The story is told (source unknown) of a strong, young man who was approached by the foreman of a logging crew who was looking to hire a woodcutter. The offer was good and the people were great, so the young man took the job, determined to do his very best. He showed up early Monday morning, was given an axe, was shown where to work, and he began chopping down a tree. The foreman was impressed. Proud of his new hire, he said, “You are going to do great here!”
The first day the new woodcutter cut down 18 trees. Motivated by the praise of his boss, he worked even harder the next day, but was only able to cut down 15 trees. The third day he tried even harder, but only cut down 10 trees. Day after day passed, and his production continued to decline. Pretty soon the woodcutter was coming in early, skipping his breaks, and staying late, but to no avail. Finally, the foreman said, “We’re going to have to let you go.”
The woodcutter was devastated. “But I’m working as hard as I can,” said the young man. “I arrive early, I leave late, and I even work through my breaks. Please give me another chance.”
There’s also something to be said for careful preparation—investing time and energy into learning, training, and preparing for ministry.
The foreman knew this to be true. He was impressed with the young man’s integrity and work ethic, so he stopped and thought for a bit. Then he asked, “When is the last time you sharpened your axe?”
The young man replied, “Never. I haven’t sharpened it. I’ve been much too busy cutting down trees to take time for that.”
Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV
If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.
Abraham Lincoln, one of the most influential presidents in American history, is credited with saying, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
Perhaps you know where I’m going with this—especially if you remember an article with a similar title written by Steve Swartz several years ago. In case you don’t, let me just say it… There’s something to be said for a willingness to roll up your sleeves and jump right into ministry; a willingness to be in over your head and depend completely on the Holy Spirit to lead you. There’s also something to be said for careful preparation—investing time and energy into learning, training, and preparing for ministry. Perhaps a combination of intentional preparation and then still being thrust into situations where you are totally dependent on the Holy Spirit is the ideal space to live in.
Could I be so bold as to make a suggestion? Rosedale Bible College offers an exceptional axe-sharpening opportunity through its Training in Ministry program. This program offers several tracks of online courses designed to give individuals practical skills for effective ministry in the local church. Last year, I took a course titled Congregational Gift Development that, quite frankly, I wish every pastor, elder, and ministry leader in CMC would take. In the months that followed, I found numerous ways to apply what I learned in my role on the leadership team of Lighthouse Fellowship.
CMC believes enough in the value of training and preparation for ministry that we offer to those who attend a CMC church what is called the Leadership Development Scholarship for classes taken through RBC’s Training in Ministry program. The scholarship covers one-third of the cost of each class taken. Contact the CMC office for more information.
While we’re already into the second month of 2023, perhaps it is not too late to set another goal for this new year. Along with other personal goals you may have for yourself, how about setting a goal to sharpen your ministry axe? Get intentional about growing and developing as a disciple of Christ, a student of God’s Word, and a worker in His kingdom.
3 Responses
Excellent. Thanks for the exhortation.
Thanks for this good article and reminder. I’m totally guilty of forgetting to “sharpen the ax” way too often. I am interested in taking that course you took. I will look into it. Thanks, Brian!
Amen! And that Congregational Gift Discernment (John Risner) course Brian mentioned is being offered again this spring, March 20-May 26 along with Anabaptist History & Theology (Jon Showalter) and Spiritual Formation (Jay Conn). Visit rosedale.edu/tim for info and registration.