Archive for the ‘Purpose’ Category

27 Feb

The Worship Minister…..Performing or Ministering?

Posted by Randy Carder in Encouragement, Ministry, Purpose.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires: and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.  But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”  2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NAS)

For the one who calls himself a worship minister, the conflict between “performing or ministering” has been a topic of discussion and possibly a source of conflict for many years.  During my years of ministry, I too struggled with this conflict.  What I have compiled here are my thoughts about the “performing or ministering” conflict.  Additionally, I’ve included statements by others who have given clear and concise thoughts on the subject.  Very little comment is given to the statements; I think they stand on their own.  My desire is that those of you who may be struggling with this conflict will receive some clarity and help you make the jump from performer to minister.  Or, if you really want to be a performer, not a minister, then maybe these statements will help you decide that ministry is not for you.

A performer’s first thought is that it is all about the music; a minister’s first thought is that it is all about the message.

A performer rehearses and worries about the results; a minister rehearses and prays that God will bring the results.

A performer’s desire is to draw an audience; a minister’s desire is to draw souls.
A performer’s first thought is to impress his audience; a minister’s first thought is to reach his audience.

A performer showcases his gift, a minister showcases the Giver.
A performer makes certain he is adequately compensated; a minister, while compensation may happen, realizes that the ultimate compensation is eternal.

A performer seeks to establish worldly connections; a minister seeks to establish Heavenly connections.
A performer will make sacrifices for the good of his career; a minister will make sacrifices for the good of the ministry.

A performer’s motto is “The show must go on!” A minister’s motto is “God’s truth must get through!”

A performer will love performing because it puts him in the limelight; a minister will love performing because he can direct the limelight to the Savior.

A performer’s greatest reward comes from men; a minister’s greatest reward comes from God.

A performer will give up everyone to gain what he wants; a minister will give up what he wants to reach everyone with the gospel message.

A performer’s mission is to showcase his music with perfection; a minister’s mission is to show his audience the perfect Savior.

For those of you who may be struggling with the “performing or ministering” conflict, consider these verses and allow them to guide you. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires: and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.  But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”  2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NAS)

Realizing the truth of all of the above, ask yourself the question I sometimes ask myself; “Why do secular performers so often seem more cooperative and willing to sacrifice, excited about their performance and its results, and eager to do whatever it takes to be successful that we who together have the greater calling to minister?”

Loved ones; aspire to ministry.  And once you’ve consciously made that decision, minister with your whole heart.

Be encouraged today friends!                                                                                                                                                                          Randy

15 Aug

Purpose Driven Life – Day Two

Posted by Randy Carder in Daily Walk, Encouragement, Purpose.

You Are Not an Accident

 I am your Creator.  You were in my care even before you were born.  Isaiah 44:2a (CEV)

The first line of Day 2 of PDL; “You are not an accident.”  How many times have I heard from a parent regarding their child, “my last one was just an accident!”  I know what they mean and more times than not, they are just trying to make a funny line out of the situation.  But the reality is that for millions of people, they have been given the message from their parent that they were not planned or wanted.  What about the millions upon millions of children who have been aborted in the last 34 years since the Roe v. Wade decision was handed down by our Supreme Court?  These babies were not planned but at the same time, they were not an accident.  Right now, those precious babies are in the presence of our Heavenly Father.  God has a different take on EVERY conception!  Yes, maybe you were not planned, but God was thinking about you before you were born!  There are unplanned pregnancies, but there are NO accidental children!

That being said, what does that mean for me?  God created this world to be inhabited by His ENTIRE creation; that includes you and me!  There is a God who made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning!  We discover that meaning and purpose only when we make God the reference point of our lives.  Pastor Rick is telling us that no matter what negative messages you have received from your parents, your spouse, friends, children, co-workers, or the world; you are the most important creation of God and your life has tremendous meaning. 

Here’s an example.  Why in the world would God allow a child to be born into a loving family then allow that child to die either by disease or accident or by the hands of another human being?  This is a question for the ages.  I think that God allows us as parents to go through that kind of pain so that we can in turn be a source of comfort and support to another parent going through the same thing.  It’s part of your purpose for which you were created!  Read the poem by Russell Kelfer on pp 25-26 of PDL and this point will make more sense to you.

A point to ponder:  I am not an accident. Regardless of all the negative messages given to me from the world, I am precious to God because He was thinking about me when He created this world!

A verse to remember: “I am your Creator.  You were in my care even before you were born.”  Isaiah 44:2a (CEV)  What an amazing comfort to know that the Creator of the universe was thinking about me before I was born.  That one fact gives my life ultimate meaning.

 A question to consider: I know that God uniquely created me.  What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?  I don’t know about you, but this is a very tough question.  The one part of my personality that gives me the most problem is my tendency to be obsessive.  When I take on a project or a job, I obsess about it.  I will work many hours way beyond what are sometimes necessary to do a good job because I want everything to be perfect.  When perfection is not achieved, I take it personally.  This is one that I’m working on.  How about you?

Be encouraged today friends!  Randy