A Ministry Village of Our Own

A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a ministry conference in Leesburg, Fl.   And when I say “blessed to attend”, that is exactly what I mean!!!   During the few days I spent at First Baptist Leesburg, I was able to see and hear much regarding how God can and wants to move through ministry evangelism in our churches and our lives. Let me tell you a little of what I observed and how we might put it into practice here in the low country as we reach our brothers and sisters for Christ. 

During the course of the last 20 – 25 years, this congregation has followed God’s leading in building a ministry village right on the grounds of their church campus.  They have a women’s home/shelter, a men’s house, a senior adult day care center, a food pantry/clothing closet, a medical clinic, a thrift store and so much more.  It was incredible, God-sized and if not careful, very overwhelming.   My mind was racing with ideas from the time we arrived till the time we departed.   However, what kept me grounded was a question that was raised during one of the sessions and the answer that followed.   One young pastor stood up and complimented the church on all the different ways they were reaching out to their community, but asked this simple question….”What does all of this mean for the small church who can’t afford to build an entire ministry village on their campus?”     The speaker, and former pastor of the church, quickly commented back….”We didn’t start with all of this.   This has been a long journey of listening to and following God’s leading. We started with one thing, was faithful in it and then let God lead us to the next.   So, my answer to your question is, find one thing you are passionate about, start there, be faithful and let God bring the increase.”    Such words of wisdom to live and minister by!!!!

So many times, in looking around us, we can become overwhelmed.   “I can’t meet all the needs, We can’t do what that church does, we don’t have the resources, etc. etc.    And while those feelings and our situations are legitimate, it does not release us from the responsibility of seeking that initial step God would have us take in serving our congregations and communities and sharing His love.   We start with where our passion and talents are and let Him move us forward. We just need to be willing and available.    So, what is that initial area of passion for you and/or your congregation that God is calling you to being ministry in?    Or maybe you have already taken that step, but have just been a bit reserved about stepping out to the next one.   Either way, God is ready and willing to work in and through us in amazing ways.   The opportunities, as I have listed some below, are so available in our area.   We simply need to see it all through His eyes.  

Ministry evangelism opportunities in our areas:

Multihousing – There is always a need for work within our multihousing communities.   This ranges from mobile home parks to apartments to high rises and condos to a community marina and anywhere there are multiple family units.   Ministry is available to all ages of people and all walks of life. The possibilities include bible studies, affinity groups, life skill classes, children’s activities, afterschool programs, holidays and so much more. 

Construction – Many individuals and congregations partner with Habitat for Humanity, United way and city planning offices to discover construction needs within our area.   Take your skills and help build or repair someone’s home, while you also share how their lives can be changed for eternity. Local churches are a great source of names as well.   This includes yard work and house cleaning as well.

Prayer Walking – I know that I have written about this so many times, but there is no greater act of ministry service that you can do for a community than pray for it. Prayer walk your church, your neighborhood, around the schools, the parks and anywhere people are.  

Resort Ministry – There are opportunities to hold worship services in resort settings such as Hunting Island and Hilton Head Island, creative arts ministry to tourists and shop owners, mentoring young lifeguards during summer months, prayer walking the beaches, volleyball games and other beach activities that draw people and allow you to interact and share. 

Boys and Girls Clubs – The local boys and girls clubs are always looking for great volunteers to come and help with afterschool programs, go on a field trip, drive a bus, etc.   These are great ways to build those trusting relationships with the staff and children there and earn the right to share Christ. The clubs are also very open to hosting groups to come and do faith-based sports camps. 

Individual acts of kindness - There is no limit to the things that can be done by an individual to serve and minister to those around him/her.   Mowing someone’s lawn, taking food to the sick, carrying groceries in for an elderly or injured neighbor, smiling at someone, hosting a small gathering of neighbors at your house to get to know them and on and on. 

So, hopefully, you see how simple it is to start with that one area of passion and let God use it for His glory.   You will be amazed at how He will work through that and will then help you to the next level of service. Along this journey, your faith will grow, your walk with Him will become deeper and you will see your world as never before.   Who knows, you may end up with your own ministry village!!!   God bless!!!

Serving together,

Larry