Programs or Meaningful Ministry?

Real Ministry or a calendar of programs?

This past weekend we had been invited to attend a Fall Festival at a particular church. We all got ready and loaded into the van for the short trek to a nearby community. The kids were excited! All were in costume. One was a butterfly, one was Davy Crockett, and the third was Spiderman. Shelly and I were ourselves. This would be a nice evening out from the house and the kids would have fun.

As we arrived, parking was a major problem. This is to be expected just about anywhere there is a special event held. I dropped Shelly and the kids and parked the van on the edge of the highway about three blocks away. A short walk is always a good thing, especially on a mild afternoon. I joined Shelly and the kids as they were being greeted by her friend that had invited us to come.

I just couldn’t help but to start noticing particulars about ministry. I guess it is acceptable to take notes on a ministry, being that I pastor a church. I was looking for things that were working well in order to gain fresh ideas. What I found was utterly amazing. Actually, I think shocking is a better description. I did not see ministry. I saw a church holding a Saturday night party, basically, for members only. No one took our names. No one spoke to us. No one seemed concerned that this was our first visit to this church. I left thinking about how tragic it is when we as churches are a meeting place for social parties rather than a place for the ministry of the gospel.

So now, I am wondering how many programs do we as churches do in the guise of ministry? Is just one meaningless evening enough to dissuade some seeking family from the truth of the gospel? We are called, no commanded, to make disciples. This involves everything we do. Every ministry and every program of a church should be asked the following question. Is Jesus being glorified by this activity?

We all would do well to re-evaluate our motives for our actions. We must be about kingdom business. Time is to short and the message is too important for distractions. We all should strive for real ministry rather then just for stuff to do.

© 2009 Todd Peebles