Preparation is Ministry
We've all heard this - that preparation is ministry. From old pastors or profs that encouraged us on to seminary work to letters sent by various admission offices around the country, and it is indeed true. I even like to describe my time in Wilmore as an "incubation" period.
Yet, there is work to be done.
Last night I was talking with a brother on campus about what I have been doing "ministry wise" while here. He really called me out on my church situation, as only a brother in the Lord can do. See, I go to a church where I have no peers. I am literally the only member between the ages of 14 and 33. I do a variety of little jobs, most of which are unfulfilling. We talked about community and all that it entails. He even went as far to call what I am doing a "sunday project" rather than being involved.
Yet, there is work to be done.
Every believer needs fellowship - it is simply the way in which we grow. Fellowship with the Lord and fellowship with other believers.
I'm glad that this brother called me out on this - it was quite a revelation that here I am on a seminary campus and "involved" at a church and yet - I'm not being intentional about this very pivotal aspect of my walk.
So this is what I thought when I got up: "Preparation is ministry, but are you preparing?"
posted by Amie Lou @ 9:21 AM
5 Comments:
That your friend is well intentioned seems apparent by your receptivity to his "calling out" of your situation.
You feel unfulfilled by the jobs you are doing at your church? This interests me. I need to ask what you believe would be a fulfilling job at your church?
I hate to bring up The Karate Kid but I must. Didn't he too feel unfulfilled in the tasks his master set before him in the beginning? Isn't it much later in the movie that Daniel-san learns that the unfulfilling tasks were the means to strengthen his muscles, and sharpen his reflexes?
Ask yourself better questions. Ask, "why did my Rudder lead me to this church?"
Maybe you are the first of many 14-33 year olds God is leading to your church. What is unintentional about making yourself available to this obviously lopsided church to perform tasks that a less mature Christian would deem unworthy of his/her time?
As to being fulfilled. Is that your end goal? I don't think it is.
Ames, since I know deep down your calling is to speaking the Word into the lives of others (whether in writing or vocally), I submit that you should get used to not having peers.
It is possible to enter community in fellowship and love without people your age around you.
Ray, so much of what you wrote was right on - as per usual. I'm going to chew on this a little before I really reply :)
thanks for keeping it festive bud...
Smiles,
ames
That happens in small churches. My son was the only person between 7 and 38 (20)in our little church until more started coming. I was the only one between 40 and 67 (at 49). After a couple of years, there's still nobody real close to my age, but a few closer to him. And there are now people within 5 years of me. Hang in there. Get your fellowship from your fellow students for now.
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