About this time every year, I begin evaluating the year that is winding up and looking toward the year that is just around the corner. I know that a lot of people and business owners do the same thing. I believe that it is a healthy practice because with out proper evaluation and goal setting, the status quo would be the norm. I don’t know about you, but the status quo is not what I want to accomplish.
As I reflect on this past year, I can see some progress in Directed Path Ministries. The operation budget has increased, which means growth. The clerical needs have increased as well. Over the course of the year, I have averaged 11 appointments per week. I have had at least 1 new appointment each week. Now I realize that these numbers do not sound like a lot, yet it reflects an increase in the ministry from last year.
Now as I think about this coming year, I obviously want to see more growth. I have been asking myself as well as praying about how that is going to be accomplished. Over the past few weeks I have been in several pastors’ offices introducing the ministry of DPM to them. I believe the more pastors that I can have a face-to-face with, the more referrals I will receive. I also am asking for more feedback from individuals so that I can be more sensitive to the “customer service” aspect of owning a business (even if it is a ministry). I am looking to visit with more business-minded individuals as well to understand the business side of running the ministry. I know that you might be thinking, if it is a ministry why do you need business ideas? I believe that I have ignored the business side of Directed Path Ministries for the first 3 years of her existence and it is beginning to show in some areas. My desire is for Directed Path Ministries to be seen as a ministry of excellence as well as a ministry of compassion for people.
I share this with you today for two main reasons. The first is that I would ask that you would pray with me concerning the future of DPM. In relationship to the future, I have some specific requests for prayer. 
- The ministry would increase. I would love to be able to see more people each week. I know there are hurting people and I believe that Biblical Counseling can help heal the hurts.
- There would be an avenue into the churches. I am praying about offering seminars or different events to minister to the area through the local churches concerning specific topics.
- The finances would increase. Yes, I am asking for prayer concerning the finances of DPM. Even though I have seen growth in the ministry, so many of the people I counsel with are individuals that cannot pay for the counseling. I am asking that God provides all the needs so that I can continue to minister to each and every person that calls.
The second reason that I share these things with you is to ask you to pray about you becoming a financial supporter. To be quite honest with you, I hesitate to even write this request. My board of directors knows that when it comes to asking for money, I am the worst. I never want to be seen as someone that is only doing something for money. I know that God is going to meet the needs of this ministry. I am asking you to see if you are supposed to be an instrument of God concerning the finances of Directed Path Ministries. If you would like to give, you may do so through the website, www.directedpathministries.org.
I want to thank each one of you for reading today and doing what God has laid on your heart to do.
Leave a Reply