(“Thoughts I Want
To Leave Behind” is a collection of thoughts and impressions I want to leave
behind as I begin to make my final pastoral transition.)

#11 The Endorsement
Of Your Ministry

The endorsement of
your ministry takes place when the supernatural presence of Jesus is made known.
This is what Peter described on the Day of Pentecost when he told those
assembled, “God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful
miracles, wonders and signs through him, as you well know.” The result of this
endorsement – where God is miraculously present – is where the deepest and most
culturally transforming events take place.

Revisit your
priorities from time to time to make sure you have not reduced your ministry down
to only doing good works in God’s name. It is too easy to slip into a form of
ministry that ceases to contend for the supernatural things Peter described on
the Day of Pentecost.

The good works you are
doing are important, but they are limited in their ability to transform culture.
Good works are only vehicles in which you travel that bring you face-to-face
with human need.  It is at this point of
contact with human need where you will have the opportunity to call for the
power of God to come and do things that good works alone can never accomplish.
Your invitation will allow Jesus to come and endorse His supernatural presence
in you ministry.  This is the best
endorsement you will ever receive.