It makes it basically a management exercise, rather than the activity of God who ignites the dry, dead soul with the flame of his Spirit. Those who thoroughly trust in God s sovereign predestining power can continue with the work that God has given us to do to preach and teach, to pray, to exhort and encourage with all diligence and love knowing that it is God who will provide the growth. The same is true of prayer. Prayer for our non-Christian friends is only really possible if we believe in the sovereign power of God to change people s hearts. A belief in God s sovereignty will drive us to pray and pray and pray, that God would use our words and actions to bring his people to himself.
Predestination is thus an important basis for cooperation in ministry.
The ministry built on a thorough understanding of predestination will look different to a ministry based on Arminianism. They will of course be similar in some respects, but the differing emphases will have their effect. Putting it crudely, the Arminian will always be tempted to emphasise human response and contribution, and this will affect what he or she does in ministry. We should make sure, then, that those we want to work closely within the work of the Lord are of common mind on this question. When we appoint or select anyone for responsibility in our fellowships, we should make sure they share an understanding of the doctrines of grace.