I've gotten asked the question lately "what is a catalyst event?" One person even said it sounded like a kind of chemistry experiment. Although, I am more than willing to do any kind of experiment (within reason) you want me to do, the main purpose of a catalyst event is to inspire people in LHM's mission of "Bringing Christ to the Nations - and the Nations to the Church." How do we expect people to respond, once inspired? Well, they could either choose to support the ministries of LHM through prayer, donations, or volunteering, or they could be inspired to serve whatever other endeavor their congregation is involved in regarding LHM's widely encompassing mission. If LHM can inspire a congregation to support their local community empowerment center, we would be excited that the Lord's work is being done. If LHM can inspire people to support our ministries, we would be happy that the Lord's work is being done, and happy that we can keep doing the ministries that are close to our heart.
Faith, LHM's Ambassador Manager, demonstrating the catalytic reaction the
Holy Spirit makes when it inspires people to share the Gospel. It's uncontainable.
So what does a "Catalyst Event" look like? Let's go back to the chemistry experiment, anything that will get people inspired to carry out LHM's mission. We will do anything. So far, most of our events have been presentations on why LHM does what it does, how God is using us to accomplish his will, and how the attendees can get involved. However, we are always looking for new ways to inspire people and motivate them towards mission, even if we have to get some chemistry going to accomplish it. What are motivators in your life? Please comment and let us know what motivates you to ministry. I am sure there are a million different answers; the important point is that you are in fact not only inspired, but also motivated to act on that inspiration.
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Hmnn....what motivates me to ministry? A fair enough question that I probably haven't thought enough about recently. I'll just brainstorm up a list.
ReplyDelete+ That God tells me He's got a mission for me - that He has actually trusted me to be a lieutenant/sergeant/dishwasherboy/etc in His grand scheme. That's flattering sometimes, and most of the time it scares the ever living crap out of me.
+ The possibility of seeing change in individuals and their lives. Just like a married couple is reminded of their wedding day when they visit the wedding of a friend - I think back to a day when I saw changes in my life when I see them in someone else.
+ The possibility of changing culture. I either love or hate culture. I want to see it change all of the time - but seeing the change happen for good is what I really like to see, to see a change not only in one specific person, or a group of people, but in a manner of thought and practice.
+ A love for college students (I'm a campus minister). I simply think that college students are probably the most worthwhile people to minister to. They have questions that they aren't afraid to vocalize. They haven't been beat down by traditionalism but they aren't uber rebellious either. They have energy and wit. I seriously just love them, can't get enough of them and want to see better and better things in their lives and futures.
+ The belief that our church has a huge leadership deficit, that we need leaders more now than ever before and we've squandered our time trying to please the mediocre status quo.
Generally, the belief that God is inviting us into His future, and the excitement of knowing that because of His Son -- I'm a part of that future.
in Christ,
jWinters
I think pain motivates me to ministry... not that ministry is painful - well, at least not usually. What I mean is, there is a lot of pain in the world and my heart goes out to people who suffer (physical, mental, spiritual... whatever). Jesus Christ gives hope and help to these people, so I want to make sure they hear of His great love for them!
ReplyDeleteTo borrow imagery from the artful video posted here, if the soda (or “pop” depending on your location) stayed in the bottle, who could enjoy it? Well, if the message of Christ’s love, forgiveness, and healing isn’t shared, who could enjoy it?
Sure, it might get a little messy (trust me, I had soda in my hair all day) but sharing God’s Word and spreading the love of the Savior is vital! God works in their lives in incredible ways. What a blessing it is to be a part of His work!