Finishing Strong

Finishing Strong

I know everyone of you has a story…

• Some of you have served through your local church for years. • You have stories to tell of the highs and lows of ministry.

• Some of you haven’t found your place to serve yet. • You’ve heard us talk this weekend about service, but something has held you back in the past.

This message is for everyone! • For those who have struggled in ministry in the past, this message will help you move beyond those struggles and show you how prevent conflicts in the future. • For those ready to start to serve, this message will help you avoid stress and conflict in service.

Why don’t people finish strong? Or, what keeps you from serving?

• Bad experiences at churches • Personality conflicts • “Life” gets in the way

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a

The author of Hebrews calls us to run with endurance. He knew the Christian life would not be easy. But we have an example, and that example is Christ, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

“Founder of our faith” means He initiated a relationship with you. Acts 17:26: “And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”

So God knew… • • • •

When you would be born Where you would live What church you would attend What opportunities for service you would have • What challenges you would face

Jesus is also the perfecter of our faith Philippians 1:6, “…he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

John chapter 15 tells us more about how Jesus said we should serve Him.

Verse 5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Quotes from those who have experienced (or will experience!) discouragement in service: • “If I don’t do it, no one else will.” • “I don’t want to let my pastor (or Sunday School director, committee chair, preschool class…) down.” • “Everyone expects me to do this.”

“The fear of letting people down, especially in spiritual matters, can often cause us to feel obligated or pressured into meeting unrealistic expectations, or worse, spending more time doing things for God instead of being what God wants us to be. That can lead to serious stress” (Anne Jackson).

What happens to lead to discouragement? • We make an idol out of service. • We prioritize what we do over why we do it. • You may be trying to prove that you love Jesus more.

“I had allowed spending time with God to be replaced by spending time doing things for God.” Remember what Jesus said about this: “…apart from me you can do nothing.”

“Satan loves to steal and destroy what God has intended for good. He wants us to kill our ministry, our passion, and our hope so that we’re useless. Through Christ, we’re made complete. It’s time to truly realize thatand begin to claim back what is rightfully ours” (Anne Jackson).

So how do we finish strong? • Follow God’s agenda.

2. Set boundaries.

Don’t expect perfection, from others or from yourself.

3.

• Remember, there are no perfect churches to serve in, no perfect pastors to work for, and no perfect environments.

4.

Say no, or not now, or let me pray about it.

5.

Train someone else to do your job.

6.

Do not live on your own strength.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:13 and 19)

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a