Last week we spoke about things that you DO NOT want to do if you're going to develop effective study habits.  This week we're looking at things you absolutely DO want to, things that will enhance your ability to study for sermons in a more productive manner.

To be truly called of God means being driven to be the best you can be.  Developing productive study habits are enhanced or minimized by certain 'DO' and 'DO NOT' elements in a minister's world.  Today we're looking at those things you 'DO NOT' want to affect the development of productive study habits.

Every passionate ministry is anxious to be involved in the work of God... but, if they are not careful, many mistakes can be made when they bypass God's chosen timing and start operating by their desire instead of God's wisdom.  Here are some basic guidelines as it pertains to the dangers of not knowing the answers to the question, "When can I go?"

Every sermon built has to start somewhere.  It's been my observation that where that sermon starts either makes it easier to prepare... or makes it much harder to prepare.  In this podcast of Ministry Matters, we share where sermons start and the importance of building that sermon with the right directives, and how it makes your sermons much more effective to the purpose of God.

There are a lot of things that 'Elders' used to teach their upcoming ministries.  Among them was the importance of how your claim to have a ministry will affect the humanity around you.  This podcast looks back at what to expect when YOUR ministry collides with THEIR humanity.

It happens to everyone in ministry at some point in our lives.  We, in the process of trying to help others, feel that uncomfortable 'disconnect' in our spirit that leaves us unsure, unfulfilled, and sometimes unaware of what's going on.  This podcast explains what causes that 'disconnect' among sincere hearted ministries.

Have you ever wondered why some called to ministry flourish while others, with the same kind of calling, seemingly flounder?  There is a massive difference in a 'maybe' ministry and a 'martyr' ministry.  This podcast examines that difference for every hungry hearted soul.

Who would have dreamed it would even be a factor... but reality demands that, sometimes, you have to protect your marriage from your very own ministry!  This podcast surveys the different 'snare points' that can damage or destroy your ministry... as well as the 'safeguards' that will protect you marriage as you navigate the treacherous aspects of ministry.

In the quest of sincere ministry to find 'usable' elements to build our sermons, construct our Bible Studies, and reaffirm our doctrines, it's common to utilize various elements to build that sermon.  However, many ministries have made it harder on sincere, God called ministries by making some needless mistakes in what the Bible calls 'rightly dividing the word'.  Today's podcast considers the restrictions that should guide our pursuit of preaching material.

"To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus..."  We used to sing that precious old song, but sometimes - especially in real ministry - you have to live the song.  The life of Jesus, the greatest example of ministry that ever existed, surely reminds us of the price that will have to be paid to possess a viable, passionate ministry.