Ministry is not merely an outward pursuit; it is deeply rooted in what lies within you—your inner environment. Unfortunately, many ministers today focus so much on external factors that they neglect the treasures God has deposited within their spirits. The result? Frustration, stagnation, and a disconnection from the unique calling God has placed on their lives.
Yet, the greatest breakthroughs in ministry begin the day you intentionally focus on developing and harnessing your inner environment. As ministers, our spirits are connected to the Holy Spirit, who searches and reveals the deep things of God. Ignoring this divine connection often leads to a shallow and ineffective ministry, while embracing it can catapult you into the fullness of your calling.
The Inner Environment: Your Ministry’s Powerhouse
The Apostle Paul speaks about “the things of a man” and “the things of God” in 1 Corinthians 2:9-14. These “things” are not physical but spiritual treasures that God has deposited in our spirits. The natural mind cannot comprehend them; they are spiritually discerned through the Holy Spirit. Your spirit—like a search engine in the Holy Ghost—is equipped to receive and process these divine revelations.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:11, “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” This passage underscores the reality that there are hidden dimensions of your destiny and ministry that only your spirit knows. However, they remain untapped unless you cultivate your inner environment.
Avoid the Pitfall of Copycat Ministry
One of the most common traps in ministry today is imitation. Many ministers replicate strategies from others, expecting identical results, but their ministries remain stagnant. While it is good to learn from conferences, teachings, and mentors, nothing can replace the personal leadings of the Holy Spirit in your life.
For instance, many years ago, ministers traveled to South Korea to learn church growth principles from Dr. David Yonggi Cho, a strong advocate of the “Cell System.” While some succeeded in implementing these principles, others failed because they could not adapt them to their unique contexts. This highlights an important truth: ministry is spiritual, and you cannot rationalize spiritual instructions and expect results.
Excavating the Deep Treasures Within
The greatest treasures of your ministry are not the external trappings of success like money, buildings, or fame. They are the spiritual treasures God has deposited in your spirit. These include promptings, visions, revelations, prophetic words, corrections, and divine instructions. Jesus describes this principle in Matthew 12:35: “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things.”
To unlock these treasures, two key practices are essential:
- Praying in Tongues: Regular, Spirit-led prayer stirs the treasures in your spirit, bringing them to the surface.
- Meditating on God’s Word: As you meditate, the Holy Spirit aligns your thoughts with God’s plans, revealing His purposes for your life and ministry.
The Balance of Learning and Leading
While it is vital to learn from others, you must discern how these lessons align with God’s specific instructions for your ministry. Spiritual maturity comes from juxtaposing external teachings with the inner leadings of the Holy Spirit. This balance ensures that your ministry is Spirit-led and tailored to God’s unique plan for your life.
Deuteronomy 29:29 states, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us.” When the Holy Spirit reveals God’s secrets to you, they become your inheritance. These revelations are the key to fulfilling your ministry with excellence and impact.
The School of Ministry by Bishop Bimbo exemplifies how to master the balance of learning from others while being led by the Holy Spirit. This program teaches ministers to integrate external insights with God’s unique instructions for their lives, creating a Spirit-led and impactful approach to ministry.
Examples of Inner-Led Breakthroughs
Throughout church history, many ministers have testified about the transformative power of following the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. Kenneth E. Hagin shared that the Lord once told him, “If you can obey the inward witness in your spirit, I will make you rich.” This principle is not just about financial prosperity but about accessing the fullness of God’s blessings for your ministry.
Similarly, my personal milestones in ministry have often resulted from obeying the flows of the Spirit within me. These flows come in the form of prophetic words, divine instructions, or spiritual insights, and they have consistently led to breakthroughs.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Your Inner Environment
- Prioritize Fellowship with the Holy Spirit: Spend time daily in prayer and worship, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and instruct you.
- Develop Spiritual Sensitivity: Train your spirit to recognize the voice of God through consistent study of His Word and obedience to His promptings.
- Stay Focused: Avoid the distractions of comparison and competition. Trust God’s unique path for your ministry.
- Be Patient: God’s treasures in your spirit are often revealed progressively. Trust His timing and process.
- Apply What You Learn: Integrate lessons from mentors and conferences with the Holy Spirit’s specific instructions for your life.
Conclusion: Your Greatest Asset
The greatest asset in your ministry is not external resources but the deep treasures God has placed within your spirit. By paying attention to your inner environment, you align yourself with God’s purposes and position yourself for supernatural breakthroughs. Remember, ministry is spiritual, and the things of God are spiritually discerned. As you dig deep into the treasures of your spirit, you will not only fulfill your calling but also bring glory to Christ through your life and ministry.
So, dear minister, stop chasing shadows. Begin to excavate the deep treasures within your spirit today, and watch as God catapults your ministry to heights you never imagined possible.
This post is a repurposed version of Bishop Bimbo Animashaun’s Facebook post. You can find the original post here
