I have the privilege of doing many things in ministry—I had a friend in ministry once tell me that “ministry is not so much about doing tasks, but about doing people.” I found that to be an excellent portrayal of ministry. Why? Because ministry is really all about people. Of course, you could argue that without tasks ministry wouldn’t get done. I say that without ministry being about people the tasks are simply just that – tasks. Think about it…
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10.38-42
Is this story really about ministry? Yes. Jesus was doing ministry. Mary was paying attention, and Martha was working. Jesus was doing ministry. Spending time with people and Mary was enjoying Him.
Tasks and Ministry—
I was meeting with a very sweet couple—premarital counseling-- taking them through issues such as money, how to communicate, setting goals, relational issues and the like. In the prior session to this one tonight I told them that the most important component in their lives is the connection with God through a relationship with Christ. ( I had a sneaking suspicion that they did not know Him) Nevertheless, I knew that my time in their lives was all about sharing with them the gospel and that this appointment with them via premarital counseling was of God. (as soon as I met this couple, I immediately felt a connection, I purposed in my heart to love them unconditionally and care about them—no strings attached—I prayed they would see Jesus) I walked them through several sessions sharing with them the value of Jesus in my life, the value of Jesus in my marriage—never putting pressure on them. The session before tonight I told them—I’m a pastor, I do weddings and funerals, and all the “stuff” I want you both to know that I would not be a very good pastor if I didn’t talk to you about a relationship with Christ and the value of knowing Him. That night I asked them both—
do you know Him? Do you want to know Him? Then I told them to think about those 2 questions till we meet again.
Tonight we met, I went through some preliminary things and then said—“Remember the 2 questions I asked you?” They both answered yes. I asked them both do you know Him? They both said no. I asked them, “Do you want to know Him?” They both with expectancy said Yes! There in my office I led these 2 wonderful young people in prayer as they confessed their shortcomings to the Lord, asked Him for forgiveness and asked Him into their lives. What a great wedding present for these 2. What a great day for all of us.
That is ministry at it’s fullest. I never approach premarital counseling as a task. I see it as ministry. If I saw it as a task—would I care about the “real” issues or would I just want to get to the big day? My heart sings with Joy—not that I am so good. No—but that ministry to me is still all about people—and for that I am thankful for the people in my life that never tried to move me into a “corporate” mindset. “Task” above people attitude is not part of my heart for ministry.
You know—I don’t have huge credentials, I don’t have all the “knowledge” I could be considered just a veteran ministry guy, but days like these prove that 20 years in the trenches, involved in lives, in preparing sermons from my heart are the things that God has called me to remain. Oh, I may go back someday and get a Masters or something that would take me another 20, but for now—it’s just simple relational, heartfelt, love for His calling and for people that keeps me going.
“Thank you so much Jesus for coming into my life and calling me into serving people. I recognize without you—there is no way I would or could do this without you. I am grateful for days like today—for you prove yourself, your call and that it is you doing ministry in me. Thank you so much for touching my life. I honor you with my life, my will, my desires.”
Amen
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