When I started this blog, my intention was to write at least four times a week. As you can see by my recent activity, good intentions do not always become reality. Over the last few days, I have seen an increase in “drop in” visitors, a Manse repair that needed my help, and many other “distractions” that have kept me away from the pursuit of this blog.
Don’t get me wrong, I welcome the opportunities for ministry. I have found that in the less formal visits of the drop in visitor, I learn much more about the person than in my dedicated calls. Ministry is best when it isn’t forced. Pastoral care happens much freer in the day to day flow of the ministry (well, at least for me) than in the structured calls that many seem to feel are “my job.”
Being open to the leading of the Spirit makes ministry come alive. Learning to allow distraction to become ministry opportunities is vital for a successful pastor. Now, don’t get me wrong, some distractions are just that, distractions. Learning to decipher the difference between a true distraction and an opportunity for ministry is hard (and I don’t always get it right.) It is my prayer each day that the Lord increases my wisdom in this aspect of my ministry.
Life happens. Interruptions happen. Ministry happens, but only when we allow ourselves room for the Spirit to work. Praise God that He gives us the Holy Spirit to enable us the wisdom to reach out to those who need us (when we would really like to get the morning paper read or the sermon finished).
Well, I’d like to say more, but I just heard someone come in the front door!
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1 comment:
Lock it!!!
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