Just to reiterate, Ministry is about People…not just the people but also the relationships they have. The only relationship that you can do something about is the one that each of your people has with you. Part of our job as a minister is to be in relationship with our people. Our people need to be more than just a group; they must be a gathering of individuals, each of whom has a personal relationship with us.
We must begin to be aware of the relationships that we have with the individuals in whatever ministry we work. These relationships are the only thing that separates us from a simple gathering. The Word says that we are the body of believers and that we are a family. Brothers and sisters in Christ must rely on each other in times of sorrow and rejoice with each other in times of great triumph. These types of relationships will get dangerous (and I mean that) because of the close proximity to each other’s personal lives and emotions. But I feel like this close-knit community is what is foreshadowed when the scriptures say:
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The depiction of such a relationship driven society is staggering considering how little emphasis we place on relationships today. Ministry is the service of each individual at whatever moment, and in whatever situation you happen to find them. There must be an intentional nature to our connection with other people. Whether our gathering be made up of believers or not, we must conduct ourselves in this way. We must live in harmony with others; sharing in everything…This also means that we must be willing to share ourselves with them.
This is ministry…to approach our neighbor with compassion and share with them ourselves.
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