alumni to consider as they continue to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

RECHARGE
Let me challenge you to consistently recharge. Energy and spirit sometimes seem to flag and decrease. We might feel that the press of people takes vitality from our very lives. So the question might be, “How do we recharge?” Make sure that you are getting necessary rest. When one is fatigued, it will wear down your ability to properly minister to people.

REMEMBER
Secondly, we need to remember. Sometimes we are so busy going from one project to another that we do not stop and reflect on the goodness and blessing of God. There is no question in my mind that when we stop and think about people who have been saved, people who are now serving, or people who are taking the next step in their Christian life, we will be encouraged and recharged.

RENEW
Thirdly, we need to renew our commitment. In ministry we often talk about rededicating our lives to the Lord. It is wise to rededicate our lives to service and to remember our calling. God’s Word says, “The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.” It is a wise thing for us to commit ourselves in that which God has called us to do on a regular basis. There are other things that can help us renew as well, like reading and relaxation, and these are certainly important. To be drained from the cares of ministry is normal and to be expected. What we need to do is to find ways to renew ourselves so that we may impact others in a way that will please the Lord and impact others for the cause of Christ.