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Reigniting the Passion in Veteran Teachers
Why do people lose their passion for ministry?
- A clear job description and expectations are lacking.
- The ministry no longer fits them.
- They have become spiritually depleted.
- They feel a lack of empowerment or support.
- They experience little fulfillment associated with the ministry task.
- They feel the continuation of the ministry program is viewed as more important than the enrichment of the ministry personnel.
- They have lost their vision.
- They are tired.
What steps can leaders take to help people recapture a passion for ministry?
- Establish a foundation for service
- Help people grasp a theology of gifts (I Corinthians 12; Romns13):
- God has given each of us a gift.
- God’s gifts are to be used to enrich others.
- God’s gifts are His way to build His Church.
- Help people grasp a theology of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2):
- To proclaim
- To teach
- To serve
- To worship
- Help people grasp the purpose of ministry leaders (Ephesians 4):
- To equip others to do ministry
- To empower others to do ministry
- To provide opportunities to do ministry
- To encourage others as they do ministry
- Help people grasp a theology of gifts (I Corinthians 12; Romns13):
- Establish a purpose and plan for service
- Help the teacher rekindle a vision for the ministry.
- Determine the biblical reason for the ministry.
- Dream together about the potential outcomes of the ministry.
- Pray about God’s desires concerning the ministry.
- Write a statement that captures the essence of the vision.
- Help the teacher set measurable goals for the ministry.
- Each goal should be targeted to accomplish an aspect of the vision statement.
- There can be multiple goals designed to reach a single aspect of the vision statement.
- Each goal should be realistic.
- Each goal should have a projected completion date.
- Help the teacher establish a strategy to accomplish each goal.
- Brainstorm project ideas.
- Brainstorm equipment needs.
- Brainstorm structural/organizational considerations.
- Brainstorm logistical issues.
- Help the teacher rekindle a vision for the ministry.
- Establish a reward system that truly motivates
- Understand various ways people are motivated.
- The need for achievement
- The need for power
- The need for affiliation
- The need for recognition
- The need for growth and development
- Discover what reward motivates the teacher you are working with and reward accordingly.
- Reward the need for achievement by providing necessary resources to make the person successful.
- Reward the need for power by including the person in the decision-making aspects of the ministry.
- Reward the need for affiliation by spending quality time with the person.
- Reward the need for recognition by publicly celebrating the work of the person.
- Reward the need for growth and development by offering challenges and the training to meet those challenges.
- Understand various ways people are motivated.
Reprinted from Sunday School Administrator’s Manual, compiled by Clancy P. Hayes, Gospel Publishing House, ©2003. English version #714-520; Spanish #714-521; 1-800-641-4310
Used by permission.
