Category: leadership

Children's Ministry, Discipleship, KidMin, leadership, Motherhood & Ministry

Motherhood & Ministry

Dr. Virginia Brennan

Steady Hands: Exodus 17:8 – 16

We have already looked in Exodus 17 about the grumbling of the people against Moses. We too will face grumbling, and must respond in prayer. Continuing in Exodus 17, we see how prayer, active obedience, and leadership come together to bring about victory in the Lord.

While out in the wilderness, Amalek came to fight against the people of Israel. We see Moses turning to Joshua to select men to fight, while Moses would intercede for the Israelites. It is noteworthy that long before we see Joshua succeeding Moses and leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, we first see a track record of faithfulness and obedience leading up to his calling to shepherd all of Israel. 

As Joshua was faithful to fight Amalek, Moses went to the top of the hill to lift his hands to the Lord. As long as Moses’ hands remained aloft, the Israelites prevailed in battle, but when Moses lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur faithfully came alongside Moses. They gave him a stone to rest on, and as his hands grew heavy, they each took one side and physically supported Moses’ hands to remain steadily raised. 

Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, raised his hands up to the Lord until the sun went down. After what was no doubt a long day, Amalek was defeated and Israel prevailed. Moses’ hands held true because of the support of faithful leaders around him. 

Leadership is not a solo act – as Moses needed the support of Aaron and Hur and the leadership of Joshua on the battlefield – so do we need the support and leadership of faithful servants of the Lord. We see front-line obedience from Joshua to physically fight the war, while we see behind the scenes obedience of Moses to raise his hands to the Lord, as well as the key support of Aaron and Hur. 

In this passage we see both faithfulness in prayer and active obedience working in conjunction to experience victory from the Lord. Every believer has a role to play in the body of Christ – some are on front-lines like Joshua, some are leaders like Moses contending in prayer while holding enormous responsibility, and some are like Aaron and Hur playing key roles of support and encouragement.

For our ministries today to experience victory, we cannot try to do it alone. We must intentionally and prayerfully seek out the people the Lord calls to come alongside us to lend strength and leadership for the ministry. Do you have a Joshua who you are inviting into strategic leadership roles? A key leader who is growing in ministry experience and responsibility? Do you have an Aaron or Hur with whom you are honest about your struggles and weaknesses? Someone to encourage you and hold you accountable?

Join our wonderful conversation about identifying, recruiting, and empowering key leaders. There are practical steps you can take to find the Joshua’s, Aaron’s, and Hur’s for your ministry! 

Motherhood & Ministry is a weekly post on Monday mornings to encourage moms who serve in vocational ministry while also serving their families.

Children's Ministry, leadership, Motherhood & Ministry, Volunteers

Motherhood & Ministry

Dr. Virginia Brennan

Water from the Rock: Exodus 17:1-7

At the opening of Exodus 17, we see the Israelites in the wilderness. God has already completed the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the destruction of the Egyptian army. He has given them fresh water wherever they camp, and has provided manna and quail to eat. God has given them specific instructions on gathering and keeping manna (which the Israelites don’t obey, by the way; Exodus 16:19-20, 27-28). 

In spite of every miracle, sign, and provision from the Lord, the Israelties still grumbled, disobeyed God, and questioned both God and Moses. They could not rest in the goodness and provision of God.

“The people grumbled to Moses, ‘What are we going to drink?’” – Exodus 15:24

“The entire Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. Instead, you brought us into this wilderness to make this whole assembly die of hunger!’”’ – Exodus 16:2-3

Dear sisters, if Moses himself dealt with ongoing grumbling from the people, do not be surprised when you too face grumbling, even under the most positive of circumstances. Your church can be growing, the ministry flourishing, and there will still be some people who find something to grumble about. 

“So the people complained to Moses, ‘Give us water to drink.‘

‘Why are you complaining to me?’ Moses replied to them. ‘Why are you testing the Lord?’

But the people thirsted there for water and grumbled against Moses.They said, ‘Why did you ever bring us up from Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?’

Then Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘What should I do with these people? In a little while they will stone me!’” – Exodus 17:2-4 

Reading this passage, I am struck with feelings of desperation and exasperation that are all too familiar. I don’t know if Moses wanted to tear his hair out in frustration, but I have certainly felt that way! 

As we face grumbling, let us be quick to examine our own hearts and ensure that we have not also become the grumblers. Grumbling about the grumblers may feel cathartic in the moment, but it is not constructive, and does not sanctify our hearts or edify the church. Let us watch our own hearts and mouths foremost. 

