The Trench Versus the Stage
The most effective ministry doesn't always happen in the spotlight.
This week I attended a retreat as part of the Leadership Media Group of Christianity Today International. I was responsible for posing a warm-up question to the group before we tackled the day’s itinerary. Since we are all in the business of equipping church leaders, I asked each person to name the Christian leader who had made the profoundest impact on his or her spiritual life.
The answers surprised me. I expected to hear about best-selling authors and big-time preachers. Instead, most members of our team cited virtual unknowns: youth pastors and teachers, parents and siblings. We have a bookish team, which includes editors and authors, so thinkers such as Henri Nouwen and G.K. Chesterton were also mentioned. But for the most part, my colleagues talked about ordinary people that influenced them during critical phases of their lives: a youth leader who took a special interest in a student, a college roommate whose habit of Bible-reading made a lasting impression, a father who challenged his son to be serious about his faith.
Even my own choice was somewhat unlikely. Though I have benefited greatly from the ministries of prominent Christian leaders, ultimately it was my father whose humility and example did the most to smooth the path of my spiritual journey.
The exercise prompted me to examine my view of ministry. I have to admit that, for me, the word “ministry” still conjures up images of what happens on a church platform. I picture preachers delivering sermons or worship leaders ushering congregants into the presence of God. Sure, I know that one-on-one ministry is essential, but often it’s easy to think that the most visible efforts made by the professionals are the ones that matter most.
Yet, as my colleagues showed me, it’s not the big moments or big names that make the greatest difference in people’s lives. For them, it was regular people working in the trenches—not on the stage—that had the most impact.
I hope that truth encourages you as much as it did me. We don’t have to lead a large congregation or have an international ministry to matter in the Kingdom. We just have to faithfully minister in our own spheres of influence, however small they may be. When we do that, God begins his transforming work in the lives around us.
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Comments
A very good post... I remember that when I left my last church to come to my present one... a note from someone attended but said little wrote this wonderful note to me thanking me for work with her nephew in the youth ministry... it made me realize that our influence and impact is not necessarily in the big moments or events but in the day to day ones and to echo the post, it was a Sunday School teacher and a couple of laymen in the church of my youth who made the faith real and personal... and I am eternally grateful to them...
Posted by: Jim Kane | August 27, 2008 9:38 AM
The one who has had the most impact on me was a older man in the church, not even an officer. He invited me on several occasions to answer telephones for the Billy Graham crusade. To get him off my back, I accepted what was likely his 14th invitation.
I got to taste the joy of leading someone to Jesus.
Now, 20 years later, I train evangelists -- the roots of this ministry has its start in the gentle yet persistent invitation of this man.
Chris W
EvangelismCoach.org
Posted by: Chris | August 27, 2008 1:24 PM
I agree with this finding. I think of a college professor who spent time listening and guiding me. And my dad.
Posted by: Martha Wilson | September 3, 2008 11:16 PM