Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Andrew Purves' new book, The Crucifixion of Ministry: Surrendering Our Ambitions to the Service of Christ, (InterVarsity Press, 2007).

You work hard in ministry, devoting lots of time and energy to your efforts. But no matter how hard you work, you won’t see any true changes for the better unless Jesus shows up. And He won’t show up if you’re doing what you want to do, instead of what He wants to do through you.

Your ministry will change lives only if you crucify your own agenda and invite Jesus to resurrect His plans for your work. Here’s how you can crucify your ministry:

Recognize the power source. Understand that, despite how hard you work, you don’t have the power to make your ministry successful. Realize that only Jesus can convince lost people of the truth, forgive sinners, grow congregations, heal the sick, restore broken relationships, give anxious people peace, give depressed people hope, and accomplish any of the other goals you may have set for your ministry. Remember that the people to whom you minister don’t need you; they need Jesus. Know that it’s ultimately Jesus, not you, who does the ministry. Decide to rely on Jesus’ power rather than trying to meet goals on your own.

Trust Jesus for the outcome. Don’t burn yourself out trying to make the results you want happen from your ministry work. Avoid unnecessary stress that can harm your health, your congregation, your family, and more by realizing that the success of your ministry is not all up to you. Understand that the results are ultimately in up to Jesus, so place your trust in Him. Embrace the grace He offers you, knowing that even when you fail, He will use your efforts to bring about something good as long as you trust Him.

Join Jesus where He is already at work. Instead of expecting Jesus to join you where you’d like to work, figure out where He is already at work, and build your ministry work around that. Know that the issue isn’t how to get Jesus in on your ministry, but how to join Jesus in His ministry work in the world.

Let your ministry take shape naturally. Rather than trying to decide on the right ministry strategies, programs, and processes, simply let your ministry work take the shape it naturally would as Jesus’ ministry in your place. Understand that your ministry isn’t about you and your skills; it’s about Jesus’ real presence in the lives of those to whom you minister.

Kill selfish ambitions. Invite God to strip away the ways you’ve used your ministry work to bolster your ego, impress others, satisfy your desires for power and success, enjoy personal affirmation and professional success, and fuel your needs to feel competent and in control. Repent of using ministry to benefit yourself so you can be free to use it to serve Jesus. Ask God to purify your motivations for ministry.