Engage in the Ministry of Showing Up
Sometimes, the most powerful ministry doesn’t come from a pulpit or a platform. It comes from a porch, a hospital room, or a kitchen table. It’s the ministry of showing up.
We live in a culture that often confuses presence with participation. We think we have to do something grand to make a difference. But many times, the most meaningful thing we can offer is our time, our presence, and our willingness to simply be there.
A Simple Visit
A friend of mine went through a devastating loss. I didn’t have the right words, but a quiet nudge said, Go anyway. When I arrived, she didn’t need words. Just company. She wasn’t asking me to do or say anything. I didn’t need to engage in awkward conversation at all. She just wanted to know someone cared.
I ended up preparing a simple meal for her and doing a little cleaning around her house. Then, we sat together and watched a favorite movie, escaping from reality for a bit.
That day, I learned that ministry doesn’t always require a message. Sometimes, it just requires you.
The Biblical Call to Presence
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
To bear someone’s burden doesn’t mean fixing it. This verse often gets misconstrued or misunderstood. When we bear one another’s burdens, we’re stepping in to share the weight of them. We’re coming alongside and offering our support.
Sometimes, that means simply listening. And other times, it involves giving our time or money to help. Sometimes, it might be offering advice and wisdom. Jesus modeled this kind of presence daily.
Living Out GATHER
GATHER: Giving Attention To Honor Every Relationship is sacred attentiveness. It’s seeing someone’s struggle and choosing to be present even when it’s uncomfortable.
Let’s face it. When we honor relationships in our lives, we’re setting aside our own desires and focusing our attention on others. We’re placing them in a position that’s higher than our own. It’s intentional presence to serve others.
Show Up and Give as a Sacrifice
Every act of presence is a declaration of love. Be the hands and feet of Jesus through the ministry of showing up, and live out the very heart of GATHER.
