I have a new little project I'm working on these days...

My church is very focused on supporting ministry. Specifically, we attempt to support our members fulfilling ministry in their lives. So, we don't have many internally focused ministries (a men's ministry, a women's ministry, etc.). Rather, we focus on supporting the ministries our members take part of, and helping network our members together. Take, for instance, a couple in our church who work with My Father's House. The church assists by letting our members know what's going on there, so others from our church can help out however they need.

Some people in our church work with organized ministries or parachurch organizations. Others minister in less organized, but more personal, ways. There's a couple in our church who simply work with younger, rather troubled boys they come in contact with. Another who used to go to our church focused on spending time with the people she works with outside work, living her life with them in ways that represent Christ.

As our church focuses on raising up and developing young Christians, we take seriously the need to help develop chances for them to minister.

This is where my little project comes in.

Here's what it isn't: It isn't a list of ministries to plug people in to. My focus isn't plugging people directly into ministries. That's a great focus; it's just not mine. What I'm interested in is plugging people into themselves first; I want to develop a system to prepare for ministry.

There are many things that influence a person's ability to minister. I don't assume to have all the answers, and there's a lot of room to mess people up with this kind of thing. If I don't come in with a healthy, well-developed philosophy of what ministry is, I could really screw people up.

However, if it goes well, I do a lot of good for a lot of people. I could help these young Christians get into touch with what God's doing with their lives, how He's been developing them and equipping them. What I'm envisioning is some sort of series of meetings or interviews, with some introspective homework or writing exercises, aimed at introducing them to their own ministry potential and desires.

Here's where you, loyal readers, come in. What kind of things do you think are important to know about yourself for your effectiveness in ministry? Though I will spend some time addressing spiritual gifts, what other things should I introduce these young Christians to? What has helped you gain perspective and confidence in ministry? What can I ask them and help them see in themselves that will help them better serve in the Kingdom of God?