Comments on: Are you willing to be sent where few can see you?

By: Dave Fagg

Dave Fagg — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:37:14 +0000

Thanks for the reminder Mike. I am constantly tempted to see myself, and my ministry, as ‘more’ than the ministry of others: more important, more faithful, more costly, more interesting. It’s only pieces like these, along with the unassuming witness of the woman whose story you told, that keep me a little more honest.

Musing on a related tangent, I wonder whether those of us who started out in some form of ministry which emphasises obvious and visible change, are possibly more susceptible to this temptation. I started out in youth ministry, and am still involved in that sphere: because of the tumultuous changes that often occur for young people, I found (still find!) it easy to assume that it was a more important ministry. That there was a better input:output ratio. I’ve realised along the way that the economy of the reign of God operates in a completely different way – and need continual reminding of this.

Thanks again.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 15:23:02 +0000

There is nothing more to say, except I agree. Amen.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 13:39:59 +0000

Yes, this is the gospel / church / love in action. Every day, everywhere, seen & unseen. Usually right where we are. What a blessing for her to see this calling and how precious a gift to offer in that place.

By: Mairi

Mairi — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 13:39:30 +0000

We need this! All of us! Actually, I’m going to share it with my daughter who is wondering about the future!

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 00:38:50 +0000

In reply to Sharm. Sharm, we're in a very similar situation after leaving our community Small Boat Big Sea. Being in that liminal/transitional space doesn't feel terrible, but it's not that comfortable either. Bring on the next thing, I say!

By: Sharm

Sharm — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 23:45:29 +0000

Hi Mike, I really needed to read this. Thank you for sharing – what a sobering reminder that it’s not what the world sees but what God sees.. On the other side, after around 15 years of full time ministry with UNOH, Pete and I are still finding it challenging navigating this “liminal” “transitional” space, but do feel God’s peace within it as we work out what the future holds for us next. I still do visit my “old” community now and then, keep up friendships with some of the women I’ve known for more than a decade.. and I know each time I do, it’s not because I “have to” but because I “want to”, they are my friends, not “my ministry”. And yet, there are no newsletters to be written to prayer partners anymore, or recognition about what we do as “urban missionaries”. And I am ok with that. It’s what God sees, the small things that mean much.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 20:35:33 +0000

For many years I heard words in my church similar to, “Our missionaries are those serving on the front lines” or “If you really want to use your life for something eternal then become a missionary.” But after many years of feeling somewhat second-class because I had not become a missionary I realized just what you affirmed in your piece – that all Christians are missionaries; we are all sent ones. And the real question is will we be faithful servants and witnesses to Jesus and his reign in the place we are sent. Very freeing and encouraging. Thanks Mike for the challenging article!

By: Alan

Alan — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 08:42:41 +0000

In reply to James. Amen!

By: Lynette Leach

Lynette Leach — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 07:58:19 +0000

Thank you Mike for the reminder of the unseen ministries of kindness, practical help, and making a difference in someone’s life. I know women in ‘lavender cardigans’ and men in ‘brown jackets’ who are doing this faithfully in love.

By: Jack Wolfe

Jack Wolfe — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 03:23:43 +0000

Thank you for this thoughtful, honest reflection. Stirs my heart as well, and how we measure ministry. I recently read how the Lord spoke of the Kingdom of God being like a Mustard Seed. The smallest of seeds. If someone was asked to find a Mustard Seed they may give up in there search. The Lord sees His Kingdom when others do not.