Ernest Smith

Last week, I was at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.  I was there to take my sixth class as a part of my Doctorate of Ministry studies.  I am so thankful to my family and my church for allowing me the margin and capacity to earn my degree.  I love learning and this is just one way that I can accomplish that love.

The class I was taking was called “Revivals and Spiritual Awakenings.”  I was exciting to learn about the major revivals that have happened throughout the centuries, including in the Old Testament, but more importantly, I was excited to see what type of revival God would initiate in my own heart.

While there, I learned so much and God really spoke to me in powerful ways.  More than likely, there will be multiple blog posts coming that share what I learned in that one week.

One truth that I was taught was not something new, but it was a reminder that I believe every person in ministry needs.  The truth was simple and yet profound…all in one sentence.

The Foundation of Ministry is Not Charisma, but Character

Now, read it again.  Think about that truth for a moment.  In a culture where people idolize pastors, dreaming to have their size ministry one day or be able to make the impact that they are making, this truth is a sober reminder of what is really important.

There are so many people in the Church who desperately want to make a difference in this world….and they should.  This desire is not an evil one, but rather a desire that comes straight from the heart of God.  However, there are so many who have placed making a difference, even making a name for themselves, over building the foundation of a successful ministry, which is character.

Character has been and will always be more important than anything you ever do.  1 John 2:6 states, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”  Jesus never sought to bring attention to Himself.  He focused more on bringing His Father glory and living in a manner that reflected the glory of God.

The world is littered with the fallout of pastors who build large empires that have come crashing down because of a sex scandal or financial impropriety.  So many ministries have been built on a person, a personality that was charming, attractive and exciting.  Yet, those same ministries, at some point have, or will, come crashing down.

Ministry has never, and should never, be built on the personality of some person.  Jesus is the hope of the world, not a charismatic, superstar communicator.

If you want to make a difference in this world, don’t focus your efforts on being cool or getting people to like you.  Focus your efforts on loving Jesus and being more like Him.

Remember: Character is always more attractive in the end. 

Why are so many ministry leaders more focused on charisma than character?

What aspect of your character do you need God to work on?