It is important to ask ourselves questions that evaluate our approach to serving in leadership and make us ponder principles that are imperative for effectiveness and personal spiritual growth while leading. Here are some more questions that prompt us to reflect about our lives and ministry:

5.  What unchurched business leaders, merchants, neighbors, etc. are in my immediate circle of influence?

If it is our desire that those around us and “under us” in ministry reach the unchurched, how are we modeling it before them? How does the light of Christ stretch beyond those we relate to in our ministry responsibilities to those we relate to in our daily routines?

While participating in a global mission conference, I requested that the leaders scroll through the contacts on their cell phones, stopping when they came to a person they would consider completely unchurched or unreached. Some took a while. As I did the same, I realized that five of my first six contacts include people from other religions, a hockey player, and a gang leader. They are not just “contacts” in my address book; they are people I spend time with and consider friends. With what unchurched people are you intentionally building relationships that will hopefully lead to their salvation and discipleship? Or are you waiting for your staff members and sheep to do it?

6.  What steps do I consciously take to keep family as my first object of ministry?

I sent a staff member to observe a ministry in another city. The evening after his arrival, he called me and said he had seen enough and was ready to return. I knew he only had time to have dinner with the leader, so I was puzzled. When I inquired, he shared a disheartening story: The leader picked him up from the airport and went by his home to drop off some things. His young son, dressed for his baseball game, said, “Dad, you’re going to my game today, right? You haven’t been to one this season. You’re going today, right, Dad?” The leader answered, “Son, I have told you before that we will have all the time we want to play baseball in heaven. I have work to do for God right now.”  My staff member said, “I don’t care what he has accomplished in ministry. I have no interest in seeing it.” I completely agreed.

My first responsibility in ministry is to love my family and disciple my children. I make sure that is only superseded by my personal relationship with God. Family is priority over my job description. If I have to miss a class or meeting to see my son play hockey, I will. Many opportunities to spread the fragrance of Christ among the unchurched are given to me by doing this. Most importantly, my children will never say Daddy didn’t have time for them because of the work he did for God.

7.  What steps do I consciously take to care for my physical health?

This question convicts me the most because I have not been the best caretaker of the temple God gave me to do His work. Too much time behind the desk, sitting in meetings, counseling, studying, writing. I became very convicted when I not only saw myself but many around me in ministry who were doing the same.

God gave us only one temple to house the work of His Spirit in us and to touch others through us. I don’t want my lack of health, energy, vitality and rest to keep me from being effective for God or to keep me from being here a long time for my children. So, I made lifestyle changes to insure I am caring for the temple. I’m not completely there yet, but I am already seeing the benefits of a healthier temple. 

8.  Do the unseen things in my life and my thought life glorify God? 

Today, we don’t have to look far to be inundated with sensuality and the lust of the flesh. Psalm 101:2-3 (NLT) challenges us: “I will be careful to live a blameless life – I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” Taking care of the physical health of this temple is important, but the temple must also be pure and holy.

Far too often compromise comes in the form of sentiments like, “Well, that’s just the culture we live in!” and “That was a good movie except for that scene.” That scene was defiled in the sight of God and should not have been given a window to our souls. The sacrifices that we make by turning off the TV, not watching that movie, having protection on our computers, or any such things are nothing compared to winning and preserving the favor of God.