Ministers are responsible for the care; God handles the cure!

Are you results-oriented or process-oriented and does it matter when it comes to serving the LORD?

Welcome to Coffee Hour and Megan’s Monday Mantra with Trench Classes United; a division of Chicklit Power Ministries.

Last Sunday my 20 classmates and I got commissioned as Stephen Ministers. The Stephen Ministry trains Christian lay people to provide confidential Christian care to individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.  A Stephen Minister’s responsibility is to “plant” and “water”; God provides the growth. The main focus is on the process of caring rather than on the results. Stephen Ministers are responsible for the care. God handles the cure.

Christian Care-giving by Kenneth Hauk teaches the difference between result goals and process goals. Result goals focus on the results of your relationship. Process goals focus on the individual you are in a relationship with. The focus is on the many actions that make up a good relationship. The successes come as a result of that process. Ultimately all results in a caring relationship are in God’s hands.

To summarize Sarah Young in her devotional, Jesus Always:

“Be willing to follow My lead, beloved. Trust me enough to let go of your expectations and demands. Sometimes you obstruct the very things you desire by trying too hard to make things go according to your will and timing. I know the desires of your heart. I also know the best way to reach those goals. Instead of trying to be in control so you can get what you want, seek My Face. Invite Me to show you the way forward. Be still and know that I am God.”

As Christians, it is not our job to cure our neighbors, friends and family. But there are many ways we can care for them. If we focus on what we can do, God brings the results only He can bring.

Your questions and comments are always welcome.

Lovingly in Christ,

Megan