The Gift of Trust

What are you going to give the members of your team for Christmas this year?  In almost a quarter century of ministry leadership, I have annually given gifts to my ministry associates and assistants.  Sometimes a lot of thought has gone into each gift.  Sometimes it has been a matter of convenience (or a "good deal" on a bulk purchase).  This year's tangible gift has not yet been determined, but I have been thinking about a larger gift that will multiply our ministry.  I suspect there is an application in your ministry setting as well.  I am talking about giving the gift of trust.  By "trust" I mean celebrating and empowering that team member's ministry.


I am thinking of an incident recorded in John 21 when Jesus asked Peter three times,"Do you love me?"  Three times Peter answered in the affirmative and three times Jesus pointed him toward ministry.  "Tend my lambs ... Shepherd my sheep ... Tend my sheep".  This incident came a few days after a colossal failure on Peter's part.  Peter seemed to be convinced that his ministry was over and that his best option was to go back to his previous profession.


I see what Jesus did with Peter as being more of an affirmation than a command.  In a sense, Jesus was saying, "Peter, I trust you.  I value your ministry.  I've got your back."  He didn't promise Peter smooth sailing.  In fact, he promised him martyrdom.  But he also awakened Peter's sense of purpose.

What would it be like is the members of our team knew that we trust them and we value their ministry?  That we don't see them simply as those who assist us with our ministry, but as those with whom we partner for the sake of the Kingdom? 

Whose ministry can you celebrate and empower today?  To whom can you give the gift of trust?