The lecture space was bigger than I needed it to be. The hotel carpet matched the hotel chairs in a very 1990s way. I had a podium, PowerPoint presentation, and wireless remote ready to present information about storytelling, characters in our lives, and how to author the season you’re in.
However, the formality threw me off. I had my iPad loaded with notes and bullet-points and color-coded references, but it all seemed too structured. I stepped out from behind the podium and sat on the hunter green chairs neatly lined symmetrically along the hunter green carpet and asked a simple question.
What are you giving up to pursue ministry?
I think those attending the workshop thought it was a rhetorical question because silence was the answer I was given. But I—obstinate as I am—didn’t move on. I wanted us to really wrestle with the tension of what we daily give up in serving others. Our lives zoom past us with power walks, power lunches, and power naps like one huge PowerPoint presentation. Next slide. Next slide. Next slide.
Ministry doesn’t mean an occupation within clergy. Ministry actually means service unto others. That’s it. So remove any stigma that comes with thinking a life within ministry is being a professional Christian. Ministry is facilitating a small group. Ministry is befriending the lonely person at work. Ministry is taking the time to pray for someone. Ministry is the selfless things we do for others.
The deafening silence was broken with my response, I’m sacrificing being with my father for his 60th birthday today. I shifted in my hunter green chair as silence broke. One by one people were able to articulate what they were sacrificing.
I’m sacrificing extra time with my kids.
I’m sacrificing working out at the gym to mentor.
I’m sacrificing my Fridays to hangout with youth group kids.
We all give up something when we accept something. To accept the challenge of serving others means we are dying to parts of us. Sometimes, it’s unhealthy, but most of the time, it’s realizing that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.
Yes, I missed my father’s 60th birthday. However, I planned a pajama party for him the day before with all my siblings, my mom, and heaps of his favorite breakfast food. Ministry does mean sacrifice, but I fight for making sure it doesn’t mean compromise. I won’t compromise who I am or who I want to be for ministry. Yes, there are sacrifices—even painful ones—but finding a balance is imperative in giving back to those around you.
What are you giving up to pursue ministry? Are you healthy? Are you sacrificing or compromising? How do you find balance?
If nothing else, I hope we find ministry as self-sacrificing, yet life giving. It begins with recognizing what we are giving up in order to serve others.
