When you get past all of the religious and diplomatic definitions of a minister, it is defined as attending to the wants and needs of others. Therefore, ministry, would be the work of someone who ministers and with our definition of minister, ministry is the work or act of attending to the wants and needs of others.
The last few months I have been greatly challenged by this definition. I am someone who likes to do things. I like to serve, I like to plan , I like to be active, simply I like to do. Even on the WR, I have a to do list on my phone reminding me of logistics tasks I need to complete, blogs and emails I need to write, and loved ones that I want to keep up with. I feel productive and useful when I am doing things.
That same desire to do goes for doing ministry each month. Some months on the race we have been "doing" a ton. Busy from sun up to sun down, going to bed exhausted and able to see tangible results. I realized that I have enjoyed these months more than the ones with a lot of downtime. The months where our "ministry" leaves half a day for free time have been a lot harder for me to feel like I am making a difference.
Last month, my team had a lot of down time, and I was super challenged when my squad leaders called us out and challenged my job mindset of ministry. They asked why we hadn't been exploring and meeting more people in our community during our off time. They reminded us of the power we have to bring God's kingdom and love to all of the people around us, not just those we encounter during our assigned ministry hours.
Ministry is a lifestyle, not a job. Its not a 9-5 that you can check off and make a to do list for. Its not completed at the end of the day and it doesn't have the weekends off. Living a life of ministry is attending to the wants and needs of others all the time, not just when it is convenient or expected. Its not just teaching English and Bible stories from 8-11 to the kids at the orphanage, but its seeing the people on the side of the street as I walk home as if they have worth. Its taking the time to listen to those all around, its walking without a purpose or agenda other than to let the Holy Spirit lead, its giving up personal comfort zones to show people the love of Christ.
So my challenge for you is this, whether ministry is your full time job or something you do an hour a week, remember that its not about what you do or complete. Ministry doesn't stop when you leave work or go home, because its who you are not what you do. Ministry is seeing the need around you and acting: Its all about the heart and nothing about the task completion. Ministry is a lifestyle that requires a constant surrender to fleshly desires and eyes that see all of God's people with worth, not just the ones on your to do list or job description.
" Lord, I thank you that no matter what we do there is nothing that can make you love us any more or less. I thank you that there is no checklist completion that can change your affection and heart for your people. I pray that you would instill this mindset in all areas of our lives. That we would not limit ministering to your people by defining it as a job or to do list, but recognize it for what it is, a lifestyle. A lifestyle that is all about you and nothing about us. Amen"
