What is Ministry, Really?

What is Ministry, Really?

Abide Series Podcast Episode 1: What Is Ministry? So many of us use the phrase "my ministry," but what if ministry was never meant to be something we own? In this opening episode of the Abide Series, PD Sue explores the difference between viewing ministry as a platform and understanding ministry as service. Drawing from the example of Jesus and the story of Mary and Martha, this conversation challenges us to move from striving to abiding, from building our own agendas to joining God in His. Ministry does not begin with what we do—it begins with who we are becoming in Christ. As we learn to sit at Jesus' feet, listen for His voice, and follow His leading, we discover that true ministry flows from abiding in Him. In This Episode Why the phrase "my ministry" can sometimes lead us astray The biblical meaning of ministry and what it means to be a servant How Jesus modeled ministry through humility and obedience The connection between abiding and serving Why ministry starts at Jesus' feet before it ever reaches a platform Letting go of outcomes and trusting God to bring the increase Key Scriptures Mark 10:45 Luke 10:38–42 John 8:28 John 15:4–5 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 Reflection Questions Do I see ministry as something I own or something I steward? Am I asking God to bless my plans, or am I seeking His plans? What would it look like for me to begin each day at Jesus' feet before serving others? Where might God be inviting me to trust Him with the outcomes? Prayer Father, teach me to abide before I act, to listen before I lead, and to serve without seeking recognition. Help me remember that ministry belongs to You and that my role is simply to remain connected to the Vine. May my life make Jesus known and bring glory to Your name. Amen. Connect If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing to the Abide Series and sharing it with a friend. Together, let's learn what it means to remain in Christ and bear lasting fruit. Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

🌿 Dying to Live & Walking in the Light

🌿 Dying to Live & Walking in the Light John 12:20–50 In this episode, we continue through John 12 as Jesus begins revealing the deeper meaning behind His mission, His coming death, and the cost of truly following Him. Through powerful moments like: the Greeks seeking Jesus, the grain of wheat illustration, the voice from heaven, and Jesus’ call to walk in the light, we’re invited to reflect on surrender, spiritual sensitivity, and what it means to continually respond to Jesus with openness and trust. This episode explores how growth often comes through release, how hearts can slowly become resistant to God, and why walking in the light requires daily response—not perfection. ✨ In This Episode Why “we wish to see Jesus” still matters today The meaning behind the grain of wheat metaphor Jesus’ humanity and emotional honesty Why miracles alone do not guarantee belief Walking in the light before the heart grows numb The connection between surrender and spiritual fruit 📖 Scripture John 12:20–50 💭 Reflection Questions What stood out to you most from this passage and why? What might God be asking you to release or surrender in this season? Have you ever experienced growth that only came after loss, change, or discomfort? In what ways can a heart slowly become resistant or numb to God? What does “walking in the light” practically look like in your life right now? What is one area where you sense God asking for a deeper “yes” from you? 🤍 Key Takeaway Spiritual growth often requires surrender. Jesus reminds us that fruit comes through release, transformation happens in the light, and a soft heart still matters deeply to God. 🌿 Stay Connected Continue walking through the Gospel of John with us during SALT and DAWN Women’s Gatherings as we grow together in faith, reflection, and response to Jesus. Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

🌿 What Does My Worship Cost Me?

