Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vein.” I recognize that nothing that I possess, skills or talents, can build the kingdom of God without His leadership, anointing, and providence. Therefore, it is imperative for me to have a relationship with Him, seeking Him for direction and help, as I minister to His people. Prayer, or conversing with God, is one of the vital building blocks of ministry.

 

The Great Commission, to go and make disciples of all ethnic groups (Matthew 28:19), undergirds my philosophy of ministry. As Christians, we are called to go to where the people are and not just wait at the church for them to show up. It is important to have an outward focus, seeking ways to proclaim the gospel to those outside the church.  This requires a continual awareness of what God is doing, not just in our immediate context, but worldwide, and how God is calling the church to embody His message to the world.  I believe that every Christian has to go into their world, whether at work or their playground, having their spiritual antenna up to discern to whom one can offer Living Waters.  This also includes going to foreign countries and seeking ways to minister to those in need in the name of Christ. Once a person accepts the Lordship of Jesus, it is the role of pastors and leaders to equip the saints by offering a means for Christians to mature in their faith. I firmly believe that all Christians should be discipled to help equip them to articulate their faith (1 Peter 3:15) with the understanding that every believer is called to be a “minister.”

 

The gospel was not just for the Jews but also for all ethnic groups. Martin Luther King said, “Sunday mornings were the most segregated hour in America.” As a body of believers, we continually need to ask how welcoming are we to those we consider the least (Matthew 25:31-46) or consider “the other.” As human beings, we tend to associate with those who look like us, vote like us, have the same income as us, and think like us theologically. How can the church embody Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This is a passion for me. In order to be a welcoming community, the church needs to be reflective and engaging.