i don't care much for the common definitions of 'ministry'. this common definition includes programs that keep people busy but fail to connect them relationally, large groups of people, large statistics, events, spiritual mile posts like 'salvation' and 'water baptism' and 'the baptism in the Holy Spirit' and involvement in 'full-time ministry', etc., etc.
no, i think real 'ministry' is much simpler and less discernible.
we are commanded to 'go make disciples'. Jesus modeled discipleship as hanging out with a small group of followers for several years even before they really 'believed' and certainly before they were 'saved' or 'baptized in water' or 'filled with the Holy Spirit'. sounds very much like friendship.
so if discipleship equals friendship and we can only be friends with a small amount of people... (we can have many acquaintances though) and friendship can be determined by something as simple as having someone into your home for a meal and conversation, then success in 'ministry' can often be as simple as having friends for dinner. forget the large events and busy, draining programs - we are influenced relationally and seldom corporately. if we are going to do this whole 'going to church' model, than it has got to be simple, it must not keep people busy at the expense of them never having time to build friends. we are to be friends with God, friends with other believers, and certainly friends to people outside our faith community.
we have had several families / couples into our home already in this new position and we are reminded that this is where the rubber meets the road. sunday morning, preaching, music, events, etc. all may or may not have their place, but friendship is the heart of God.
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