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Ministry Developing Manual
Ministry Developing Manual
Ministry Developing Manual
Ebook95 pages55 minutes

Ministry Developing Manual

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The importance of knowing the spiritual gifts is as vital as knowing the family genealogy, chains without broken links, or the alphabet. Gifts make everything work in order to fulfill Gods purpose.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherWestBow Press
Release dateDec 12, 2011
ISBN9781449731571
Ministry Developing Manual
Author

Al Menefee

Al Menefee’s spiritual development evolved from early childhood from the Baptist denomination.  His father, a devout deacon, raised twelve children.  His mother, Julia, died in 1951, leaving seven girls and five boys for Deacon Timothy Menefee to raise.  Times were very tough, but faith and prayers of Deacon Tim brought all twelve through. Al has worked for forty years serving others who are developmentally disabled.  He operates a non-profit and has taught numerous other caregivers.  He has allowed the Holy Spirit to re-enter his life and to use him as an instrument for Christ.  This manual is a result of his submission and direction of the Holy Spirit. Al currently works on the board of directors at his church, Freshope Ministries of Jacksonville, and his homes for the elderly.

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    Book preview

    Ministry Developing Manual - Al Menefee

    What It Means To Serve

    There are numerous ways to define the word serve making it very fluid or active. It can be applied by groups or individually.

    As a servant of Christ, I’m actively applying the term both ways. I learned at an early age the group indoctrination to Christianity by attending church. It was through this group training I learned the basics for my Christian development and walk with Christ. It seemed fair to me because at school, I was expected to learn and accept the academic courses that would lead to my success in this life. I was expected to complete the grammar and high school curriculum, then college, believing that a good job and life for me would be my reward. So, my obedience to parental guidance and professional instructions commenced.

    Along the way, in my development, I discovered that my Christian development had a personal, individual component different from my academic development. I saw broken lives of men and women who didn’t develop a strong relationship with God. I also saw men and women who were successful that had no relationship with God. I was confused and troubled. But when I applied my personal relationship with the God I serve, He revealed himself to me individually. My prayers were answered directly and without alternatives or second guesses. The greatest answer to my prayers was that this life is not eternal; therefore, I should learn what it takes to achieve eternal life.

    My best years were spent in pursuit of earthly possessions. Although taught different, I allowed my Christian development to be overtaken by my quest at academic excellence which would lead to the good life. I became a servant of things and others. The disappointments and losses were constant yet I failed to connect them with my exclusion of Christ whom I knew. Yes, I was a servant, but not of Christ.

    My life became clear when I returned to where I stopped developing spirituality. It was as though I’d never left because of the forgiving nature of the God I serve. He put me back on my path and renewed my ability to hear and see his will. I only had to become a willing vessel that he could use. By willing, I mean to allow my flesh to decrease in order for his spirit to increase. I no longer wanted my mind, but His. My whole body had to be sacrificed in order for Him to act through me. I prayed that he be revealed in me so others could see only him not me. This was just one of many prayers I prayed in order to confirm His existence. My intent has never been to provoke or test God. By praying to be worthy as one of His vessels, He has confirmed through His usage of me, His existence. I have moved from a spiritual hopeful to a spiritual servant. I no longer hope He hears my prayers or that He will use me. He manifests himself in me daily even though I yet fall short of his glory daily. My heart He knows, and that I work to learn of Him and his desire for me continues His mercy.

    This mission, then, is a minor remnant of the whole quilt God is sewing. When we see the many pieces of a quilt sewn together, we see a finished cohesive product; every piece complimenting the other in order to achieve the same goal. Many of us have God’s remnants tucked away in some obscure place where it can’t be sewn into God’s quilt. At a recent bible study, I learned of the napkin, from the resurrection of Christ that was left in the tomb. It is said to have been left in such a manner that infers a human form could not remove itself from it without leaving it disheveled or disturbed. Some say it represented a cultural tradition whereby if the napkin was left undisturbed it indicated to the servants the master was not finished and would be back. If the napkin was disturbed and left, it meant the master was finished.

    I see both positions of the napkin as it pertains to this my first mission for Christ. He left the napkin undisturbed to signify this human life for him was over. That it was finished. It also indicates to me that as our spiritual Father and Savior, he would be coming back again.

    I fear God but love his mercy because mercy endureth forever.

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