what are we calling a successful ministry?
one you agree with?
you could say that of anyone
the word successful is deceiving because God looks on the heart
a little old lady in kalamazoo could have a successful ministry of intercession because God hears and answers her faithful prayers
a wof preacher could say he was successful because he has his own plane
that is so subjective I think we should leave it with God
not addressing this to you personally Bill...just a general observation
I know you are not addressing me personally.
I must admit that I did think about saying "Successful ministry" because that is subjective to the criteria that someone believes is successful.
So I agree with you totally.
I think for me why I think it was successful is because I took over a failing youth group.
I built it up from about 20 to about 100.
This group I took from church focused only into the community.
So the focus for me was to provide an environment for kids to do the things they like.
Sports, eat tuck shop, watch a movie, day trips, weekends away, sleepovers and so on.
We also provided and environment for the kids to talk in private if needs be.
In fact at times I wouldn't let some children into the building because it wasn't safe for the rest but I would sit outside with them
I sat with kids who had cans of beer who would drink them in from of me, kids smoking dope, kids with anger issues. They actually felt safe and secure with me.
I had the privilege of just listening and hopefully allowing the wisdom of the HS to say the right things.
So to me the success is not the numbers but the opportunity to talk about Jesus with them.
I have had a few come to church and thank me for my understanding and love.
In fact a couple years later came to church and sought me out.
Some haven't But seeds were sown and hooefully at some point that will be harvested.
I am not saying the above to me make look good.
Just trying to convey what I think is successful.
And that is reaching out to people to hear the Gospel of Jesus and the privilege to plant seed to those willing to hear it.
I do get totally what you are saying though and I agree.
To me success is sowing for eternity rather than the temporal.