Then we must turn to God, even if it is in desperation and exasperation, and give God the complaints and fussing of the grumblers. Only the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit can change the grumbler’s heart. No amount of discussion, chastising, or convincing from us can change a person’s heart. That is an internal work of the Holy Spirit and our best weapon is prayer. 

Moreover, when we give to God the situation and the grumbler in prayer, He begins to change our hearts. When we intentionally and thoughtfully pray for another person, God begins to open our eyes, shape our hearts, and pour His love through our lives. It is truly a supernatural work, because our hearts are not inclined to love people who oppose and discourage us. 

Pray, pray, pray. Our most powerful solution for grumbling is to pray and continue trusting the Lord’s provision ourselves. In the coming two weeks, we will revisit the life of Moses for more practical ideas to bear up under the weight of leading a ministry and shepherding God’s people. 

Motherhood & Ministry is a weekly post on Monday mornings to encourage moms who serve in vocational ministry while also serving their families.

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia share about navigating friendships and leadership in ministry.
leadership, Spiritual Formation

Motherhood & Ministry

Dr. Virginia Brennan

Empty Baskets

Last week in Motherhood & Ministry we considered our time in the wilderness and our time in the boat with Jesus. In Mark 6, Jesus was on his way to spend time alone with the disciples to rest and reconnect in the wilderness. Instead we see one of Jesus’ greatest miracles, and his only miracle (outside of His resurrection) that is included in all 4 Gospels – the feeding of the 5,000.

The whole point of this passage is that Jesus does things that only God can do. He is the Son of God and He is the Savior. The disciples, of course, could never solve the problem of thousands of hungry people because the disciples are mere humans. Jesus, I think, wanted to highlight their limitations and in contrast with His holy solution.

When they were full, he told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.” So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over by those who had eaten. – John 6:12-13

Here’s a question that I had never thought about before – where did those 12 empty baskets come from?

Did the disciples have them in the boat? Some of the people who rushed off on foot to meet Jesus – did they not even turn around to put their basket away before leaving? Who carries around empty baskets?

Have you ever gone somewhere and you bring an umbrella because it might rain, and then you end up carrying it around all day, and you’re like, “Ugh, why did I bring this?” I wonder if an owner of an empty basket spent most of her day in the wilderness wondering why they didn’t just go home and put the basket down?

But God orchestrated not only one boy with 5 loaves and 2 fish, but also 12 empty baskets to all be present that day to take part in a miracle that pointed to the truth about Jesus.

God does the same thing today. In our lives, and in our churches, He pulls together seemingly separate people, life experiences, and circumstances to all work together in unity to point a lost and dying world to Jesus. God works out His will on earth through things like empty baskets being in the right place, at the right time.

We just have to trust in that, even in seasons when we’re carrying around an empty basket “for no reason,” God has a purpose and a plan to fill it for His Kingdom and His glory.

Motherhood & Ministry is a weekly post on Monday mornings to encourage moms who serve in vocational ministry while also serving their families.

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss personal circumstances and challenges, as well as scriptural encouragement.
Discipleship, leadership

Networking & Mentors

Dr. Virginia Brennan

It is common knowledge that having a mentor is valuable, and in turn being a mentor to others is a responsibility of leadership, but the perennial question remains – HOW to find a mentor or begin a mentoring relationship? Ministry can be difficult, and building relationships with other leaders to share experiences and encouragement can be the difference between longevity in ministry or burnout. 

Conferences and events can be great places to make new professional connections and begin new relationships. However, networking and relationship building isn’t limited to physical, in-person gatherings. Networking can also take place online through social media groups, discussion boards, online cohorts, and other online areas where people gather to share and ask questions about a particular topic.

When you come across someone new, interesting, or with whom you would like to build a relationship, you can start by striking up a conversation at an in person event, or contacting them online. The fear of rejection is real though! Striking up a conversation about the topic at hand can be a great way to start. 

When in-person networking, it’s important to be mindful of people’s time, the schedule of the event, and be observant of normal social cues. We don’t want to monopolize anyone’s time, but a quick introductory conversation is typically appropriate and welcomed. You can always offer to exchange contact information to continue the conversation later.

The most important key is to not be afraid to reach out, and begin the conversation! In our podcast episode I share an example from my own life when a conversation at a conference led to a great friendship and years of encouragement! 

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss networking, mentors, and building new relationships in ministry.
Administration, leadership, Volunteers

3 Essentials of Great Volunteer Training

Dr. Virginia Brennan

We all want to host great volunteer training. We want our volunteers feeling valued, coming away with useful tips and ideas, and most of all, we want them to want to come to training! We want training events to be the highlight of their semester, quarter, or year! 

