Are you qualifed to have an online ministry?

Before we go into any more specifics about what makes an online ministry more effective I thought I’d touch on some common questions. Here is one I hear most often:

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.’

Acts 20:24

In this scripture, the root word for “ministry” is diakonia.

1. service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others
2. of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men

a) of the office of Moses
b) of the office of the apostles and its administration
c) of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc.

3. the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities
4. the office of the deacon in the church
5. the service of those who prepare and present food

Hmmm… that kind of gives you some perspective doesn’t it? The definition carries itself from one who runs a church office to the one who serves food but the best definition is that first one: service; one who serves. You are in ministry if you serve.

How do I know what my calling is?

The first thing we are called to do is develop an intimate relationship with Christ. Once we get to know Him then He will begin to reveal specific things to us. We are all ultimately called to represent Christ and proclaim the gospel to a lost and dying world. The vehicle we use to do that can be as different as each flake of fallen snow.

God may have you use your talent for photography as a ministry to moms who have lost children due to stillbirth or maybe he’ll ask you to use your gift of mental math to tutor adults who can’t balance their checkbook. Others may begin crafting large ministries to rescue girls and children from sex trafficking rings while others may find their life experiences shared via testimony are a ministry in and of itself.

So are we qualified because of experience or education? Most likely no but it is okay because you don’t have to be…

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
2 Corinthians 3:5

We are qualified because He qualifies us. We just need to step out in faith and begin to follow His lead.

A Woman Inspired will be hosting a free online conference in August. The theme for the evening is “Step Out Into Ministry” and one of the speakers for the event is Kristen Schiffman from Exemplify Online and we also have another speaker but we are waiting on confirmation from her. This will be a totally free event so I hope that you will be attending. We hope their words and the presence of the spirit lights the fire you need to ignite that God-given passion to serve deep within you. In the meantime, you are in our prayers!

Speaking of conferences…
I am preparing for She Speaks this week and I’ll be leaving early (emphasis on early) Friday to get to North Carolina where I will get to hang out with and hug the necks of so many women I have grown to love. Please pray for us all as we take this step of faith for our God given ministries, whatever they may be and for those of you who will be there with me just let me know that you’ll be there so we can meet up. OH and also, be sure to leave your link here (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam) so you can get familiar with some of the other ladies who will be attending!