I find the term “ministry” to be an odd label at times; often we use it to label church activities or something that is done by church staff. I think it is misleading to define the term so narrowly. I also find it awkward when someone says they “ministered” to someone, because it seems presumptuous to me. The reality is that often we sincerely hope and pray that we offer compassion, understanding, light and hope to others we come in contact with, but our fumbling attempts may not be perceived as ministry at all. Instead, we may confuse, annoy, or even offend those on the receiving end. No wonder some folks stay as far away from church as they can.
The truth is, my best friend recently began teaching second grade at an inner-city elementary school, and I have no doubt that her position there is a ministry in the best sense of the word. Prior to completing her education degree, she student-taught in this district and became convinced that she was meant to teach in the inner city. In her interview for a permanent position, the principal asked the revealing question, “How long do you think you will stay?” Her answer: “As long as you will have me.” Unlike many others who take such a position as a step up and out to some comfortable suburban school, she plans to stay and make a difference. Isn’t that what ministry is supposed to do? Her plans include such unusual activities as home visits and trips to her students’ pee-wee football games, just so she can connect with the families. She eats lunch with a small group of her students once a week, rotating the groups so that everyone will have a chance to join her. “They need to learn manners,” she says. Her colleagues think she is crazy to sacrifice precious free time during the school day. Sacrifice? Not to her; sounds like ministry to me. She struggles not to react with shock as her young charges describe rare visits with incarcerated fathers; she wants to reassure them that they can talk to her openly. Simple acceptance, attention, a listening ear, a compassionate heart…isn’t this what ministry is at its very core?
