(Part 6) Deeply Rooted- Why the roots of a tree and ministry are important

Have you ever admired a tall tree and wondered how it stood firmly against life's harsh elements? The answer lies in its roots. Just like a tree's roots anchor it to the ground, a ministry needs strong foundations to stand firm. When we plant a tree, we take great care to ensure the soil is deep and rich enough for its roots to dig deep and spread out. Similarly, a

Family Advocacy Ministry needs a strong foundation through a clear purpose, dedicated leadership, and a commitment to collaboration. Without these vital components, life's challenges can easily uproot and throw a ministry aside like a tree with shallow roots.

We all know a tree's roots play a vital role in its growth and survival. The potential of a tree's roots goes far beyond just anchoring it into the ground. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil, which are necessary for the tree's growth and nourishment. The size and spread of a tree's roots can directly impact its overall health and well-being.

We recently had a storm blow through our neighborhood. I heard a commotion in the back of our house as my family watched a massive tree fall from our neighbors on top of our new playset. A power outage swept through our neighborhood as tree after tree succumbed to the forces of nature. Even though these were mature trees, they had grown at a rate their roots could not keep up with. As a result, when strong winds and heavy rain came, the trees could not withstand the force.

Similarly, having strong roots is crucial for growth and sustainability in ministry. Establishing a solid foundation built on faith, values, and principles that guide our actions and decisions is essential. It can be easy to skim over this part and get to the action steps, but for those who are just now feeling the calling to ministry, it's essential to take the time to establish your roots. As unseen, it can be easy to miss the importance of nurturing and strengthening them. Just like a tree's roots, ministry is also profoundly rooted and plays a vital role in the growth and well-being of individuals.

Investing time and energy into nurturing your ministry's base with thoughtful consideration of these foundational values is important. Just like a tree needs the proper nutrients to grow strong and bear fruit, our ministries require adequate nourishment to thrive. But with so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So, let's dig in and discover these foundational values together so that this new ministry can grow healthy and strong.

Each chapter in this section comes with a guide to help you pray over and consider how to implement these foundational values into your ministry. It's important to remember that every church is unique, so feel free to adapt to your ministry's specific needs and calling. Building a solid foundation takes time and effort but will ultimately lead to a flourishing Family Advocacy Ministry that can stand firm against life's storms.

Taking time to establish the roots will give you the freedom later as you take joy in watching your tree grow – new branches reaching up towards the sun, providing support and shelter while becoming ever more established.