Living in Ministry
I grew up in a home where my family was an active and faithful part of the church. My mom worked with children at the church for as long as I can remember and still does today. My father taught Sunday School, worked on the grounds, and served on the board. Even today my sister and her husband are constantly finding ways to serve. It’s always been part of our families make up.
That context has instilled in me the belief that service is a critical part of life. Through our service the world is changed and renewed. Through our service we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ. I believe that in some small way God has the ability to use us even when we are unaware. That service, kindness, and compassion can be expressed by anyone. It is part of prevenient grace. The belief that God goes before us, and acts in our lives even before we fully acknowledge his presence.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned in this transition of life is how to serve outside of the call. As a pastor and chaplain, I used to encourage people constantly to recognize their opportunity for ministry and service in the place where they worked and lived. The crazy thing is, I have actually had to learn how to do this outside of my personal calling or role in the church. In many ways this has been a wonderful thing for me.
Today service for me looks a little different than it did during those years of ministry. As I noted last week, today it is located in sharing recess, games, and reading with a second grader at a local school. It is found in the opportunity to serve on a neighborhood foundation board at my church. It is being a friend, confidant, guide, and listening ear to individuals who need another voice or words of wisdom.
As I reflect, here are some of the key things I’ve learned about service both inside and outside of the call to ministry.
Know someone’s name and story: One of the things that is most important to all of us is our name. Simply learning someone’s name and taking the time to hear their story can be one of the greatest gifts you give. It demonstrates a level of care that matters.
Be an encourager: One of my heroes in scripture is Barnabas. He is described as an encourager. It is one of those gifts that all of us have the ability to share. We can actually choose to be one who encourages. The world needs men and women who believe that encouragement can still make a difference.
Make space: Spend time with others who need you. For many of us our lives are so busy that making time and space for others seems a bit challenging. But many, if not most, of those things we think are so important can wait.
Recognize and invest in those at the outer edges of life: It is not hard to figure out who the people are living on the outer edges of life. They need an advocate, a person who is willing to act on their behalf. The young, the elderly, the poor…the list goes on. Invest in them.
So, here is the last thing I would say, service doesn’t always have to be about Jesus. For my evangelical friends this is hard. We’ve grown up believing that the only reason and way to serve is making it about Jesus. Here’s the deal though, He’s already there. He’s already active and working. That idea of prevenient grace that we discussed earlier reminds us that God is willing and can use any of us, even those who do not see the world or faith exactly as we do. Service and ministry do not have to be limited to pastors, missionaries, or those with theology degrees. All of us can make a difference. Find a way to serve.
As always if something in this post strikes a chord with you and you would like to talk please feel free to reach out. Thanks again for joining us on the journey.
