When The Gospel Is Primary

A Ministry that Needs to be Transformed

‍What constitutes ministry? I ask this as I think about outreaches that churches engage in as the body of Christ. Consider the outreach that the body of Christ does, individually and corporately. How frequently is the gospel part of that outreach? Let me ask further: how frequently should the gospel be part of that outreach?

There is a common tendency in our outreach to focus on the physical needs to the neglect of the spiritual needs. In consulting with churches over the years, it is not uncommon to find a variation of the story of a church who has worked years at a local shelter serving meals; ask them the last time they have shared the gospel, though, and nobody can remember if they have ever shared the gospel. A few years ago, I was talking with a missionary about what she does, and in the course of that conversation, she said,

"My job is to connect people to resources, and so, generally, I don't share the gospel."

This is evidence of a concerning trend noted by Drs. Joel James and Brian Biedebach, whose research suggests that social action does not enliven missions . . . rather, it kills it. (1)

Concerned about this trend, I was thankful when a church family approached me. Concerned about the same trends, they asked for the church's affirmation of their desire to do ministry in a local transitional housing center, where they will serve a meal together once a month. However, before serving a meal, they are going to do a Bible study with those residents who are willing. The husband of the family is not comfortable with teaching, though he certainly does it in the home. With his wife's organizational skills, they put together some resources for him to utilize for teaching. Not wanting to neglect the gospel as some have done, though, they have made that the very topic: the gospel. Each month, before feasting on the provisions of food provided by this family, they will first feast on the Word of God and discuss a particular aspect of the gospel. This is a thoughtful way for them to be involved, and it makes me draw some thoughts about Christian ministry.

A Gospel that Transforms

The gospel transforms, and it is what makes us different from anyone else. I don't merely mean this as individuals. By the Holy Spirit's work, the gospel does transform us from the inward to the outward. However, that is not what I mean. What I mean is that it makes our ministry different as well; it is what differentiates us from others who serve. At the transitional housing facility, others will serve—various community groups, businesses, and even other churches (from varying religions). There will always be people to fill the role of service, but what distinguishes us is the gospel. We are the only ones who have it to offer; therefore, if we don't share the gospel, nobody else will.

The gospel, though, is also what unites us. It is not only the reason for ministry because it's what we have to offer but also what draws people to serve together. The relevance and consequences of the gospel are weighty, significantly causing transformation in the lives of people. Because of that, we cannot sit idly but are compelled to unite as the body of Christ to see this Word of truth proclaimed. There are many causes in the world that we could connect around, but nothing unifies like the gospel, and nothing is more meaningful than the gospel. It is that understanding that not only brought this particular family to serve but caused them to invite others to participate with them, inviting other members of the church to serve with them.

A Transformed Pastoral Perspective

To see this take place and have an entire family step up to volunteer together generates excitement. From a pastoral perspective, this is a beautiful thing to see, first and foremost, because it means the gospel is going out. The very Word of the Lord is being proclaimed. Some other unique reasons for this situation make it exciting. We now have another man, one with knowledge and character, who is teaching. It's encouraging to see the Lord use Him. And though the focus may be on bringing the Lord's truth to a group of people, it is also a means for this man to facilitate discipleship within his family. As he teaches others, he is teaching his own children and can follow up with them afterward. The Lord is being glorified in various ways by one family utilizing themselves and some of their gifts to serve the Lord.

Why do I share this? First, because it reminds us to encourage others within the body of Christ to serve. They have ideas, interests, and giftings that may extend beyond our own, and by encouraging them to use those, we can fulfill the Great Commission. Additionally, the gospel is what makes us distinctive from others, and it is what the Lord has given us to offer. This does not mean we neglect the physical needs of individuals; however, it does mean we don’t focus on the material needs to the neglect of the spiritual needs. As that resonates then, maybe we can ask ourselves, who do we see in our church with a gift and an enthusiasm that we could encourage to take the gospel into the world? And how do we support them in that endeavor?

‍

(1) James, Joel, and Brian Biedebach. “Regaining Our Focus: A Response to the Social Action Trend in Evangelical Missions.” The Master’s Seminary Journal 25 (1), 29-50.