By definition, job, or ministry, descriptions explain the tasks or duties of a position of responsibility for which someone has been or will be recruited or hired. It describes what they do.
God’s Word makes it clear that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17). Consequently, we must consider how the name of the Lord relates to even job descriptions — that which we do.
The Name of the Lord in Relation to the Development of Job Descriptions
The name of the Lord factors into the very development of job descriptions. Since His name is good and holy (Ps. 52:9; 105:3), we need to arrive at job descriptions that reflect His ways and His heart for the ministry.
- Does the job description reflect a desire to accomplish God’s work His way?
- Is it something our Lord would be pleased to stamp His name on?
Keep the Focus on His Name in How We Communicate about Job Descriptions
As church leaders, we have a responsibility to protect the honor of His name. One way we do that is to expect and encourage the right motivation and means for fulfilling job descriptions by keeping the focus on His name. What we communicate about job descriptions and how we use them will have an impact on why and how people accomplish their responsibilities listed therein.
1) The Right Motivation – for the sake of His name
We must emphasize that what they do should be for the praise and glory of His name, not for the sake of accommodating us or getting a good evaluation. It has to be about more than pleasing us as a leader and not even for the sake of the Church, although we do benefit when people do their part (Eph. 4:16). Nor is it about making people feel good about themselves.
Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (Ps. 31:3)
In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. (Ps. 44:8)
Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. (Ps. 115:1)
We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thess. 1:12)
While church leaders might hold people accountable for fulfilling their job descriptions, they do what they do under the authority of the Lord — in His name.
2) The Right Means – in the power of His name
If we aren’t careful we could use job descriptions in such a way that people feel like they must strive to accomplish their responsibilities in their own wisdom and strength. We must communicate in such a way as to acknowledge the gifts and strengths God may have bestowed on people but at the same time keep the focus on His name by recognizing Him as the Power Source it will take for them to accomplish anything of eternal value.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps. 124:8)
No one is like you, LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. (Jer. 10:6)
Fulfilling a job description doesn’t necessarily translate into effective ministry. We must always communicate that job descriptions are mere tools. Only when we trust in the name of the Lord to work in and through us will we make an eternal impact.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Ps. 20:7)
All Posts about Job Descriptions:
- Job Descriptions in the Church?
- Church Job Descriptions Reflect Purpose?
- Church Job Descriptions Reflect Body Life?
- Church Job Descriptions Reflect the Great Commission?
- Job Descriptions Reflect God’s Heart for the Church?
- Job Descriptions Reflect a Need for God’s Power?
- Be an Example in Using Job Descriptions
- Spiritual Gifts Listed on Job Descriptions?
- Prayer Critical in Use of Job Descriptions?
- Church Ministry Job Descriptions Resources
- Job Descriptions Robbing the Cross of Its Power?
- How Grace Ties into Job Descriptions
- Job Descriptions as Tools of the Holy Spirit?
- Keep the Focus on His Name
- Job Descriptions with Servanthood as a Goal