Why Does My Ministry Exist?
Why does my ministry exist? This might seem like an overly simple question for a blog dedicated to the practice of ministry, but I think the question isn’t just valid but essential. What role does my ministry play in the Kingdom of God?
The last command Jesus gave his followers (at least, according to the Gospel of Matthew) is this:
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (28:18-20)
The mission is God’s, and the authority is God’s. The commissioning is for us—as you are going, make disciples; baptize; teach obedience.
In order to accomplish this mission, those followers formed a body of believers—a church. In fact, they formed a series of churches that existed to extend God’s mission of forgiveness, reconciliation, and life-change to all peoples.
How well is your church—and your ministry—meeting this mission? I don’t say this to shame you… because this is the question I am asking myself. Most of my ministry is geared towards people who are already in the church. So, I have meetings about adult education topics, defend certain practices in worship, discuss ways in which to attract new people to come to our congregation, and sponsor initiatives to deepen people’s faith and spiritual formation. I am blessed to work for a congregation with a deep missional heart, but too often missions is something done “out there” and not something I translate into my daily life.
I find myself basing the success of my ministry on things like numbers of people in attendance on Sundays, the amount in the contribution plate, and how many are attending our Bible classes. But until recently, I haven’t been asking the more important questions like, Are we reaching unreached people? Who in our community is God calling us to reach? Where is our natural mission field, and how do we continue making inroads to those individuals? What should MY ROLE be in leading the church forward in this commission?
Here’s the thing: I deeply believe that this is my calling as a minister. But I find myself wrapped up in the process of “doing church”—keeping programs running, improving existing initiatives, and creating meaningful worship experiences. These things are often quite good… but they aren’t necessarily what is best. I am so comfortable working in these areas because they are my skill set, and I like to lean into the areas where I am strongest.
So, how can I begin to embrace this calling to help others come to see God more clearly and to know Jesus personally?
These are the steps I myself am committing to work through over the next few months:
Pray: Pray that God will open your eyes to the opportunities in front of you and your church. Start praying for specific non-profits, schools, hospitals, etc., in your area. Create a prayer list, and ask God to continue revealing the places around you where he is already at work.
Ask and listen: Talk with your congregation about what they are already involved in or passionate about. Do you have teachers that work at the local school? What needs are there? Do some of your members volunteer with CASA or a local foster organization? How can you partner together? Begin to ask your people what they are excited about and what grabs their passion, and then begin exploring.
Discern: What has God already given YOU a passion for? What has God personally placed on your heart? What has God gifted you for? What might naturally be your audience? If you can play an instrument, or love to read, or love to hike or bike or sew or any other activity, what are you personally excited about that could be a place where you can naturally reach out?
Dedicate your time: Set aside a part of one day per week to meet with local organizations. Talk to the school counselor; treat the nonprofit organizer to coffee; get out and begin exploring your community.
Be intentional: Ask the barista about their life; spend the time asking the City Councilperson what needs they see; ask someone how you can pray for them.
These are the steps I am taking over the next few months to discern how God is calling me to minister outside the walls. Are you willing to do the same?
