There are a lot of features to consider when shopping for a car.  Probably at the top of most lists is the cost of the vehicle followed by its reliability, gas mileage, comfort, styling, and other unique features. The one thing you will not find at the top of the list is the rear view mirror.

Of all the things that cars can do, the one thing they are not intended to do is to remain stationary while focusing on what’s in the rear view mirror. You get into a car to move and while some do it better than others, they all are designed on moving you forward, not backwards. Ringing any bells?

That sounds just like true ministry. Ministry should be based on moving people forward and not backwards nor just maintaining the status quo. Everything we do, all the activities connected to our ministry and all of our plans for our ministry should be forward looking.

To be forward looking means that we have and use realistic strategies that provide a way forward to those we minister to. Whatever line of ministry we operate in, whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, all should be based on forward progression. To move people forward will take careful and thoughtful planning on our parts. It doesn’t happen by accident.

Just as the features we look for in a car, we should offer the same to those we minister to. What is the level of our reliability? Are we dependable under difficult situations or are we hit or miss? How about our mileage? Are we able to go the distance or do we run out of gas too quick before we see our mission through?

Styling on cars changes from year to year demonstrating in a visual way the need to be contemporary and relevant in all that we do. Yesterday’s way of doing things may not be the best way of doing things today. To be relevant means that we take a hard look at the current issues and mindsets of those we serve and shape our efforts into a language that is easily understood.

Forward thinking, forward acting and forward ministering should be at the core of who we are. The apostle Paul speaking about his own spiritual growth speaks for all of us today: 

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. “  Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV

We want the same thrust for our ministry: Helping to move others beyond the challenges, pain and disappointments of the past and moving them forward to all that is possible today and tomorrow. It’s time to quit staring in the rear view mirror, step on the gas and drive!