Preparing My Heart for Effective Ministry: Following Paul's Example

Effective and lasting ministry demands that our souls be as prepared as our minds and bodies. Reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s own personal testimony regarding his challenging ministry in ancient Thessalonica, we will briefly consider 24 heart-felt “ministry covenants” that need to be made prior to embarking on our own discipleship meetings, teaching opportunities, and ministry adventures. This checklist is based on what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 as he presented the defense of his brief ministry in Thessalonica (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1-2; Acts 17:1-9). May the example of his ministry success be our own.