Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ…
Colossians 4:3(NLT)
This is the year of opportunity in the Oregon Ministry Network. Numerous doors are being opened daily for our ministers and churches to share the amazing and life changing message of Christ. As people begin to return to in-person gatherings in greater numbers, there are a few ways to better be prepared.
- PRAY - I would encourage you to call for your leaders to take time to join together in prayer. Pray for people to come from the north, south, east, and the west. Pray over the sanctuary seats and ask the Lord for a fresh sense of his presence and power in each gathering. Pray for fear to be overcome by faith. Pray for the worship and preaching ministry. Pray for the community and county leaders, frontline workers, teachers and those in need. Pray for unity and harmony in your fellowship. Pray for the children and youth who are faced with a culture in conflict.
- PLAN - I would suggest rethinking each aspect of your ministries schedule. How will you engage children, students, and adults in discipleship? Make the needed adjustments that will allow your ministry and church to move forward into a fruitful and effective future. Consider better ways to welcome guests and follow up all who attend.
- PURSUE - I would recommend establishing a priority list of 3-5 goals for the balance of the year, followed by the actions steps to see the priorities fulfilled. It would be beneficial to discuss with your leadership and get their full support. Once you have the support and buy-in of leadership, share with the full church. Opportunities will be accomplished with Spirit created momentum.
There are two types of opportunities that will come your way this summer, missed opportunities and seized opportunities. Let’s not ignore the open doors God brings our way this year.
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
Winston S. Churchill
Paul asked the Church in Colosse to pray that they would have many opportunities. That is my prayer for you this summer.
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.
2 Thessalonians 3:1