Here are three non-negotiables for great volunteer training:

1) Honor Volunteers’ Time

We honor volunteers’ time by starting on time, ending on time, and filling our time with useful and encouraging content. We don’t want volunteers leaving thinking “this could have been an email.” We want to encourage them, give them practical, applicable strategies to try, and communicate new information in an engaging way. 

If volunteers feel that training is a good and beneficial use of their time, they are more likely to return for future training events and encourage others to attend as well!

2) Honor Diverse Learning Styles

We know that our students have a variety of learning styles and preferences. When we teach our volunteers, we not only want to keep them engaged in our content, but we also have the priceless opportunity to model teaching to diverse learning styles. Using active learning techniques and keeping in mind the three basic learning styles (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic), we can build elements of interaction and diverse activities into our training time.

3) Honor Wisdom, Experience, and Contributions of Volunteers

Most churches have volunteers with a variety of experience levels. You can likely think of some seasoned, rock star volunteers. Give your volunteers opportunities to discuss and problem solve with one another. Allow your experienced leaders the time to encourage and share their wisdom with newer volunteers. I often find that many of the best ideas that come out of training sessions don’t come from me, they come from seasoned volunteers with a passion for ministry. 

Allowing seasoned volunteers to share and encourage others helps them feel valued, appreciated, and seen. 

There are lots of great ideas for volunteer training, but these three essentials can set you on the right course for training events that leaders love!

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia share some fundamental elements of children’s ministry volunteer training.
leadership, Spiritual Formation

The Small Things and the Best Portion

Dr. Virginia Brennan

The Lord has reminded me recently that when circumstances feel overwhelming, often the first step is simply to be faithful in the small things. When the “big” things are out of our hands, simply being faithful in the “small” things can often add up to big changes! Demonstrating faithfulness over “a little” shows a character that can be entrusted with “much,” Matt 25:23. 

I also reflect on Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet as a student and listened to all Jesus had to say. Martha bustled around with “many tasks” – no doubt good, necessary tasks of hosting a crowd of Jesus’ followers. Martha was “worried and upset” over Mary’s lack of assistance with household duties. 

I can see myself in Martha – she means so well – but what Martha (and sometimes I) miss is that she was serving the God of the universe. He put the stars into motion and raised up the mountains. He filled the depths of the oceans with creatures and made birds to soar through the sky. He is God in the flesh come down to earth to be the yes and amen to all God’s promises.

This King of the universe in her living room also multiplied one boy’s small lunch into a feast to feed over 5,000 people. Martha did not need to run herself ragged in service to the King of the Universe. He calls her – and us – to know Him, love Him, and follow Him in faithfulness. 

Are you doing the “small thing” of spending time at His feet, in His Word daily? It is the best portion. Are you doing the “small thing” of praying for yourself, your family, and your ministry daily and with intentionality? Are you doing the “small thing” of spending time in worship privately and corporately? 

Be faithful in the small things. Trust God with the big things. 

Protecting Spiritual Growth – Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss the necessity of prioritizing our spiritual growth while serving in ministry.
Children's Ministry, leadership

Deep Roots in Seasons of Uncertainty

Dr. Virginia Brennan

“Lord, am I in the right place?” Every ministry leader likely asks this question at some point in their ministry. It can feel daunting to discern the times and seasons for continuing in a ministry assignment or preparing to move on to the next one. It can be tempting to think, “I wouldn’t mind my own burning bush right now, telling me exactly where to go and what to do!” 

In Joshua 1:1-9, Joshua is preparing to go. He would finally lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses is dead and Joshua is embarking on this totally new journey without his mentor. I can only imagine that I would feel pretty intimidated under these circumstances! 

Three times God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” He also instructs Joshua to carefully follow everything Moses taught, and to meditate on God’s Word day and night. Knowing God’s Word, following God’s Word, and having it deeply embedded in his heart was Joshua’s key to leading the Israelites to success in the Promised Land.

Joshua was called to go and lead through a season of great transition and change. Sometimes we are called to stay and plant deep roots of lasting ministry impact. We all likely know ministry leaders of great longevity and influence. Pastors who have served a single congregation for 20, 30, or even more years! What a testimony to the faithfulness of God, displayed in the faithfulness and obedience of His child. 

How happy is the one who does not

walk in the advice of the wicked

or stand in the pathway with sinners

or sit in the company of mockers!

Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,

and he meditates on it day and night.

He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams

that bears its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

No matter how our circumstances may change or how long we may be called to a particular ministry assignment, we can be like a tree planted beside flowing streams, growing deep roots into God’s Word. We can delight in His truth and meditate on Scripture continually. He will nourish our souls and produce fruit in our lives through the outworking of the Holy Spirit. God will supply all we need to continue in faithfulness and obedience, walking with Him one step at a time.