A responsible church steward is likely to have considered before:

How can I increase my church’s service attendance?

But before the how, there’s also a deeper rationale:

Why do I really want more people to come to church?

One’s answers to these questions reveals one’s heart of ministry.

It’s easy to say, I’m doing it for the faith of God’s people. But the scandals that have plagued global Christendom reveal that one's why may not always be so pure. The fruits that scandal-plagued church leaders bear may not reflect the heart of ministry that our true Shepherd has. Instead, some have aims may be rooted in their own desire for money, lust, or self-serving glory.

One’s how could also be veiled by messages of spirituality and faith. Behind the Bible verses, are attempts to attract crowds just dishing out what they want to hear and experience, rather than nourishing them with God’s uncomfortable truth?

Paul’s perspective in 1 Thessalonians 2 gives us a few points of what a true heart of ministry looks like:

1. Share the gospel sincerely to please God, not please or flatter your listener. A minister must faithfully speak God’s word, even if it may displease or offend (1 Thess 2:3-5).

2. Don’t use the gospel to gain personal benefits (1 Thess 2:5).

3. Don’t use your ministry to seek glory from people (1 Thess 2:6).

4. Be gentle and caring to your flock, with the heart of a parent, being careful not to burden them in how they might support you (1 Thess 2:7, 9, 11).

5. Share your message persistently, in every way: that every member’s life is transformed so that they walk worthy of God (1 Thess 2:11-12).

6. Be a role model to your church. Be devout, just, and blameless (1 Thess 2:10).

Paul was a self-sacrificial steward and servant of the Lord. Anyone who aspires to help God's people experience lasting transformation in Christ has much to learn from Paul's heart of ministry.

As you reflect on 1 Thessalonians 2 today, consider 1 point from Paul's sharing that you can grow in. Do you want to share the word of God with more sincerity? Focus more on your audience's life transforming in Christ, not just outwardly appear godly? Transform your own life first? Whatever you choose, start by bringing it to God in your prayer.