Ministry: can we make it tangible, organic, relevant in a postmodern world? We can. But it must be embodied in real flesh. It must be right in the heart of life. Real life. It must become incarnational ministry: living, breathing, ministry in everyday life [ref. John 1:14].
Life is all about time. And that’s the first of five keys to incarnational ministry: time. The more time you spend with a person, the better you know them, experience them, trust them. We must plan time with people, and be flexible with meshing schedules. Sometimes that’ll mean sacrificing time in other areas. But we value what we make sacrifices for. And time connecting with another person is priceless.
Most people like to talk. But everyone needs to be listened to. Listening and talking connect us with others in a dynamic way. Be honest, be open, be available. Listen to their stories, and tell your own. To be listened to, we must learn to whisper short secrets about Jesus in the midst of our story.
And what better time to talk than while enjoying a meal? Jesus often ate with people, because he knew that food brings enjoyment to the body and the mind. It relaxes us, and when we share food around a table, we fellowship with those we are eating with. We can laugh together, tell our stories, and sympathize with each other.
Sympathy encompasses so many actions and emotions. It draws out our affection for one another. It is compassion for one another. And there is no judgment in sympathy. To be sympathetic, we care, we love, we find pleasure in the person we are connecting with.
Finally, incarnational ministry meets the actual needs of those around. Economical, health and safety needs are just as important as emotional and intellectual needs. In a world that is rushed, globalized, and complicated, people need to know that someone cares.
Embodying ministry in real flesh means experiencing the shift from fishing the fish to swimming with the fish: the shift from stating the truth to living the truth. Experience the shift.