Procedures
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Theme: Paul believed firmly in planning and procedures in ministry.
Key verses: “Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem” (v. 1-3).
What I believe God said to me: Paul emphasized procedures and planning. He clearly thought ahead and followed certain processes. He didn’t just mindlessly take things as they came. Following procedures might not sound very spiritual, but in fact it can be. In the last chapter of this letter to the Corinthians, Paul makes a strong case for following proven procedures. Notice some important things here. First, he said that they “should follow” the procedure. This was more than a suggestion from Paul. It was a directive. This gives weight to how important this procedure was. Second, notice the procedure was regarding money being collected for my people. It was for something very important. Paul didn’t create or insist on procedures for everything. He didn’t micro-manage or overload himself or others with needless instructions. He did, however, have procedures for those things that mattered most. Third, Paul had given this same procedure to other churches. He systemized this procedure into the other churches he oversaw. If a procedure is proven to work well, why not orchestrate it across the entire organization? Fourth, notice how simple and straight forward the procedure was to communicate and do. In one sentence he tells them what to do, and in another sentence he tells them what not to do. Procedures should be easy to communicate and execute. Fifth, this procedure had a time element with it. They were do it on the first day of each week. They were not to wait until Paul came. Deadlines and timing are vital to the success of a procedure. Finally, Paul concluded his instructions with a reason for them to follow it. He said when he comes he will write recommendation letters for those taking the money gift to Jerusalem. Do you see how this could help motivate them to follow the procedure Paul had given them? There was a purpose and a goal for it. If they follow his procedure and collect the money, Paul said he will write recommendation letters for the messengers who deliver the money. So in summary, there was an important purpose for the procedure, clear instructions for the procedure, and an end goal for the procedure. Dwayne, you would do well to create, test, and orchestrate good procedures into your organization. Give your leaders simple and clear instructions and systemize your operations so you can effectively reach the goals and purposes I have called you to.
What I said to God: Father, thank You for speaking to me today. Thank You for Your grace and mercy on my life. I’m blown away that You allow me to be in partnership and on mission with the King of Kings. What a privilege! Please help us to be more systematic and procedurally minded at NLWI. Help us (me) make the time necessary to create and follow important procedures. And more than anything, please help us (me) keep our eyes on the prize of Your high calling in Your Son, Christ Jesus.