Ministry that challenges me

It is so easy to "play" church and it is so easy to "play" ministry. There are a number of things that I can be involved in that would be fun to do and require no real effort other than showing up on time and doing my best when I am there. I would simply go, do my thing, then leave it all behind. I would then engage it again when the time came and the cycle would repeat itself. Some days that seems so attractive to me, but that would be a waste of time. I doubt God would be interested in the time I spent, for example, re-shelving books in the library or even generating checks for the bills we incur.

It seems to me that He would be more pleased with my efforts if I truly struggled to find a balance between small group and large group interactions; or if I deal with difficult personalities and perceived roadblocks towards more effective ministry. I have to deal with some of these things presently and I am not at all thrilled about it. What I am happy (or at least joyful) about is the prospect of doing real ministry that stretches and grows me. I know I am on the right track when I see what is being done and actually have a vision for how it could be done better - and a desire to see that vision in action.

Ministry is never convenient, but real ministry is always good. I want that to be the hallmark of who I am in my family and in my church.

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