I have been thinking about personal ministry lately. I’m talking about taking care of people, not by formal assignment, but because I want to. I got a little rusty at this during the last year, focusing on sending Mark on a mission, then reclaiming our home and my identity. As I begin to pick up the service I used to do in my neighborhood, I am realizing that there are skills and strategies to relearn to be a good minister to others.
There are physical strategies, such as having food in the house and freezer to put together a meal, or some simple, wrapped gifts ready for birthday deliveries. Also, having an eye to see who is missing or on the margins and making time to reach out to them.
There is definitely a spiritual component. Often, personal ministry is uncomfortable and makes me feel vulnerable. I don’t think I’m ever confident that I’m saying or doing the right thing. It takes spiritual courage to show up with stumbling words or a gift they might not like.
Understanding my personal limitations is important. Sometimes I want to do something generous, but the week is full or I am depleted, so I do something small or postpone the grand gesture. Whether or not I can do something tangible, I can always pray. I have learned that prayer is a valid and important way to minister.