[Acts 18:1-15, 17-18 KJV] “After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; and found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.”
“And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.“
“And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”
“And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.”
“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”
“And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.”
“And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: but if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.”
“Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.“
Accept the Challenge to Grow
Acknowledge that you can foster growth in your ministry. Embrace the challenge of elevating your ministry to a higher level. Your ministry, church, and business all have the potential to expand. Embrace this challenge, and you’ll discover the path forward.
Continuously Seek Creative Improvement
Keep your mind engaged in the work at all times. Utilize your spare moments to brainstorm inventive ways to enhance your ministry and business. Strive for constant growth and innovation. Unearth creative methods to elevate and magnify what you offer. Elevating your ministry to a higher level is within your reach.
Pray for Your Members Daily (Don’t Struggle Against Them)
Dedicate yourself to interceding for them day and night, until Christ’s likeness is manifest. Lift up your members through the wings of prayer and intercession. Pray not only for them but also for leaders and authorities, and for their overall well-being.
Actively Share and Invite People to Meetings
Consistently invite everyone you encounter to attend meetings. Even with limited time, you can do this on the go. Spread the gospel on the streets and engage with everyone you meet.
Prepare Yourself and Locations for Meetings
As a lay minister, it’s important to prepare both yourself and suitable places to share the teachings you’ve received from your pastor. Ensure you’re sharing the same messages you’ve heard from your pastor.
Maintain Inspiring, Relevant, and Welcoming Meetings
May the Lord guide you in keeping your ministry both inspiring and pertinent.
