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Defining Success

by JM

Here are two working definitions of success related to ministry, one unique to me, the other I've adapted from a wise-guy.

1. Success: Whatever happens after we've prayerfully, thoughtfully, and passionately applied God-appointed tools in a relevant way to any mission.

This formulation moves us to ask a few questions:

Are results what ultimately and primarily drive us?

For some, either in theory or practice, the goal throughly defines method and practice. We must resist this view. Though results and methods are vital, they are subordinate to God's word and will. That leads to the next question.

Are the tools that we use in our ministry...

God appointed/allowed?
Appropriately applied given the mission and circumstances?

Are ministry plans...

Prayerfully Birthed?
Throughtfully Crafted?
Passionately Executed?

2. Success: the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiam to try again.

TULIP Blooming | Christianity Today

"TULIP Blooming Southern Baptist seminaries re-introduce Calvinism to a wary denomination. Ken Walker | posted 1/17/2008 09:09AM"

William Carey

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Relentless Soul Winning

by Steve McCoy

"If I never won souls, I would sigh till I did. I would break my heart over them if I could not break their hearts. Though I can understand the possibility of an earnest sower never reaping, I cannot understand the possibility of an earnest sower being content not to reap. I cannot comprehend any one of you Christian people trying to win souls and not having results, and being satisfied without results."

Charles Spurgeon, quoted in Don Whitney's Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (p113)