Real Spirituality

I believe that ministry flows from the work of God in our lives. In one sense, every Christian is a minister. But some are able to dedicate their vocation to serve congregations.  My vocation as a minister involves developing relationships, forwarding the process of discernment, and preaching.

Relationship

The famous mantra of the McDonald’s organization is “Location. Location. Location.” My mantra for ministry is “Relation. Relation. Relation.” God works in myriad ways, but often his work is best seen in the interaction with others. We cannot lead those whom we do not know and who do not know us. For ministers this means investing in the lives of people—listening, speaking, praying, and (praise God!) having coffee with people.

Discernment

I believe that God is working in the lives of Christians individually and collectively. Ministry leaders are called to discern that work in their own lives and in the lives of others.  This assumes my spiritual life is healthy, rooted in prayer and supported by a faithful community.

But ministry also means helping other people discern how God is working in their lives. That task is part of my preaching and teaching, but also part of my work face-to-face with individuals and families.

Preaching

Preaching is a form of discernment, where the preacher joins hearers in their search for God, helping them connect to Him in meaningful ways. I believe that when Christians assemble there is power in a way that is unique—even as there is tremendous power in the Christian life at other times.

Preachers stand in the nexus of God’s Word, the congregation, God’s presence, and the preacher himself. I expect of myself the humility to let God’s work, his Word, and the life of the congregation come together and through me to help shape the story of who we are becoming.

All this is to say that I expect to preach in ways that touch people’s hearts and heads, motivating them to live lives that reflect the life and ministry of Jesus.