Ready – Fire! – Aim (Part 1: Overview)
It’s the start of a brand new year – 2011. The old is gone; the new has come. Whatever happened in 2010 doesn’t matter because 2011 is a fresh start filled with hopes and dreams.
The question is: Will your 2011 ministry happen to you? Or will it be shaped by you?
The purpose of this 5-part series is to help you have a fruitful and fulfilling ministry in 2011. Each part will guide you step-by-step in developing and achieving your 2011 ministry goals. This first part provides an overview to the series. The remaining parts focus on your past, present, future, and plan.
It would be crazy to fire a gun without first aiming it. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. In the same way, it’s crazy to begin the year without aiming at some predetermined targets. Someone has said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” And you’re likely to end up where you didn’t want or expect to go.
The truth is: life happens! You can’t control every variable. But you have a better chance of coping with life’s unexpected challenges if you do some advanced planning. Thankfully, as a Christian you can ask God to guide you in your planning so you’re heading in the direction He wants you to go. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).
When you know your unique purpose, your ministry goals become the means of fulfilling your calling. For example, my calling is “to teach Christians to live out their unique, God-given purpose.” Therefore, my 2011 ministry goals are directly related to the work God has given me. Consequently, I have 3 goals for the coming year. Notice how each goal furthers the assignment God has entrusted to me.
1. To write a book on the topic of calling.
2. To teach at a seminar outside of Chicago and North Carolina.
3. To conduct spiritual gifts training in a foreign country I haven’t visited before.
“Designed to Serve” exists to help you know and live out your unique, God-given purpose. He has a ministry assignment that only you can fulfill. Moreover, He designed and equipped you with all you need to accomplish the task. But first you have to know where you’re going; otherwise, your ministry philosophy is simple: Ready – Fire! – Aim.
This is your one and only life. There are no second chances. Make your life count for Christ by first knowing and completing your calling. Then be steadfast and immovable in seeking to fulfill your calling.
Imagine at the end of your life telling God what Jesus told His Father. I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do” (John 17:4).
And imagine the joy in hearing Him say to you the words you long: Well done, my good and faithful servant.
© 2011 Designed to Serve®
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
