Serve First, Profit Second—Prioritising Ministry over Money
Do The Work Of Ministry (Service) First
As you build your online ministry, keep in mind your purpose to serve. This should guide your choice of platforms that fit your ministry's mission. As stated in 1 Peter 4:10, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Whether you choose blogging, podcasting, or YouTube, seek God’s guidance on where to connect with those you are called to serve. This can be a vessel for the message God has placed in your heart. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) encourages us, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." So if you’re uncertain, begin experimenting with different platforms, and trust that He will lead you to the right one.
Choose your main platform and focus on making engaging and helpful content for your audience. Remember Luke 16:10: "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much." Growing your audience might take 6 to 12 months or more, so be patient. Stay committed, and God will connect you with the right people, helping your ministry grow.
In your early stages, even some traction can lead to substantial growth in God's timing. Do not be disheartened if your messages seem to have little impact initially. Instead, view this period as an opportunity for God to refine you and strengthen your voice.
As part of your action step, develop a content calendar that reflects both your unique vision and the needs of your audience. In Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV), we see the importance of our work: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Ground your content in prayer and let it overflow through you.
Trust this process, knowing that God is with you every step of the way, equipping you to do the work of ministry that He has called you to.
Trust God’s Timeframe
Waiting for the right moment can be tough in ministry. Especially in our quick-paced world, we often want fast results, but we must trust that God's timing is perfect. Just like a seed takes time to grow, so does our ministry.
During these waiting periods, you may discover new insights that refine your approach and enhance your impact. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." This scriptural truth invites us to embrace the waiting, understanding that there is purpose in the delay.
Additionally, Psalm 27:14 encourages us: "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" This speaks to the strength and encouragement that can be found in patience, allowing us to grow spiritually even as we wait for our ministries to unfold.
If you aspire to see your ministry succeed, you need to put in the effort while trusting that God knows the perfect time for it to bloom. As Galatians 6:9 serves as a reminder, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Stay steadfast, and let God's timing lead you to the fruitful harvest He has promised.
Steward The Financial Resources You Have
Your financial situation will deeply influence how you manage your ministry. The Bible encourages us to be good stewards of what we have been given, as seen in Luke 16:10, which states, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." Consider saving money by cutting out luxury items each month. Think of this as an investment into your future ministry projects or as funding for your ministry hosting platform.
In Malachi 3:10, we are reminded to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse. This act of obedience not only provides for God's house but also sets a precedent for financial faithfulness in our own ministries. When you do this, you demonstrate that you can handle what God has provided.
Evaluating your spending patterns can reveal areas where adjustments can be made. Perhaps, as you look over your budget, you might find subscriptions or impulse buys that could be reduced, allowing you to redirect those funds towards your ministry goals. Proverbs 21:20 reminds us, "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."
If you manage the finances God gives you now, He will see you as trustworthy for greater responsibilities in the future. Sometimes, God places tests where He asks you to invest in your ministry without waiting for additional funds to cover all your expenses. Remember, faithfulness in small matters can lead to greater opportunities, similar to the lesson in the Parable of the Bags of Gold in Matthew 25:14–30.
Additionally, consider practicing generosity by giving to someone else's ministry. Your gift doesn’t need to be monumental; the act itself is what counts. Acts 20:35 says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." By supporting others, you not only help them but also demonstrate to God that you value the importance of ministry partnerships.
Taking this season to focus on getting out of debt is crucial. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Carrying debt can be a significant burden and might show God that you are not yet ready for more. Prioritise the income you currently have, and always look for ways to honour God with your finances.
Wait On God’s Provision Strategy
When you have built the platform God has called you too, you can start leveraging it His way. This may involve setting up a financial system for your ministry that aligns with God's plan for earning an income. Consider the multiple income streams you can incorporate right now and envision for the future. As it is written in Ecclesiastes 11:2, "Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land." God doesn't want you to limit the different ways you make money, and starting with one for now is a great starting point.
For some of you, your main income will be derived from a product or service that you offer. Remember, this isn’t a single strategy for funding your ministry full-time. God calls us to be wise stewards (Proverbs 21:5), and if you seek His guidance (Matthew 6:33), He will reveal how to serve your audience while honouring Him. This could mean identifying a problem you can solve, transforming it into a product or service, or exploring a crowdfunding strategy that allows you to gain support from your community.
Ultimately, embrace the call to serve others in your ministry first and impact them in a way that is authentic to you. Your passion for ministry not only empowers you to create value through content creation, as illustrated in Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”—but will also lay the foundation for a unique income strategy that reflects your commitment to service and divine purpose.
