By Pr Paul BYARUHANGA
Introduction
At Evangelical Church Habitation of God (ECHG), we believe every believer is called to ministry. Ministry is not limited to the pulpit or to those with titles—it is the call of every Christian to serve God faithfully wherever He has placed them. To be effective in this calling, we must be shaped by the values and principles God has laid out in His Word.
One simple but powerful way to remember what makes an effective minister is the acronym FATS: Faithfulness, Availability, Teachable, and Sendable.
Being FATS for God’s Work
1. Faithfulness
To be effective in ministry, you must be faithful. Faithfulness means keeping your commitment to God and to the work He has entrusted you with.
Jesus taught this principle clearly: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10).
📌 Illustration: Imagine a choir member who shows up late for practice and doesn’t learn the songs. When Sunday comes, the worship feels disorganized. Compare that with another who comes on time, learns the songs, and encourages others. Faithfulness in the small things—like showing up—proves readiness for greater responsibilities.
2. Availability
God does not look for the most talented first; He looks for those who are willing. Being available means making yourself ready for God’s use.
Isaiah responded to God’s call saying, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).
📌 Illustration: Moses doubted his speaking ability (Exodus 4:10), but because he availed himself, God used him to deliver Israel from Egypt. God is not waiting for your perfection—He is waiting for your willingness.
3. Teachable
An effective minister has a humble heart, eager to learn. The disciples of Jesus were ordinary men, but they became powerful apostles because they were willing to sit at His feet and learn.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
📌 Illustration: A young believer might think they know enough after reading a few Scriptures, but pride closes the door to deeper understanding. On the other hand, someone who humbly attends Bible study and asks questions will grow in wisdom and usefulness in God’s hands.
4. Sendable
God’s work often requires us to move beyond our comfort zones. Being sendable means you are ready to obey God’s direction—whether it is to serve in a new ministry, preach in another village, or simply step forward to encourage someone.
Jesus told His disciples: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).
📌 Illustration: A church member may feel nervous to share their testimony in a cell group, but when they accept the challenge, God uses their words to inspire someone else to salvation. Being sendable means trusting God’s plan over your own fears.
God Called You For Three Things
Jesus’ call in Matthew 4:19 shows us three dimensions of our calling:
To Be – “Come, follow me,” Jesus said. Before doing, we are called to be disciples—people who reflect Christ in our character.
To Do – “…and I will send you out to fish for people.” Our calling involves action: serving, evangelizing, and ministering to others.
To Have – Luke 18:28-29 reminds us that those who leave things behind for God’s kingdom will receive blessings in this life and in the life to come. Obedience brings both spiritual and practical rewards.
Conclusion
Effectiveness in ministry is not about talent or status—it is about being Faithful, Available, Teachable, and Sendable. When you live these values, you align yourself with God’s purposes.
Remember the words of Jesus: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26).
At ECHG, we encourage every believer to embrace this call. Whether you are in the choir, Sunday School, ushering, preaching, or simply serving quietly behind the scenes, your faithfulness matters to God.
📌 Final Illustration: Just as a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle, you lose nothing when you serve God—you only shine brighter.
May we all rise up as effective ministers for Christ.
Pr Paul BYARUHANGA
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