Messy Ministry

Several events of the past few weeks have reinforced the fact that when you get serious about ministering to your community, it will be messy. Nothing huge has happened, but I have seen several examples of pain, of suffering, of sin, and of poverty. It is so easy to go through life and not notice. To just keep our eyes focused ahead and not notice what is going on all around us.

I went to traffic court with my brother this morning and was amazed at the group of people who were there. People who obviously did not respect authority, and people who obviously are far from God due to their actions. The “socio-economic” level of most people there really affected convicted me. We live in an area that has an extremely high poverty level. With factory closings and a lack of good paying jobs, many people struggle just to get by. And the truth is that most churches really don’t do much about it.

I want to be different and show our community how much we care. And I know that it means things might get messy. I know that we might be taken advantage of from time to time. But if we have been blessed, how can we look at those who have nothing and not feel compassion. If we want to be missional and truly reach out to our community, it starts with loving people. With looking at them and seeing their potential. And sharing the un-changing truth of the Bible with them as we minister to them. It will be messy, and there will be challenges, but it will definitely be worth it. Are you with me?