Building the Kingdom or Empires

“Are we building the Kingdom or our own empire?” This is a question I have learned to ask myself and my team to help evaluate where our motives are in ministry. One of my personal fears is being that guy standing before the Lord and claiming to have done many things in His name and yet being rejected. The temptation to build one’s own empire in ministry in the “name of the Lord” can be great. Whether it’s trying to keep up with the ministry down the street or keeping the Board happy, sometimes our success is measured in attendance rosters and relevance rather than the spiritual growth of students, whom we only have for a few years. The demand for return can often switch our focus from building the Kingdom of God to building our own ministry empire. From the outside they may appear the same, growth in attendance and activities, but from the inside it can all be in vain. Here is a check list I created for myself and my team. Feel free to add or change any and apply it to your specific situation.

Are we building the Kingdom?

·         Are we keeping the big picture in perspective?

·         Are we being inclusive or exclusive?

·         Are we maintaining a humble or prideful attitude?

·         Are we teachable or arrogant?

·         Are we searching for opportunities to build or boast?

·         Are we encouraging or discouraging others to grow?

·         Are we preparing to pass the baton or holding on to it?