So you’ve got a vision to reach your campus and you’re praying for God to work. But at the end of your time on campus, what will success look like?
Some things to consider.
Defining Success
The apostle Paul defines ministry success in his letters to Timothy – a young man he’s mentoring. We find these in the Bible as the books of 1 and 2 Timothy. In these letters, we find Paul’s model of authority, humility, and commitment to his mission.
Authority
Read 1 Timothy 1:15-17 and 2 Timothy 1:5-12.
- Who does Paul believe God is? What role does God play in Paul’s ministry?
- What emotions does Paul have about his ministry? Why?
- How can Paul speak of his ministry as a success even while claiming to be a great sinner?
- What other authorities inform how we define success? What is the result?
Humility
Read 1 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15, 6:12-14 and 2 Timothy 1:12, 2:3, 2:15, 4:6-8
- What reasons does Paul give for why he and Timothy should do ministry?
- How might these reasons be hard to maintain?
- What do they reveal about Paul’s view of God? Himself? Those he is reaching?
- How do you see Paul modeling humility?
- How might pride sneak into our motivation for ministry?
- What are God honoring motivations for ministry? How does this lead to a humble heart?
What is our role?
Read 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 4:11-16 and 2 Timothy 2:1-3, 3:14-15
- What specific jobs does Paul give Timothy? How would you categorize these jobs?
- Why do you think Paul is so specific in Timothy’s instructions?
- How do these roles help Timothy define success?
- Are there other things not listed here that we might normally judge our success by?
- What is your current ministry role? What is not your current ministry role?
- How does knowing your role help define success for you?
Don’t give up
Read 1 Timothy 4:10, 6:12 and 2 Timothy 2:10, 4:6-8
- What are some challenges that Paul expects Timothy to face?
- What does Paul challenge Timothy to do in light of those difficulties and barriers?
- How might Timothy be tempted to respond?
- Why is it so important that Timothy not give up?
- What things tempt you to give up in ministry?
- What do you need to remember about God when your ministry or life is hard?
- Why is it important that you not give up?
If you are growing in each of these areas, you may not have large numbers of multiplying disciples in your group or exciting stories to share, but you can know that you are succeeding in God’s eyes.
God is in control and we aren’t. We can trust that by taking the initiative in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can leave the results to Him.