Ministry Advancement Tools

SEPTEMBER 2025

Worn Out? Wisdom from Exodus 18

Part I

“Moses’ father-in-law said to him, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.’”
— Exodus 18:17–18 (ESV)

In ministry, we often equate faithful service with tireless work. But Exodus 18 provides a divine reality check — one that reminds us that even the most anointed leaders are not called to carry the mission alone.

Sustainable Leadership Is God-Honoring

When Jethro saw Moses handling all the people’s disputes alone, he didn’t commend him for his dedication — he told him plainly, “What you are doing is not good.” Not because Moses was doing wrong things, but because he was doing too much, alone.

Even Moses, who spoke with God face to face, needed help. If he wasn’t exempt from shared leadership, neither are we.

Walter Brueggemann reminds us that godly leadership reflects God’s rhythms — which include Sabbath rest, delegation, and empowering others. Ministry isn’t a solo act; it’s a body of Christ movement.

Delegation: A Biblical Mandate

Jethro’s advice wasn’t just managerial wisdom — it was Spirit-aligned leadership:

“Select capable men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain…” (v. 21)

This model mirrors the New Testament vision in Ephesians 4:11–12, where leaders equip the saints for the work of ministry. It’s not about hoarding influence but multiplying effectiveness.

Dr. Tremper Longman III writes that Jethro’s structure models “healthy distributive leadership,” emphasizing the gifts of the community over the capacity of one person.

Ministry Advancement Requires Humility

Moses listened.

“So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.” (v. 24)

This shows us something essential: wise leaders accept counsel, even when it comes from outside their circle. This humility is the bedrock of long-term ministry growth.

Takeaways for Ministry Leaders:

• You are not called to carry the burden alone.
• Delegation isn’t surrendering control — it’s expanding capacity.
• Burnout is not a badge of honor; it’s a red flag.
• Listening is leadership.

Reflection for This Quarter:

• What am I still holding that I should be sharing?
• Who is ready around me to lead?
• Am I structuring for long-term impact and sustainability?

Let’s steward our callings with wisdom, grace, and humility — trusting that ministry multiplies when we lead together.

APRIL 2025

Hey Illinois Staff Team!

I have the honor of bringing emphasis to Ministry Advancement in this quarter's "Tools From The Toolbox". Rather than focus on a resource (check out this page if you need resource ideas), I wanted to use this space as an opportunity to offer some encouragement to you!

I truly love Opening Day of Major League Baseball. When my kids were young, we rarely missed an opening day at Busch Stadium (sorry Cubs fans). It had a nostalgic and magical feel all at the same time. It’s the perfect combination of old (Hall of Famers parading around the field waving and saluting the crowd) and new (after all, a brand-new chance at a season was about to begin!) I’m so glad my kids had the chance to see the likes of Stan The Man, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Red Schoendienst and many others before they left this world. Opening Day brings about fresh opportunities for veteran players, new faces of up-and-comers, and opportunities to right the wrongs of the previous season. Everyone gets a fresh start, and the energy is tangible in the stadium. It even comes at a ‘new life’ time of year in the spring as the grass is greening, flowers are beginning to bloom, and trees are sprouting new buds. Truly, on Opening Day, the grass at the ballpark looks a little greener, smells a little fresher and seems a bit more nostalgic.

"New Life" is a natural focus in the spring for you as an FCA staffer as well. The observance of Holy Week, culminating with the celebration of the Resurrection, is a powerful time of year for all of us that I pray truly infuses you with new life. As an FCA staffer, you have an amazing and privileged opportunity to connect coaches & athletes regularly with Jesus...the only source for life. I know ALOT is asked of you as FCA staff. In the midst of donor meetings and newsletters, scorecards and reports, traveling and calendars...my prayer for you is that you are supernaturally uplifted by our 'source of new life'.  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9). A 'retired' leader that we all know and love used to say, "KEEP ON!!" The older I get and the more I walk out my calling in ministry, the more I need to be reminded of this! The 'how' might change as time marches on...the resources and tools might evolve as new ideas are developed (except for the Bible of course--it never 'evolves'!!!)...the maps might change...the structure of our organization might change, etc, etc. BUT THE GOAL NEVER CHANGES! We want to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus and His Church. That's a huge mission...and yet it is refreshingly simple. 

So, Illinois FCA Staff, I leave you with this prayer!!

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:2-5

NOVEMBER 2024



Hey Illinois Staff Family!

My name is Josh Parr and I am new to the advancement team for our state and I have been trying on this role for 6 months to see if it is a good fit. The fall is one of my favorite times of the year for ministry. New coaches, new students, and Lord willing new opportunities. I truly think the fall is the best time of the year for Gospel proclamation to the lost and Gospel clarity to your empowered leaders.

With that being said, I wanted to put a tool in front of you all. It is a short 4-week study through "The Four." Whether you ask a new coach if they would have any interest in exploring the main message of the Bible or bring gospel clarity to a student leadership team, this tool can be useful in a variety of applications! Friends, there is no secret sauce or silver bullets in ministry. However, this resource is an attempt to do ministry in a way in which we generally see God work: proclamation of God's Word in the context of intentional relationships! The study is attached in two formats: One is a digital format and the other is for sending to a printer to be spiral bound! If you have any questions, please reach out! Thankful for serve King Jesus together with you all!