Prison Ministry: Breathless in Colorado

MAJESTIC! I have just returned from the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, where I was attending the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference www.writehisanswer.com.

As a first time attender, I was initially intimated by the enormous task that I believe God has placed on my heart. Completion of the book (working title), "Rock'n The Rebels":  Revitalizing Church In Women's Prisons.

Throughout the four days I met with authors, agents and various publishing houses. The prestigious speakers not only encouraged and inspired me, but also challenged my call to "Write His Answer." This is a tough topic for a tough audience. A select few are called to prison ministry, but for those who are... we need to rise up and serve God with excellence!

Was I overwhelmed with this publishing beast? Embarrassingly yes. It hit me while I was walking outside from one session to the next. There I was looking down at the sidewalk becoming more deflated with each step I took. I was blinded by the light of my immure abilities against such accomplished writers. It was like comparing young David against the mammoth Goliath. Unexpectedly, I stopped mid stride, I could feel the doubt quickly suffocating my future. (Or perhaps that was the high altitude making me breathless?) I raised my eyes to see where I was going and there it was... right in front of me was this incredible masterpiece I was truly seeing for the first time...

The majesty of God's creation. Why do we miss what is so obviously right in front of us? This should be a great visual reminder for all of us as God gently comforts us; "Don't worry, surrender to this process to Me." "Allow Me, the Creator Himself, to move whatever mountains are in front of you... if it is My will, it will be done!"

May I encourage you that this is not a passive process nor an excuse to hide behind your faith. We must have faith and work together WITH Christ. Not too long ago, God impressed on my heart; "Get the book done!"




How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God Reigns!"  Isaiah 52:7

Confidently in Christ,

Shug

Stuck In A Rut? BIG God... BIG Dreams... BIG Expectations!

STUCK IN A RUT?

With prison ministry (or any other ministry) you are called and equipped by God... you are part of a hand-picked team... but now you find your team is "stuck in a rut".

(Definition of RUT: A routine or pattern of behavior that has become dull and unproductive.)

Dull, lifeless and flat-lining... I have seen time and time again, ministries that are relying on what happened in the past. The Apostle Paul was always looking for new ways to share the gospel and encourage his "team" of churches. He wrote passionately to them, he encouraged them, traveled to them, spent time with them, sent fellow disciples to train them and most importantly - he prayed for them.

God is far from boring, He is always creating something new. Shouldn't our ministries shake it up and try new things as well? By doing this, you will keep your team fresh and the church service vibrant and full of energy.

THINK BIG! You might be thinking; "Well, maybe some new worship songs would change it up?" Put on new vision glasses - perhaps God is prompting you to make it happen so that you have an entire worship band come in and lead the worship?

DREAM BIG! Ask the Spirit to help you think out of the box. What BIG vision has God put on your or your team member's heart for this ministry? Solicit ideas from your team, listen to it, don't ignore it, and (here is the key) act on it - but before you do that...

PRAY BIG! You might be frustrated with one small boom box for worship time, a small inmate attendance and an untrained team...

"You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2 

ASK God to give your team His vision and wisdom for this ministry.
          ASK God for a rock'in service.
                    ASK God to expand your territory and increase your attendance.
                              ASK God to call up a team who will have a love like Christ's for the lost and unsaved.
                                         ASK God to train you or bring in excellent teachers to train your teams.
                                                   ASK God to empower you to ACT on it!

"If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR MINISTRY FRESH: 

Do you have regularly scheduled team meetings keeping everyone up to date with current training methods? 

Do you strive to keep the communications with the ministry team, church leaders and prison chaplain open and flowing? 

Are you attentive and flexible to God's leading?  

When was the last time you listened and acted on the team's suggestions? 

(Please keep in mind, not all things will work within the constraints of the prison environment, on the other hand, don't feel limited - God will amaze you if you just ASK!)

"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blow and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord..." James 1:6-7

EXPECT BIG! When we expect big things from our BIG God it pleases Him. It demonstrates we put our faith and trust in Him. Will you join me in praising God now, ahead of time, for answered prayer.

God can help you climb out of that prison ministry rut today... by thinking, dreaming and praying BIG!

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!

SHUG