What Are You Going to Do When They Come for You?

2013 National Black Methodists for Church Renewal
Chicago, IL
 Seven Things to Remember

Bishop Julius C. Trimble

1. God has called you/me and claimed you for ministry –

2 Timothy 1:7, “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving and self-controlled.”

2. Maximize your prayer life -

“Little prayer, little power;

No prayer, no power.

Much prayer, much power.”

Bathe your life and ministry in prayer – “because you’ve been a help to me and I shout for joy in the protection of your wings,” Psalm 63:7.

3. Take personal responsibility for being proactive –

· Relationships with people you are in ministry with matter.

· Relationship with District Superintendent, Staff-Parish Relationship Committee, Bishop?

· Clarify process and your own participation in annual evaluation.

· Familiarize yourself with the current 2012 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, including ¶350, “Evaluation.”


4. Priorities – Planning is important. However, self-care is critical.

“To meet the needs of others and ignore the whispers of your own soul is to succumb to the illusion that there is a time more precious than now and a place more heavenly than here,” William Martin, “The Art of Pastoring”

5. Choose community and togetherness vs. isolation – 

The so-called “lone ranger” approach to ministry and leadership is antithetical to the Christian and the “Church at its best.” Jesus promises to be with us in powerful ways as we work and witness together –“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them,” Matthew 18:20.

“When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place,” Acts 2:1.

“All the believers were united and shared everything,” Acts 2:44

6. Answer this one question:  
Why am I a United Methodist?”


7. Connect your witness with your worship.

Live with high expectations as you “attempt great things for God, expect great things from God.

“The devil is not terribly frightened of our human efforts and credentials. But he knows his kingdom will be damaged when we begin to lift our hearts to God,” Jim Cymballa, “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire”.