what is ministry?
July 6, 2009 | Just thinking out loud, Ministry Life
I found a group of photos and videos from our youth church from a long time ago on Facebook the other day.
I laughed at some of the fashions. I loved reading the comments. But the photos also made me pause. I loved these teens, now adults, and I still do. I know that some have had tough times. I know that others are still seeking. Please hear me. I’m not big enough, nor qualified, to look into the heart of any person and say where they are spiritually. But there’s something that happens when you kneel beside a teen as they weep and pray, soaking in God’s presence. Or you slide down Mud Mountain at youth camp, or listen to their struggles, or are the recipient of their hugs. I loved being a youth sponsor. I remember the light bulb going off when a Scripture made sense, or a teen grasped a truth that was life transforming.
Many have babies and families now. Some have gone on to ministry themselves. Others are living in different parts of the country. They have all changed.
Seeing these pictures made me stop and consider the word “ministry”.
I’m in it, so what does that really mean? Is it the “right now” result? I don’t think so. Too often we count hands or measure faith by an altar call, when faith is immeasurable. It doesn’t end at a decision. It’s the beginning. Not just for the person seeking Christ, but the process of discipleship as you walk together, learn together, encourage each other.
Is it measured by the lives of those you ministered to? When I look at the lives of the disciples, I find men and women who were leaders, but also human. If we had stopped at Peter’s denial of Christ, some would say the years he spent with Christ led only to a weak man who abandoned his Savior in his hour of need. But we also see a repentant man, a man willing to leap out of a boat and swim to his Savior’s side for a second chance. Later we see a strong leader, but also a fallible man who cared too much about what others thought.
Is ministry effective if you look years down the road and they are all still following Christ and his edicts? Again, we don’t know the heart of man. That’s not our job. Disagree with me if you will, but if the hearts of man were revealed for all to see, I think we would view humanity in a much different light.
So, what is ministry? For me, it’s not results but relational. It’s relational with God. It’s Suzie Eller staying connected, not because of anyone or appearance sake or because it looks good on the website, but because I need Him and I love Him. It’s hearing and responding. It’s prayer. It’s grace. It’s obedience.
It’s relational with those in the “right now”, the women I teach or maybe even with a new friend who stumbles across this blog.
But it’s relational too with those who were once friends, who have taken a thousand different directions in life, and continuing to love, listen, pray, and maybe even learn something.
Connect with Suzie at http://twitter.com/tsuzanneeller
The winner of Friday’s giveaway is: Jeanie (comment #17) at http://jeanielovesthelord.blogspot.com
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I’m in total agreement Suzie. Praise the Lord!
July 7th, 2009 at 11:13 amSuzie, at LifeHouse we often “struggle” with success rate and impact. This is a great reminder of what it is all about. Blessings! Becky
July 7th, 2009 at 6:24 pmJust praising the Lord for you and your friends who are willing to give your love and time to young people. God bless your efforts!!! Doris
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am