What Does My Worship Cost Me? John 12:1–19 What does true worship actually look like—and what does it cost? In this episode, we step into a powerful moment in Bethany where Mary pours out an extravagant offering at the feet of Jesus. While her act of devotion is deeply personal and sacrificial, it also exposes a tension in the room—revealing contrasting heart postures through the responses of Judas and the surrounding crowd. We explore how worship is not just about what we give, but how we respond. From Mary’s surrender, to Judas’ critique, to the crowd’s expectations of Jesus as King, this passage invites us to examine our own posture and ask an honest question: How am I responding to Jesus? ✨ In This Episode The significance of Mary’s act of costly worship The contrast between devotion and criticism (Mary vs. Judas) How worship reveals what’s happening in our hearts Lazarus as a living testimony of transformation The crowd’s expectations of Jesus—and how they differ from His true mission 📖 Scripture John 12:1–19 How am I responding to Jesus? ✨ In This Episode The significance of Mary’s act of costly worship The contrast between devotion and criticism (Mary vs. Judas) How worship reveals what’s happening in our hearts Lazarus as a living testimony of transformation The crowd’s expectations of Jesus—and how they differ from His true mission 📖 Scripture John 12:1–19 💭 Reflection Questions What stands out to you about Mary’s act of worship? Where might you be holding back in your devotion to Jesus? Do you find yourself responding more like Mary, Judas, or the crowd? What might it cost you to respond more fully to Jesus this week? 🤍 Key Takeaway Worship isn’t just about what we offer—it reveals our heart. Mary surrendered.Judas calculated.The crowd expected. How are you responding to Jesus? 🌿 Stay Connected Join us as we continue walking through the Gospel of John together in SALT and DAWN. Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

🌿 When the Miracle Creates Division

When the Miracle Creates Division John 11:45–57 What happens after the miracle? In this episode, we move beyond the raising of Lazarus and into the response it provoked. While some believed, others resisted—and the same moment that revealed Jesus’ power also exposed the condition of the human heart. We take a closer look at Caiaphas, the high priest, and the striking reality that God used him to speak a prophetic truth he didn’t fully understand. His words pointed directly to the sacrifice of Jesus—reminding us that God’s purposes are unfolding even through opposition. We also see Jesus withdraw—not out of fear, but with intention. He moves according to divine timing, not pressure. As the tension builds and people begin to wonder if He will show up for Passover, we’re invited to wrestle with our own trust in God’s timing. ✨ In This Episode Why the same miracle led to belief in some and resistance in others The role of fear, control, and self-preservation in spiritual blindness The significance of Caiaphas’ statement—and how God used him prophetically What this passage reveals about God’s sovereignty Why Jesus withdrew and what it teaches us about timing and obedience 📖 Scripture John 11:45–57 💭 Reflection Questions How do you typically respond when God moves in unexpected ways? Where might fear or control be shaping your response to Jesus? What does this passage teach you about God’s sovereignty—even through opposition? Where do you need to trust God’s timing right now? 🤍 Key Takeaway The same Jesus…the same miracle…but different responses. God’s work not only reveals His power—it reveals our hearts. 🌿 Stay Connected Join us as we continue walking through the Gospel of John together in SALT and DAWN. Deeper Church Women's Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

🌿 Roll the Stone Away

Roll the Stone Away John 11:38–44 What do you do when something in your life feels too far gone? In this week’s devotional, we move from the waiting into the moment at the tomb—where Jesus doesn’t just feel deeply… He acts. In John 11:38–44, Jesus invites those around Him to participate in the miracle before it happens. Before Lazarus is called out, the stone has to be moved. Before freedom is complete, someone has to help unbind him. This passage reminds us that God is always at work—even in what feels final—and sometimes He invites us to trust Him through simple acts of obedience. ✨ In This Episode Why Jesus was “deeply moved” again at the tomb The significance of the command: “Take away the stone” How we may unintentionally interfere with what God is doing Obedience as part of the miracle Why Lazarus still needed help being “unbound” 📖 Scripture John 11:38–44 💭 Reflection Questions What stands out to you most in this moment at the tomb? Where have you felt like something was “too far gone”? What “stone” might God be asking you to move? How might you be unintentionally interfering with what God wants to do? What does it mean to you that Lazarus needed help being “unbound”? 🤍 Closing Thought Before the miracle, there was movement.Before resurrection, there was obedience. What might God be asking you to move…so you can see what He’s about to do? 🌿 Stay Connected Join us for our weekly DAWN & SALT sessions in-person or online, and on Substack as we continue walking through the Gospel of John together. Get full access to Deeper Church Women's Newsletter at dawn360.substack.com/subscribe [https://dawn360.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]