Ministry Vision

By Jim Jones

The vision of Light of Life Ministry (LOLM) differs from our Ministry Purpose Statement. While our purpose remains constant, our vision is ever increasing and growing. Since the founding of LOLM in 2006 we have already undergone change in our concept of a small one man operation to a ministry that will expand and eventually have several people serving in various capacities. As of the beginning of 2008 there are already four people writing materials and/or articles for LOLM with others soon be added. Not all of these will hold staff or ministry positions with LOLM, but some will. Instead of having just one man going into churches to teach and train people in evangelism and Christian education, there are already three committed to this with at least two more praying about how the Lord would have them to be involved. Doors have opened for me to be mentored and trained in specific ministry areas by two highly respected and successful leaders from outside the Southern Methodist Church, but who are Arminian in their theology. God is definitely at work and the vision continues to grow. There is no way to tell you what the future holds, but below I will share with you where I believe the Lord is leading.

Study Materials: There will never be a time when doctrinally sound Bible studies and training materials will not be needed. The Lord is providing several well qualified and gifted writers to come along side LOLM to help in this area. I believe the Lord will have us to not only continue, but to increase our production of such materials. There is also a Christian novel being written now that could have a major impact in the future. There are several reasons I believe the Lord has ordained this book. I do not have a date as to when it will be ready, but we will certainly let you know as soon as it is published!

The Illuminator: Our current newsletter will be expanding to a magazine format in the near future. It will be a 20 page teaching magazine that will have excellent articles and helps for every Christian. Each issue (six per year) will also contain an evangelistic emphasis that will not only help Christians become better witnesses for Christ, but will be an effective tool for a Christian to give to a friend, relative, neighbor, or any other prospect. Plans are underway even now (the beginning of 2008 ) to meet with a ministry in Texas, Lamb and Lion Ministry, that produces an excellent bi-monthly magazine. They have agreed to "show us the ropes" so that we will not have to "reinvent the wheel" (I thought these were good Texan idioms!) This will be a major undertaking, and we will need to have a distribution of at least 2500 to make it practical. Please pray for this project.

Education: This is a very broad category, but I will sum it up as briefly as possible. I believe the level of Biblical knowledge is at an all time low, even in the so-called "Christian nation" of the United States of America. I would encourage you to read an article titled A Crisis of Theological Illiteracy found on this site. This trend of Biblical and Theological Illiteracy must be reversed, and this will only happen as our church leaders understand and take responsibility for the Christian education of their people. It is the desire of LOLM to offer assistance to both pastors and churches to help with that change of direction. At first this will occur just one church at a time. But once there are a few success stories, the momentum will increase. Our target will be the much forgotten and neglected Sunday school program, the small group Bible studies (preferably in homes), and a solid "Foundations" (see Publications) study program for all believers, but especially new converts. The Lord has put on my heart that He will bring ten men to become teachers and preachers to go out to help accomplish this task. I might find this hard to believe had He not provided three already.

Evangelism: This is God's plan for the building of His Church. All of man's programs will not take its place. Every believer is called to be a witness, and LOLM will continue to teach and train people in personal evangelism (see Becoming an Effective Witness). But in addition to this some of the ten men mentioned above will be evangelists, and perhaps even church planters. These men will be especially gifted and anointed for this task. In my spirit I can see multitudes coming to know the Lord through the ministry of these men who are out there even now, being moved by the Holy Spirit to surrender to this call.

Finances: Where will the financial support come from to provide for the salaries and expenses of all of these men and women? How can a small ministry such as Light of Life Ministry even think that such as this is possible? To be honest, I have no idea from where the money or the workers will come. In fact, that is not even my concern. I have set out to tell you the vision the Lord has given to me for this work. It is not I who "own the cattle upon a thousand hills," but God. And His Word to us is that "all things are possible to him that believes." I Believe!

Overall: What I have shared is just the beginning! How the Lord brings it to pass is His responsibility. It is way far beyond anything I can accomplish. And for that I am glad. I am glad that the task is beyond my capacity. I am glad that there is no way I can even begin to make these things happen. I am glad that God has called me to dream far bigger than myself; to envision what He can do through those who are willing. To the best of my understanding the issue of willingness and surrender was resolved two years ago. As to the years I have left to serve, I have committed them to God. They are His. I am His. Whatever good that happens as a result of anything I do is not me, but Christ in me. God has given me the ability to dream and to envision His work. I now pray for the faith to see it through! I hope this will be your prayer also.